Coronavirus scuppers Glasgow's hopes of a 'light Christmas'

The annual Christmas lights switch-on at Glasgow’s George Square has been cancelled this year due to social distancing restrictions.

The city’s fireworks display also won’t take place amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesman for Glasgow Loves Christmas said this year’s celebrations will be a “little different” because of the continuing impact of Covid-19.

The spokesman said: “There will still be much for people to love and enjoy as part of a visit to the city for a special Christmas occasion with George Square still a magical place to be under the Christmas lights and tree.

“We are aiming to safely deliver more activities in the heart of the city and in Glasgow’s communities, which will meet emerging guidance and will announce details soon.

“Social distancing means the annual fireworks display and Christmas Lights switch-on can’t take place.”

The news comes just a few days after Aberdeen City Council announced a revised Christmas programme.

The city’s fireworks display and Christmas lights switch-on activities at the Castlegate won’t take place.

Councillor Marie Boulton, spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council Culture, said: “With significant lead-in times and planning required to safely deliver these popular events, it is sensible for us to make the decision not to proceed with fireworks night and to adapt the Christmas switch-on events now given the uncertainty of the current situation.”

Scotland’s capital will also look very different this Christmas and New Year with Edinburgh’s traditional Hogmanay street party called off.

A ban has been implemented on erecting markets and bars in the usual East Princes Street Gardens location.

Instead, Christmas markets and attractions will be spread across the city centre including the Royal Mile, the Mound Precinct, Castle Street and George Street.

The ice rink, traditionally held in St Andrew’s Square, will also move to George Street.