THE party is over for the company behind Scotland’s world-famous Hogmanay event after a rival firm won the right to run the show.

Unique Events has been at the helm of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay since its inception in 1993.

During that time, performers including Blondie, Pet Shop Boys and Biffy Clyro have helped bring in the bells, attracting audiences from around the world.

Yesterday the firm bowed out after rival operator Underbelly won the contract for the city’s winter festivals in a three-year deal.

In a statement, Unique said: “Despite winning on quality, programme and experience, Unique were unsuccessful due to the proposed pricing of the contract.

“We are deeply concerned for the future of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and believe that Scotland’s New Year Festival runs the risk of losing its international status.”

The statement continued: “If last year’s hugely successful event is to be the last great Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, we certainly went out with a bang, producing one of the best ever festivals and leaving our audiences and the city with unforgettable memories.”

In contrast, Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood of Underbelly, which has worked on Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations for the last four years, said: “Our plans for both events are exciting and hugely ambitious and will see an expansion and growth of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals rather than any diminishing of them.”

Defending the decision, Councillor Richard Lewis said: “Despite the financial pressures facing the council, these important events will continue to operate for the benefit of the people of Edinburgh and our many thousands of visitors. I am sure Underbelly’s activities will build on the huge success of Edinburgh’s winter festivals to date. I wish to thank Unique Events for continuously providing the city and Scotland with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations over two decades.”