The bells rang out across the north-east as thousands gathered to bring in the new year with friends and loved ones.
Temperatures were rising at the spectacular Stonehaven Fireballs, the traditional event where a procession of people swing flaming spheres round their heads before dropping them into the sea.
More than 10,500 people from across the globe turned out to witness the spectacle, with organisers forced to turn some people away well before midnight.
Ross Milne, title of the organising committee, said: “It went off without a hitch which is all we can ask for really.
“This year we had 50 swingers with four new people taking part, who have been volunteers in the past.
“There were plenty of people gathering about 9pm and we actually reached capacity at the back of 11 which is unusual and had to turn some people away.
Highland fling hailed best in the country as thousands turn out to bring in the New Year
“We’re proud of the fact that it’s not ticketed and is free and we want to keep it Scotland’s largest free event on Hogmanay.”
Meanwhile in Ellon, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers gave the 2,700 people attending Gig at the Brig a rousing start to 2018.
The event also had performances from the Silver City Soul Revue, Destination and Black Tiles.
Wayne Baber, of organisers Ellon Events, said: “We had a very busy and bouncing party in Ellon.
“Our crowd was more than double last year and they were absolutely brilliant.
“I think we can put the numbers down to the chilli pipers but all of our bands were great.
“There’s no plans in place for next year yet as we still have some clean-up jobs to do this month.”
Elsewhere, thousands took to the streets of Aberdeen city centre to welcome the start of the year in style.
Despite weather warnings across north-east Scotland, the spirit of revellers were not dampened.
Party goers enjoyed live music on Schoolhill for several hours ahead of the midnight gong.
And as the bells began to chime fireworks emblazoned skies above Aberdeen city centre.
Reveller Bob Dickie travelled from Perth with his wife and daughter to enjoy the celebrations in the Granite City.
He said: “We’ve come up especially for the celebrations, we don’t normally have New Year here.”
