Kris Tatum, Peeblesshire News, 4th March 2018.
ORGANISERS of the Peebles Hogmanay Torchlight Procession have announced that more than £1,200 was raised from the event.
The money will be split between three charities, the ME Association, Action for ME and Smile for ME.
More than 400 people bought torches and glow sticks for the event, and together with around 1,500 taking part in the procession, a line of flames was created throughout the town on New Year’s Eve.
Organiser Neil Dalgleish said: “We’re delighted the event has covered its costs and has been able to raise a good amount of money for an important cause.
“We’d like to thank all the sponsors and everyone who took part in what was a really magical evening – especially all the volunteers.”
The organisers believe that the introduction of new elements of production made the event both safer and more enjoyable than before, and there were no first aid issues reported throughout the evening.
The procession is now set to be staged every two years, with the next one planned for Hogmanay 2019.
Neil added: “It’s hard to make the numbers add up for this as an annual event. We hope it can remain a special and popular tradition by only happening every second year.
“It also means the organising team and volunteers can enjoy some valuable family time over the festive holidays.”