Eye-catching performances, free entry into Edinburgh Castle and a jaw-dropping fireworks display signalled the start of Edinburgh’s world-renowned festive celebrations. And organisers said blending a Christmas theme with Scotland’s patron saint was a perfect mix, with thousands turning out over the weekend. This was despite strong winds which forced the Castle to close early on Saturday. Nickie Gott, owner of She’s Gott It, which organised the spectacle, said everything had passed off successfully. “We managed to keep everything open, except for the snow globe,” she said. “But everything else stood up to the wind. “We had things going on at the Castle Esplanade and at St Andrew Square.”