Scotland has welcomed the New Year in spectacular fashion, but some are already bracing for icy conditions expected across much of the country.
The weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of revelers at Edinburgh’s famous street party, with organizers estimating tens of thousands of people attended the world-famous event next to Edinburgh Castle.
Heavy snow and ice are expected north of Dundee from 06:00 on New Year’s Day until midnight on Sunday, with a yellow weather warning in effect.
Another gale warning is in force for Orkney and Shetland.
Snow is expected to affect parts of north and northeast Scotland, the Northern Isles, the Hebrides, Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Argyll and Bute.
Network Rail has warned that train lines in northern Scotland may be affected by snow and urged people to check their journeys in advance.
Northlink Ferries has warned that some service disruptions may occur from Friday to Sunday.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said it has activated contingency plans and teams are ready to deal with any network damage caused by the weather.
Tens of thousands of revelers flock to Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street party, climaxing with a traditional fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle at midnight.
Organizers saved money this year because they used some of the fireworks purchased from last year’s canceled event.
The event was hit by bad weather for the third time since 2003, leaving 45,000 revelers having to make other plans for the new year.
Unique Assembly’s William Burdett-Coutts says Edinburgh street party will be ‘amazing’ [BBC]
William Burdett-Coutts, artistic director of Unique Assembly, said: “I think last year was one of the most frustrating moments I’ve ever experienced, when we had to cancel it.
“It’s great to be back and the public have totally embraced it. There were a lot of people attending tonight. I think the number of people attending the street party so far has been around 45,000.
“The concert will go on all evening and it should be a great night. It’s going to be an amazing party.”
Indie rock band Wet Leg headlined the garden concert. Scottish backing groups Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys also performed.
Titanium Fireworks director Will Evans told BBC News Scotland that around 10,000 fireworks were fired during the midnight fireworks, which were accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack during the six-minute show.
Temporary airspace restrictions will be in place in Edinburgh city center from 18:00 on New Year’s Eve to 02:00 on New Year’s Day.
It is illegal for any drone to fly below 2,000 feet above sea level within one nautical mile of Edinburgh Castle. These restrictions include drones.
Hogmanay fireball event in Stonehaven attracts around 10,000 spectators [Getty Images]
Elsewhere, Stonehaven’s Hogmanay Fireball event went ahead despite bad weather, with around 10,000 people taking part.
About 40 men and women marched through the streets waving flaming balls above their heads before throwing them into the harbor.
However, Stonehaven’s annual New Year’s Day carnival has been canceled due to safety concerns.
Hundreds of people will attend the 40th annual New Year’s Day Loony Dook event in South Queensferry.
Brave swimmers will don fancy costumes and take a dip in the icy waters of the Firth of Forth.
“Dook” is a Scottish word meaning “to dip” or “to jump in,” and it began on January 1, 1987, when a group of friends went for a swim in the icy water to relieve their hangovers.
Edinburgh’s annual torchlight procession kicked off New Year’s Eve celebrations on Monday night, with thousands of people waving flaming torches through the meadows on their way to Edinburgh Castle.
Organizers said about 15,000 people attended and another 10,000 spectators.
Forecast details
Frequent snow showers set to move into northern Scotland [BBC]
A yellow warning for strong winds comes into effect at 21:00, and ice and snow are expected from 06:00 on New Year’s Day to midnight on Sunday.
The Met Office said low-level snow accumulations of up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) could be possible by Friday, with up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) in places.
Snow accumulation could reach 8 inches (20 cm) on higher ground and 12 inches (30 cm) on hills. There is a “severe” drifting snow warning due to high winds.
The Met Office said lightning could be an additional hazard, adding that frequent heavy snowfalls could disrupt travel.