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PICTURES & VIDEO: Hogmanay’s hottest event ‘captures the imagination’ of thousands

Thousands of people lined the streets of Stonehaven to take in the world-famous fireballs procession.

Before the main event, the crowd were treated to performances from the Guarana Street Band, Newtonhill Pipe band and members of the Laurencekirk-based Mrs Lindsey’s Dancing School.

As the midnight bells chimed, the fireballs were lit on the Shorehead before the 50-strong procession began swinging them over their heads as they marched along High Street.

The fireballs, which weigh anywhere between 5lbs and 15lbs, are soaked in combustible oily waste and paraffin and are held together with wire cages and 5ft long ropes.

Shouts of “happy new year” were made as the swingers lapped the street, often stopping to say hello to friends and family as they went.

After about 25 minutes, they threw the fireballs into the harbour to be extinguished before an impressive fireworks display brought the event to a spectacular finale.

The Stonehaven Fireballs is believed to have originated in the 19th century, and was previously practised by fishermen to ward off evil spirits.

Now, people from all walks of life take part in the event.

This year the throng included first-timers Emma and Sophie Campbell.

The sisters took part with their father, uncle and granddad to honour the ancient ritual carried out by their family for generations.

Speaking to the BBC, 24-year-old Emma said: “This is something that everyone comes together for, we don’t have a lot of that these days: so it’s good to get that community spirit going.”

Chairman Ross Milne said he was delighted with how the event had gone.

He remembers attending the ceremony as a “young loon” and said he was encouraged by the range of ages taking part.

He said: “The event went extremely well and we were lucky with the weather.

“Every person taking part had put in real work to get there, by helping out and grafting away with previous events.

Picture by Kenny Elrick

“It was encouraging to see so many young people take part and continue the legacy.

“The fireballs stand the test of time, I think, due to the uniqueness of the celebration, nowhere else has an event quite like this.

“People can get so close to the action, and that means it really captures the imagination, and hopefully will continue to do so for years to come.”