Thousands of revellers turned out to celebrate the New Year at events across the north and north-east.
From family-friendly parties in Aberdeen and Inverness to Stonehaven’s traditional fireballs procession, there was something for everyone.
For the first time since 2019, celebrations were in full swing – and the crowds certainly took advantage of them.
More than 10,000 turned out for the Stonehaven Fireballs, while in Inverness the 5,000-strong crowd cheered on headliners Torridon as they brought in the New Year at the Red Hot Highland Fling.
Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, thousands of party-goers attended the city council’s street party at Schoolhill.
With musical entertainment and fireworks, the night was a huge success.
First to perform was Northsound DJ Jeff Diack, who played a mix of party songs on stage.
He was followed by the Silver City Soul Revue and finally the Kopycat Killers.
IN PICTURES: Aberdeen Street Party goes off with a bang
All of the music led up to a spectacular four-minute fireworks display on the stroke of midnight – which was accompanied by the sound of all the ships in the harbour blowing their horns.
‘Better than Edinburgh’
Dave Renwick, 39, and his partner Jennifer Keohane, 34, both enjoyed themselves – and said they hoped in future, the party might be held in the newly-reopened Union Terrace Gardens.
Others claimed the event was better than Edinburgh’s street party, as the atmosphere was more relaxed with fewer people crowded together.
This included a group of friends in their early twenties who were all impressed with the party. Jack Duncan, Tom Wiltshire, Sam Wiltshire, Hannah Gill, Rosie Craig and Laura Hill all praised the event.
Miss Craig said: “This was better than Edinburgh’s street party.
“Edinburgh was expensive and so packed you couldn’t move. When we were getting out of the city afterward the traffic was a total nightmare.”
‘Brilliant fireworks’
Mr Duncan was especially impressed with the firework display, and said: “The fireworks tonight were better than the fireworks on bonfire night – they did a really good job.”
Chris Anthony, 26, and his partner Celeste Elms, 24, drove in from near Turriff to enjoy themselves.
Mr Anthony, a quality inspector, said: “We came to Aberdeen for the party after hearing about it from friends.
“The council should definitely keep it going.”
Miss Elms said: “The music has been really good so far. Perfect for getting in the mood.
Meanwhile Anne Massie, 55, who has lived in Aberdeen all her life and thought the firework display was “fantastic, absolutely brilliant”.
The housewife was at the event with her family.
She said: “I have been to the beach fireworks before but this was better. The piper at the end was excellent – everybody loves a piper.”
Meanwhile student and housekeeper Niki Potoczki, 38, who moved to Aberdeen from Hungary seven years ago, took her visiting relatives to the party.
Visitor Maria Potoczki, who was with 18-year-old nephew Milan Potoczki, said: “It is good to be here, is our first time being out in Aberdeen for New Year.”
After the fireworks display, many people in the crowd began to sing Auld Lang Syne as the piper was played.
Stonehaven
About 10,000 people of all ages, from all over the world, attended the fireballs in Stonehaven.
Dancers from the Lindsay School of Dance and the Newtonhill Pipe Band performed, and then the main attraction began – with about 40 swingers marching up and down the High Street.
IN PICTURES: New Year celebrations in full swing at Stonehaven Fireballs
They then threw the fireballs – which are handmade – into the harbour, which was lit up by fireworks.
Chairman Ross Milne said: “It was really good to see everyone back having fun and filling the streets. Thank you to everybody for all the donations that made it possible.
“Some folk were there for the first time, those who have recently moved to Stonehaven, and a couple came from Texas as well. They said they’d come over especially to celebrate their December birthdays. It’s always good to hear those stories.”
Inverness
The Red Hot Highland Fling in Inverness was equally as successful, with 5,000 people flocking to take in the entertainment at the Northern Meeting Park Arena.
Scottish supergroup Manran, Highland folk rockers Torridon and local ceilidh band Tweed entertained the crowd, with comedian and broadcaster Fred MacAulay compering the family-friendly event.
Provost Glynis Sinclair, chairwoman of the City of Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group, hailed the night.
She said: “It was just amazing to have so much friendship and enjoyment rolling out across the crowds in the arena.
She added: “Now the event is over and has been such a success, I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this amazing event to Inverness.”
IN PICTURES: Red Hot Highland Fling delights Inverness crowds
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