Folk rockers Peat & Diesel to get Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations under way

Scottish folk-rock favourites Peat & Diesel have been confirmed as headliners for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Night Afore Hoolie.

The Stornoway trio will kick off the capital’s world-famous New Year celebrations with a 5,000 capacity open-air show in Princes Street Gardens on December 30.

They’ll be joined by Ullapool accordionist Ruairidh MacLean, also known as RuMac, whose profile has been raised by recent performances on Britain’s Got Talent and the movie 28 Years Later.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, the band said: “We’re not just playing, we’re unleashing the full force of the ‘Night Afore Hoolie’ to kick off your legendary Edinburgh Hogmanay Show 2025. Get ready for an absolute explosion of sound and craic that’ll have the whole city jumping.

“This isn’t just a gig; it’s going to be the most raucous, unforgettable start to the New Year you could possibly imagine. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single second when the island madness hits the capital.”

The Night Afore Hoolie forms part of a four-day programme of events across the capital.

Festivities begin on December 29 with the Torchlight Procession, as thousands of torchbearers illuminate Edinburgh’s streets in a spectacular river of fire.

The following days feature a mix of live music and traditional ceilidhs, including the Hogmanay Ceilidh and the Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh at the Assembly Rooms.

The celebrations culminate on December 31 with the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens, ringing in the New Year with fireworks and live entertainment, followed by free live music across Edinburgh on January 1.

Margaret Graham, culture and communities convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Night Afore Hoolie is a brilliant addition to this year’s Hogmanay. With Peat & Diesel and RuMac, it promises to be a night full of Scottish spirit and fantastic live music.”

Al Thomson, co-director of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, added: “We’re thrilled to bring the sound of the Western Isles to Princes Street Gardens. It’s going to be a brilliant way to start the celebrations.”

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Saturday July 26, with a pre-sale opening at 10am Friday July 25 for those signed up at edinburghshogmanay.com.