VOTING is now open to choose the word that will be spelled out in flames at a torchlight procession in Edinburgh on December 30.

As the nation prepares for the Year of Young People 2018, more than 100 workshops have taken place across Scotland at which young people have shared their hopes and aspirations for the future of the nation.

Young people have also taken the lead in choosing the #ScotWord that will be beamed across the world as part of the capital’s Hogmanay celebrations.

A group of “young champions” have delivered workshops in schools, universities, youth groups and libraries across Scotland, with Who Cares? Scotland, LGBT Youth Scotland, The Royal Blind School of Edinburgh and Landed Peer Education Service all involved.

A shortlist of contenders for the #ScotWord has now been finalised after participants were asked the question: “What makes you proud to live in Scotland?”

The words chosen were culture, braw, welcome, hame, alive, diverse and bonnie – and the vote for the winner is open to all ages.

Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, directors of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “We are very proud to be celebrating the start of Scotland’s Year of Young People – the most exciting themed year so far – in a country which empowers young people.

“#ScotWord is the blazing voice of Scotland’s young people telling the world why they’re proud to live in this extraordinary country.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, which will herald the arrival of Scotland’s forthcoming themed year.

“The #ScotWord campaign, thus

far, has provided a wonderful platform for young people to have their voices heard through a far-reaching and ambitious engagement programme.

“The next stage, which throws open the public vote, is a fantastic way to generate further dialogue and debate across generations.”

You can cast a vote for your favourite word between now and December 17 at scotword.edinburghshogmanay.com