Pictures show spectacular scenes in Edinburgh as 40,000 gather for magical Torchlight Procession

The historic streets at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town flowed with a flaming river of light tonight as an estimated 40,000 people gathered for the magical Torchlight Procession which begins Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations.

At Holyrood Park where the procession culminated, torchbearers made the shape of two people reaching out a hand in friendship representing the theme of this year’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Be Together. The scene was captured from a helicopter above. Here are some of tonight's best pictures...