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Glasgow Hogmanay revellers face taxi chaos, warns top cop


HOGMANAY revellers in Glasgow face taxi chaos with up to 150,000 partygoers expected to leave the city around the same time.

In previous years, the exodus has been staggered due to the street party in George Square and late-licensed pubs.

But the decision by council chiefs to scrap the event means the vast majority of people will now be heading to nightclubs, which close between 3 and 4am.

Chief Superintendent Val Thomson told the Record: “There is going to be increased numbers trying to get home at the same time but there won’t be an increase in the number of taxis available.”

She also sought to reassure the public after the alleged sex attacks on two women in the build-up to Christmas.

And she urged everyone to plan their night in advance and keep someone informed of their whereabouts.

Ms Thomson said the number of officers in the city will be doubled tonight and urged people to think about how they will get home.

She added: “There are some pubs opening until 1am but there are not that many.

“The majority of people coming in will have a ticket to a nightclub and the peak time for leaving will be between 3am and 5am.”

Last night, a record crowd of 30,000 gathered for a torchlit procession through Edinburgh’s streets to mark the start of the Hogmanay celebrations.

Around 6500 torch carriers joined with the Up Helly Aa “Vikings” from Shetland and five pipe bands to parade to Calton Hill for a bonfire and fireworks display.

At least tonight’s weather should be mild and dry for the big celebrations – after our wettest year on record.

There was 73.2in of rain in 2011 – beating a previous record set in 1990.

Glasgow and Edinburgh are expected to be dry later this evening after an unsettled day, while Aberdeen should be clear by midnight.

By then, the celebrations on Lewis will be over, with the party cut short an hour before the Bells to avoid running into the Sabbath.

Stornoway’s big street bash will end at 10.45pm.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scott ... -23669585/

_________________
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By then, the celebrations on Lewis will be over, with the party cut short an hour before the Bells to avoid running into the Sabbath.

Stornoway’s big street bash will end at 10.45pm.



It's real Wickerman country up there



ffs

Eye, But on Eriskay they still have some duty free left