Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh is known for not mincing his words with his admirers appreciating his no nonsense approach when backing the everyday people of the capital.
As New Year’s Eve revellers were advised to avoid the city centre after the cancellation of the Hogmanay Street Party and fireworks by organisers and local politicians, Welsh shared his dismay and issued a rallying cry to Edinburgh residents.
He reminisced over ‘mad ones’ he’d spent at the Tron with friends ‘with not a corporate buck in sight’ before criticising the corporate partners of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events.
“When you think if the mad ones we had at the Tron with not a corporate buck in sight, this is crazy from those fleecing bedwetters,” he said. “Please – get the f**k out and give the streets back to the people.”
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Welsh was one of many to criticise an announcement which urged people to avoid the city centre after events were cancelled.
In their statement, Edinburgh Hogmanay, said: “A reminder to plan ahead for those heading to any indoor venues in Edinburgh city centre this evening. It will be a wet and windy night so dress for the weather.
“Many pubs and clubs require tickets for entry, so check in advance for availability and ticket requirements. Plan your travel in advance and remember to stay safe and look after each other.
“We want to reiterate, there will be no midnight fireworks from Edinburgh Castle and people are advised not to visit the city centre unless they are attending an event or venue.”
One person commenting below Welsh’s post agreed with his take, they said: “The Tron was amazing on Hogmanay. I remember feeling gutted at the first commercial Hogmanay in town. It made me so sad I have never done another Hogmanay in town since. I just hold onto my memories of many snogs on the high street at the bells.”
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While another added: “Exactly – was lucky enough to be at Edinburgh University in 80s before all the Corporate changes – and making your way to the Tron for the Bells and the associated crowds and madness were just part of a great New Year as all the pubs and flats emptied and people flowed in.”
But not everyone was amused, with one person commenting: “Presume all those bumpin their gums headed to The Tron in defiance? Nought stopping you , but easier to just moan!”
An Edinburgh’s Hogmanay spokesperson said: “Our intention was to advise people not to travel into the city centre and gather for a fireworks display that was not happening, to avoid further disappointment. This was part of a wider announcement to public about keeping warm and planning travel routes in and around the city for other celebrations they may have been attending.”