A Perthshire village’s world famous Hogmanay event has been cancelled for the first time since World War Two.
The historic Comrie Flambeaux, one of Scotland’s oldest and most spectacular New Year traditions, will not go ahead this year organisers have confirmed.
The pipe band-led procession, complete with flaming torches and costumes, attracts thousands of visitors each year. In recent years, it has welcomed famous guests such as astronaut Tim Peake and film star Gerard Butler.
It is not known how the procession began, but it is believed to be based on an ancient pagan celebration.
The committee confirmed the fate of the 2020/21 event on social media.
Chairman Hamish Reid said: “Due to the effects of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, there will be no Flambeaux event to bring in the New Year of 2021 in Comrie.
“Similarly, the junior parade fireworks display will not take place on Hogmanay.”
He added: “Apart from the war years, it is unknown for this age-old Comrie tradition not to have taken place but these are exceptional circumstances and we look to the future when we can again bring in the New Year in true Comrie tradition.”
