The iconic silhouette of Edinburgh Castle will be dimmed this winter as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announces the permanent cancellation of its popular “Castle of Light” event. The decision to pull the plug on the illuminated walking trail, which has been a fixture of the capital’s winter calendar for six years, marks a significant shift in how the heritage body manages its seasonal offerings.
Launched in 2019, Castle of Light transformed the historic fortress into an immersive experience featuring bespoke projections, soundscapes, and installations designed to highlight the site’s long history and geology. While the event proved a significant draw—collecting more than 200,000 visitors over its six-year history—HES has concluded that the project is no longer viable in the face of mounting operational challenges and shifting environmental conditions.
A spokesperson for HES confirmed that the decision was driven by a combination of financial sustainability and the increasing unpredictability of Scottish weather. The 2024-25 season served as a tipping point for the organization, with four separate days of the event forced to close due to severe storms and high winds. Since its inception, a total of eight event days have been lost to adverse weather, resulting in significant administrative burdens, including mass refunds, staffing complications, and ongoing financial uncertainty.
“The event is highly weather-dependent,” the HES spokesperson explained. “High winds and storms have caused cancellations in previous years, leading to large numbers of refunds, additional staff time, and financial uncertainty. When all of these factors are considered together, the event is no longer sustainable.”
The announcement comes despite record-breaking attendance figures last year, when nearly 40,000 visitors attended the winter trail. However, the costs associated with mounting such a complex production—which utilized more than 10 locations across the castle grounds over an eight-week period—required a “very substantial planning, operational, and financial commitment” that the organization can no longer justify.
While the loss of the event marks the end of an era for the site’s winter programming, HES has stated that it plans to pivot toward more robust, weather-resilient alternatives. The heritage body is currently focusing on enhancing its daytime festive offerings, which will include new decorations, expanded family-focused activities, and a renewed emphasis on its popular afternoon tea service.
The move reflects a broader trend among major heritage attractions, which are increasingly re-evaluating the long-term feasibility of large-scale outdoor events as climate volatility makes the traditional outdoor winter calendar more difficult to guarantee.
“This decision is about ensuring that the events we deliver are sustainable, represent value for the public, and that we use our resources in the most responsible way,” HES noted.
Edinburgh Castle remains one of Scotland’s most visited attractions, recording over two million visitors last year. Despite the departure of the light trail, HES maintains that it remains committed to working with Edinburgh City Council and local partners to contribute to the city’s visitor economy, focusing on initiatives that offer greater consistency and protection against the escalating risks posed by extreme weather.
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