Taylor Swift fans brave the elements as the countdown begins for megastar’s first UK Eras Tour concert in Edinburgh – after camping overnight to bag the best spots and merch

Devoted Taylor Swift fans have been queuing for the start of the British leg of her tour and braving Scottish temperatures since 3am. Fans of the U.S singer began waiting in chilly temperatures of just seven degrees outside Edinburgh’s Murrayfield stadium in the early hours of the morning.

As the day drags on and the rain comes in, fans have covered their sparkling outfits with waterproof coats and some even resorted to wearing plastic bags over their shoes to stay dry. Staunch fans had pitched up tents to make an impromptu camp outside the home of Scottish rugby overnight. At least 12 tents were set up close to the stadium gates as fans traveled from all over the country to be among the first in line to see the Anti-Hero star.

Other Swifties have packed out hotels in Edinburgh’s historic centre having jetted in from the far corners of the globe as the pop queen kicks off the British leg of her Eras tour in Edinburgh tonight, Saturday and Sunday before heading to Liverpool, Cardiff and Wembley. This morning the first few hardy souls began gathering in Roseburn Park to wait for the entrance gates to open at 3pm this afternoon. First in to the stadium tonight will be Amber Small, 19, from Aberdeen, who was at the front of the VIP section.

She said: ‘I can’t wait. I got here for 3am to be first in queue. I didn’t go to bed last night because I was so excited. ‘It was quite cold and dark but I’ve got my poncho on and I’m from North-East Scotland so I’m made of stern stuff. ‘I stayed the night at my friend’s aunt’s house as she lives in Edinburgh and sneaked out quietly about 2am.’Nothing was going to stop me from getting here early, she’s incredible, the best artist in the world.

‘I’ve seen her twice, in London and Glasgow a few years ago. ‘A few other fans came after me. We got chatting and we’ve all marked our hands with marker pen to show our place in the queue. ‘I’m thrilled I’m number one! That feeling of being the first in the stadium this afternoon when the gates open at 3pm will be indescribable. And it’s only going to get better when Taylor Swift comes on this evening!’ Friends Aidan Nicholson, 27, Zoe Wick, 22, and Alana Johnstone, 22, have travelled from Orkney to attend the concert in Edinburgh on Friday.

Mr Nicholson said: ‘We got a boat and drove for about six hours to get here. We’re also flying out to Denmark tomorrow on holiday.’ Asked what he is most excited about, he said: ‘I’m looking forward to her playing You Belong With Me, because it’s vintage Taylor, the best Taylor, and that’s the way to go.’ Ms Wick said: ‘I’m excited to hear Love Story because it’s a classic and everybody grew up listening to it.’ And Ms Johnstone said she is looking forward to the song All Too Well, adding: ‘I can’t wait to hear it.’

Jasmine Griffin-Jones, 19, travelled to Edinburgh yesterday from her home in Manchester. She joined two friends camping outside Murrayfield overnight. She said: ‘We weren’t supposed to camp but a few of us turned up with tents and had nowhere else to go so the authorities didn’t have much choice but to let us stay. ‘There were about 12-tents overnight. It was great, like a little festival.

‘I went to the Sainsbury’s round the corner and bought a cheap duvet and sat up through the night with my friends chatting and playing Taylor Swift songs. ‘We basically went through her set list. It was fantastic, starting the concert early. ‘This morning we got up early, took the tent down and started queuing – people were already here at 5am. ‘I’m really looking forward to tonight, it’s going to be magical.’