Portobello Beach Edinburgh Day 126

Earlier this morning, at The Bells this beach was a blaze of bonfires, bagpipes, bottles and barbecues. Hand bells rung. Fireworks flared into the chill night echoed by those in Fyfe and East Lothian. The white noise of sound and light from the Castle Esplanade resonated off the walls of the beach front villas. 2013 arrived in grand style in the Hogmanay capital of world. The most heartening aspect of this gathering was that everyone, of all ages, was having fun. No one was out of order and despite the crowds there was not a "Polis" presence at all- a great testament to the people of Porty.

My Ne'er Day blip, with acknowledgement both to last night's Evening News' front page and Margeorie Meikie's excellent book Old Portobello, links the past to the future. Donkey rides may return to Porty beach this year as part of the continuing development of this sea side town. If they do, my hope is that the current eye sore of the former fun fair might eventually be restored to its former glory too?

Happy New Year!