The controversial decision by the SPFL to hold the Rangers v Celtic Derby on Hogmanay has been met with disbelief, shock and disappointment from the general public, Scottish business especially those based in Glasgow and also the emergency services, who fear they will become dangerously overstretched in one of their busiest nights of the year.  The fact that this will be the first time in 126 years that a Rangers v Celtic fixture has been set for Hogmanay might just suggest to the more enlightened and experienced that it is not exactly the brightest of ideas.

Hogmanay has traditionally been a time for families to celebrate the dawn of the new year. From a commercial point of view it is one of the busiest nights of the year for countries hospitality businesses. In 2011 Glasgow’s traditional Hogmanay party was scrapped in favour of switching to more family friendly events aimed at boosting the day and night time economy of the city, the hope being that family events would be more enjoyable to more people and attract more visitors over the full day and night of Hogmanay.  This decision to go forward with the Rangers v Celtic Derby on the 31st of Dec has blown the concept “Glasgow Loves Hogmanay” out of the water and condemned the city of Glasgow to a Hogmanay of concern and uncertainty.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (who represents hoteliers, restaurateurs, late night entertainment venues and clubs) and the City Centre Retail Association (who work to increase footfall to the City Centre) have both expressed their concerns to Police Scotland and the SPFL, SFA and Sky Television about the fixture going ahead on this date, these concerns have fallen on deaf ears.

This page is to show the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland and others, that the people of Glasgow want to keep Hogmanay festive, they want to be able to venture into the city centre without fear of what they may encounter and safely bring in the new year with their family and friends.

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