High Winds Hit Stirling's Hogmanay Concert and Fireworks Display

Stirling's Hogmanay Concert was cancelled last night at the last minute due to high winds. Stirling City Council said in a release that the concert at Stirling Castle was cancelled due to adverse weather.

The concert line-up included headliners The Waterboys, Skerryvore, JJ Gilmour and Model Aeroplanes.

In a media statement Stirling City Council said:

"The decision to cancel the concert was taken on public safety grounds following a multi-agency emergency meeting at 8.30pm this evening, when the windspeed had increased. The concert site was experiencing exceptionally high and unforecast gusts of wind which were causing structural damage to the stage and blowing over portaloos, fencing and other equipment."

A spokesperson for Stirling Council said: “Obviously this is the last thing we would want tonight but the safety of our audience, the crew and the performers is paramount and could not be guaranteed with the exceptionally strong gusts of wind. Ticket holders will be fully refunded.”

Stirling Policing Commander Chief Inspector Paul Rollo said: "Hogmanay is one of the highlights of the year in the city, and the joint decision to cancel the street party was only taken after lengthy discussion and deliberation with the organisers."

“We prioritise the safety of people attending an event and with the poor weather conditions right now with winds far stronger than expected, unfortunately this could not be assured.

“This event has been planned for some time and the conditions have deteriorated on the night.”

Anyone who paid for tickets by card will receive an automatic refund in the week beginning Monday 5th January. Customers who paid by cash should return to the point of purchase from Monday 5th January onwards for a full refund.

“We deeply regret the necessary cancellation of Stirling’s Hogmanay Event. “The Esplanade, while a totally stunning venue, is on a very high and open site and is exposed to extremes of weather," said a spokesperson for event organisers Zisys Events. “We sincerely apologise for any disappointment and inconvenience caused.”

With gusts of over 100mph were recorded, more than the safe limits for the stage, the decision was made to cancel the event before the gates officially opened.

Stirling's Hogmanay fireworks display was also cancelled.

In a separate release, Stirling City Council said: "Having monitored the situation carefully and looking at the forecast conditions for continuing high winds it has regrettably been decided to cancel the planned firework display on the grounds of public safety."