Fireworks launched over Edinburgh Castle

On the stroke of New Year

Whether or not you're mixing it at the street party, you'll want to be out of doors on the stroke of midnight to take in the fireworks from the Seven Hills. Edinburgh's a city addicted to pyrotechnics, so it's no surprise to see the New Year welcomed with a bang - as synchronized displays are launched from hilltops around the city.

You'll see one set of fireworks from almost anywhere, but to experience the event to the maximum you'll need to get up high. If you're prepared to invest a bit of sweat, the very best viewpoints are on the seven hills themselves, where the intensity of the display right above your head is matched by the spectacle on the other peaks around you.

If you're in town but not at the Street Party, Calton Hill is a great viewing spot. To get there, head for the east end of Princes Street, then carry on east down Waterloo Place and look for the steps on your left. On the south side of the city Blackford Hill is a local favourite, while in the north you'll enjoy the sights from anywhere with a good view of Arthur's Seat and the castle.

And just for the record... the seven hills are: the Castle Rock, Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat in the centre; Corstorphine Hill to the west; and Blackford, Braid and Craigmillar Hills on the south side of the city.

We confess: the picture of the fireworks is from the Edinburgh Festival Fireworks Concert, not necessarily Hogmanay.  But it's such a wonderful image from FringeGuru's own photographer Stuart Buchanan, that we just couldn't resist using it again.

Making the most of the fireworks