Lion dance kicks off Chinese New Year in Scotland

Image source, Ian Georgeson

Image caption, Crowds were treated to a traditional dance performance

Scotland has welcomed the start of the Chinese New Year with a series of traditional events.

The Year of the Rabbit celebrations began in central Edinburgh on Sunday lunchtime with Chinese traditions including lion dances, musicians and Han costumes.

Image source, Ian Georgeson

Image caption, The event marked the start of the Year of the Rabbit

People could also try their hand at the intricate art of Chinese calligraphy and by making traditional red banners to mark the Lunar New Year.

The free open-air festivities drew crowds to the foot of the Mound and the St James Quarter.

Image source, Ian Georgeson

Image caption, Musicians performed traditional Chinese songs for locals

There were further performances later in the evening with light projections onto Edinburgh Castle.

More celebrations were scheduled for St Andrews, Stirling and Glasgow.

Image source, Ian Georgeson

Image caption, The dance is meant to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits

Image source, Ian Georgeson

Image caption, The free festivities drew a large audience in the capital
Image caption, The dancers were popular with the crowd

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