Scotland's National Clinical Director Jason Leitch has warned that allowing large public gatherings "might be slightly too early" in Spring.
In an interview on BBC Radio Four, the health expert said that holding a city-wide party like Hogmanay in April was unlikely, given that Omicron has potential to hospitalise hundreds of people.
This was after Nick Stewart, managing director of Sneaky Pete’s nightclub in Edinburgh, suggested the idea of a late/early Hogmanay in the capital in April time.
After being handed this suggestion, Leitch said: "I like an Edinburgh night out, like any other person in Scotland. I certainly look forward to next year's Hogmanay, but whether we can bring that forward to April, I think the jury is still out."
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One Twitter user said: "Enough. Every time you speak you are affecting the mental health of people (me and lots of others). Stop breaking people's hearts and start fixing the NHS."
Leitch took to Twitter to defend his words, stating: "Please listen to the interview on Radio 4 at 1.10 today and hear what I ACTUALLY said, then maybe be kinder. I was asked if I thought Edinburgh could have Hogmanay in April!!!!"
This was after a headline brought criticism Leitch's way, stating that large public gatherings in Scotland may remain forbidden well into the spring, as quoted by the national clinical director.
Tory MSP Jackson Carlaw wrote: "This cannot be allowed to happen.
"Businesses and fans were promised a 3 week breaker. ScotGov cannot extend in perpetuity when the evidence suggests the opposite."
Earlier this week, Edinburgh Live reported that first aiders had to rescue a man who was stranded in the capital during Hogmanay celebrations.
Charity Street Assist, who work alongside emergency services to help people in need, also helped an intoxicated man at a house party and another who had collapsed in the street.
Volunteers also found two people trying to force entry into a shop gate.
The incidents came during a much quieter Hogmanay in the city.
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