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City's Hogmanay event cancelled Crowds enjoy Hogmanay fireworks
(about 9 hours later)
Hogmanay celebrations in Inverness have been cancelled, as police warned of "treacherous" weather conditions in and around the Highland capital. Thousands of people have gathered in Edinburgh for the annual street party to welcome in the new year.
Organisers of the city's street party decided to scrap the event, following concerns from Northern Constabulary. Up to 80,000 people were expected to enjoy music and a fireworks display despite forecasters saying temperatures would fall to about -2C.
Other Hogmanay events are still due to go ahead though Grampian Police said severe weather conditions may affect travel arrangements. Meanwhile the new year celebrations in Inverness were cancelled as police warned of "treacherous" weather conditions near the Highland capital.
Heavy snow is forecast for the north east, with freezing temperatures. Heavy snow was forecast for the north-east, with freezing temperatures.
Highland Police also asked people not to travel to Inverness, as heavy snowfall caused chaos on the main A9 road. Northern Constabulary said they had rescued motorists stranded on the A9 southbound and urged people not to make unnecessary journeys.
They said they were having to rescue motorists stranded on the A9 southbound, and asked people not to make unnecessary journeys. Airport closed
Northern Constabulary Ch Insp Andrew MacLean, said: "The underfoot conditions in Inverness are extremely hazardous and the roads in the city and in the outlying areas are treacherous. Northern Constabulary's Ch Insp Andrew MacLean, said: "The underfoot conditions in Inverness are extremely hazardous and the roads in the city and in the outlying areas are treacherous."
Weather warning He said for public safety reasons they had recommended organisers cancel the Hogmanay party.
"For reasons of public safety, we made a recommendation to the organisers and they have decided to cancel the Hogmanay party tonight." Meanwhile the closure of Inverness airport has meant several hundred passengers have been forced to find overnight accommodation in the city.
Aberdeen is planning a fireworks display over His Majesty's Theatre at midnight, while Stonehaven will host the annual Fireballs and Open Air in the Square events. But 16 opted to stay in the terminal to bring in the new year with champagne and pizza.
Both events are still expected to take place - but organisers warned that the position will be reviewed should forecasts change. Elsewhere, open air events in Aberdeen and Stonehaven went ahead despite warnings of heavy snow in Aberdeenshire and Moray.
Aberdeenshire Council's Willie Munro said: "While the event in Stonehaven is expected to continue, we want to ensure that the event causes no major problems. A fireworks display was held over His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen at midnight, while the streets of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire were lit up by the 150-year-old fireball festival.
"We'd ask anyone travelling from areas affected by severe weather to remain at home." Elsewhere, Deacon Blue headlined the celebrations in the centre of Glasgow.
Madness headlined the Concert in the Gardens, while The Enemy, Frightened Rabbit, Stanley Odd and We Were Promised Jetpacks were to appear on the Waverley stage.
The new year was to be heralded by a massive fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle before a laser and light display in Princes Street between midnight and 0100 GMT.
Crowds gathered at the esplanade of Stirling Castle saw in the new year with acts including Sandi Thom and the MacDonald Brothers.