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Crowds enjoy Hogmanay fireworks Crowds enjoy Hogmanay fireworks
(about 2 hours later)
Thousands of people have gathered in Edinburgh and Glasgow for street parties to welcome in the new year. Up to 80,000 people have gathered in Edinburgh for the city's world famous Hogmanay celebrations.
In Edinburgh the crowds enjoyed a huge outdoor music and firework show despite temperatures having fallen to -6C by midnight. Temperatures fell to -6C as the crowds enjoyed a "magical" firework show above Edinburgh Castle, followed by a laser and light display in Princes Street.
Meanwhile the new year celebrations in Inverness were cancelled as police warned of "treacherous" weather conditions near the Highland capital. Earlier those attending the Concert in the Gardens were entertained by 80s band Madness and pop act Noisettes.
Heavy snow was forecast for the north-east, with freezing temperatures. In Glasgow 10,000 people packed into George Square for a sell-out Hogmanay party headlined by Deacon Blue.
The new year was heralded by a massive fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle before a laser and light display in Princes Street. Madness headlined the Concert in the Gardens in Edinburgh with lead singer Suggs appearing dressed in a spangly, checked suit to perform hits such as Baggy Trousers and One Step Beyond.
Deacon Blue 'Euphoric atmosphere'
Crowds gathered at the esplanade of Stirling Castle saw in the new year with acts including Sandi Thom and the MacDonald Brothers. Noisettes lead singer Shingai Shoniwa ignored the chilly temperatures, ditching her jacket to dance in a white corset and skirt to sing Don't Upset the Rhythm.
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. Meanwhile crowds gathered at the esplanade of Stirling Castle saw in the new year with acts including Sandi Thom and the MacDonald Brothers.
Elsewhere, Deacon Blue headlined the celebrations in the centre of Glasgow and open-air events in Aberdeen and Stonehaven went ahead despite warnings of heavy snow. Three stages along Princes Street provided entertainment by bands including Indie rockers We Were Promised Jetpacks and rock band The Enemy.
Traditional Scottish music was also on offer at The Keilidh.
Pete Irvine, creative director of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, described the atmosphere at the street party as "friendly and euphoric".
Onlookers enjoyed a a laser and light display in Princes StreetOnlookers enjoyed a a laser and light display in Princes Street
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. He said: "It has been an extraordinary night in Edinburgh with brilliant music, a magical fireworks display against a full moon sky and the dramatic castle slopes dotted with snow, and a friendly and euphoric atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else in the world."
In the Highlands, the Northern Constabulary said they had rescued motorists stranded on the A9 southbound and urged people not to make unnecessary journeys. Revellers heeded warnings to wrap up warm and many wore horned tartan helmets and furry Highland cow hats.
The street party is the highlight of a five-day Hogmanay Festival in Edinburgh, featuring a torchlight procession and dance and music events, which ends on 2 January.
Four people were arrested for breach of the peace and five people were treated in hospital for minor injuries.
In Aberdeen a fireworks display was held over His Majesty's Theatre at midnight, while the streets of Stonehaven, in Aberdeenshire, were lit up by the 150-year-old fireball festival.
Airport closure
Meanwhile heavy snow forced organisers to cancel the new year celebrations in Inverness.
A large crowd had been expected in the city for the Red Hot Highland Fling - a free event with entertainment from cult bagpipe group The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Celtic fusion band the Peatbog Fairies.
But amid police warnings, the event was called off as the weather deteriorated, making travel routes treacherous.
The Northern Constabulary said they had rescued motorists stranded on the A9 southbound and urged people not to make unnecessary journeys.
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."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."
He said for public safety reasons they had recommended organisers cancel the Hogmanay party. Meanwhile the closure of Inverness airport has meant several hundred passengers had to find overnight accommodation in the city.
Meanwhile the closure of Inverness airport has meant several hundred passengers have been forced to find overnight accommodation in the city.
But 16 opted to stay in the terminal to bring in the new year with champagne and pizza.But 16 opted to stay in the terminal to bring in the new year with champagne and pizza.