It is now 00:28 on New Year's Day in Edinburgh. I have just returned from seeing the new year in at the Police Station. There were about 50 adults and maybe 20 children. (When I arrived at 23:40 there were five people standing opposite the Police Station, and the rest started drifting in about 23:50.) After the bells we wished each other a Happy New Year and then sang a round of Auld Lang Syne. Someone brought sparklers for the children, which were the only fireworks present, though party poppers had been handed out before midnight.

This is apparently the start of a new tradition. The major celebration in Edinburgh takes place in Princes Street Gardens where 100,000 ticket holders gathered to watch bands such as Texas playing the Ross Band Stand.

I remember when I was younger the tradition was to meet at The Tron where a few thousand revellers would gather. The police would close off the High Street (The Royal Mile) and the Bridges. Unfortunately, the event outgrew the traditional place and it was moved to the Gardens.

I hope that the Portobello tradition grows next year, but not too large. Unless the police are willing to shut off the traffic on Portobello High Street, there is only so much room on the pavement (sidewalk to you Yanks) before people will be put in danger on the road.

Best wishes for a happy and prospeous new year.