The City of Edinburgh Council has granted permission for the victory parade routes chosen by Edinburgh’s two top football clubs ahead of the Scottish Cup Final on 19 May.
Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian Football Clubs face each other in an historic all-Edinburgh Final at Hampden Park a week tomorrow.
The winning team will then parade the Cup in an open-top bus through Edinburgh the following day (Sunday 20 May) from 2pm.
Each team submitted their chosen route to the Council ahead of the event so that the necessary plans can be made.
Both routes start at the Edinburgh City Council Chambers where the winners will attend a celebratory reception before making their way to their home stadium.
If Heart of Midlothian wins the final, their victory parade route will go from the Council Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium via Johnston Terrace, Morrison Street, Dalry Road and Gorgie Road (see route, parking restrictions, road closures).
If Hibernian Football Club wins the cup, their parade will start at the Council Chambers and journey to Easter Road Stadium via North Bridge, Leith Street, London Road and Easter Road (see route, parking restrictions, road closures).
Preparations are already underway for both eventualities and extra resources will be put in place, such as additional police, stewards and first aiders. Traffic management measures will also be in place to ensure the safety of the expected high numbers of people lining the streets to watch the parade.
Sue Bruce, Chief Executive, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We are ready and looking forward to this historic event, which will be a wonderful day for Edinburgh. Regardless of who takes the Cup home, it will be a fantastic day of celebration and I’m sure there will be a great atmosphere throughout the city”.
“We are asking people to plan ahead and to behave responsibly both on match day and during the celebrations that follow. This will help to ensure that the weekend passes smoothly and safely so that it can be enjoyed by all.”
Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh, said: “Lothian and Borders Police and the City of Edinburgh Council have worked closely with Hearts and Hibs to ensure the celebratory parade will pass through various areas of the city and provide fans with an optimal view."
Motorists are being advised to plan journeys in advance to avoid the crowds and take heed of any road closures in operation during the parade.
Tickets to the stadium event will be made available free of charge, at the turnstiles by the winning club on a first come basis from 1pm.
Anyone wishing to attend must be in the stadium before the turnstiles close at 2.15pm, ahead of the arrival of the parade bus.