London 2012 officials, the Scottish Government and Edinburgh City Council had decided to put the Rings up, but they could not overcome pressure from Historic Scotland.

The plan to keep them up for nine months was a significant factor in the decision, and it meant that marking the Olympic Games was a digital only affair, with revellers able to download artwork on their phones.

"This isn't a replacement for the Olympic Rings going on to the castle – the two things were already being planned," said an organiser of the Hogmanay celebrations.

"Unfortunately, when the castle idea was cancelled, there wasn't enough time to find an alternative."

London 2012 suggested that an alternative idea is being considered for later in the year, whilst a spokesman for the Department for Media, Culture and Sport said that they are "continuing to work with Edinburgh City Council and the Scottish Government to identify a new location for the Rings".

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