Scotland (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hogmanay preparations disrupted as power outages hit Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, affecting 30 pubs and restaurants and causing festive trade losses.
As reported by Angie Brown of the BBC, ahead of Hogmanay, engineers are working to restore electricity to Old Town businesses affected by multiple power outages in Edinburgh.
How have power cuts hit Grassmarket pubs ahead of Hogmanay?
The latest disruption occurred on December 31, 2025, when a mid-morning power trip hit Edinburgh.
Two separate power cuts hit Edinburgh on December 30, 2025, occurring first from 3 PM to 5 PM and again from 6 PM to 8 PM. These cuts have affected over 30 restaurants and bars in Edinburgh, leading to major losses in festive trade.
According to pub owners, the area, popular with New Year’s revellers, was plunged into chaos by the power cuts during the festive season.
SP Energy Networks confirmed that Grassmarket was experiencing intermittent power outages and reassured that engineers are working to restore electricity as soon as possible.
A spokeswoman for the energy company said,
“We’re experiencing intermittent issues with the power supply to the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh and would like to reassure all customers and businesses that we’re doing our utmost to resolve the issue as soon as possible ahead of Hogmanay celebrations starting later.”
She added,
“Power tripped again mid-morning today and we’re currently on site and working to resolve this as soon as possible. Our staff are going door-to-door in the Grassmarket to reassure customers that we’re doing our utmost to ensure there are no further disruptions on Wednesday.”
According to her, extra staff were deployed overnight into New Year’s Day, and the company welcomed meetings with businesses in the coming year.
How did Grassmarket businesses express concern over power cuts?
The pub owners have written a letter to SP Energy Networks, highlighting ongoing issues with power outages that have affected them during festive seasons since 2021.
The letter, also shared with City of Edinburgh Council chief executive Paul Lawrence and local MSP Angus Robertson, expressed “deep concern” over the recurring power cuts.
It reads,
“While we appreciate SP Energy Networks’ apologies and the assurance that network condition reviews are underway, the recurring nature of these outages indicates systemic vulnerabilities that require urgent and permanent solutions.”
The letter adds,
“The current approach of reactive repairs is insufficient to safeguard businesses and customers in this critical hospitality district. Meanwhile, business costs remain. Staff must still be paid in case power returns, food is wasted, and bookings are lost.”
Area businesses said repeated power outages have driven party-goers away. They noted the persistent problem continues, with some venues facing multiple daily outages, hitting Christmas trade.
During a single December weekend, Grassmarket businesses lost all of Friday night’s service and Saturday lunch, costing them thousands of pounds in revenue.
What is Hogmanay and how do Scots celebrate it?
In Scotland, Hogmanay refers to New Year’s Eve and its celebrations. It became the nation’s primary winter holiday after Christmas was discouraged for centuries.
Hogmanay celebrations feature “first-footing,” with the first guest after midnight bringing gifts like coal, shortbread, and whisky to bring fortune. Midnight also brings the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” by Robert Burns. Other customs include deep house cleaning and fire festivals to welcome the new year.
Modern Hogmanay is celebrated with large public events, especially in Edinburgh, including torchlight processions, street parties, and fireworks. Festivities often continue into January 1 and 2, with unique traditions like the “Loony Dook” cold-water swim on New Year’s Day.