Thousands of revellers are gearing up to welcome in 2020 in style, with a street party, community events and fireworks lined up across the north-east.
Families and friends will gather in Aberdeen for the annual street party at Schoolhill, with three bands – including renowned Queen tribute act Gary Mullen and The Works – lined up to perform.
The event kicks off at 9pm, and entry will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
First to perform at 9pm will be Charlotte Holden, followed by The 101 at 9.45pm, culminating with One Night of Queen by Gary Mullen and The Works at 10.50pm.
Byron Stirton, from Grampian District Pipes and Drums, will then lead the countdown to midnight before a colourful fireworks display lights up the sky above HM Theatre to welcome in 2020 – and the new decade.
The Aberdeen Christmas Village on Broad Street and Upperkirkgate will also be open all evening until 2am, with a live DJ playing until 1.30am.
In Stonehaven, the world-famous fireballs procession will take place once more – with thousands packing the old town to see the spectacle.
About 40 men and women will march up and down swinging their homemade fireballs from midnight before launching them into Stonehaven harbour.
An estimated 10,000 people took in the celebrations last year, and organisers are encouraging this year’s attendees to arrive in plenty of time as entry is limited.
After the last ball is thrown into the water, fireworks will light up the sky.
Meanwhile, the north-east’s largest indoor Hogmanay party will be taking place at The Haughs in Turriff.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Rianne Downey and Empire the Band are on the bill.
Tomorrow, hardy fundraisers will banish their hangovers by taking a dip in the icy North Sea – with events planned for Stonehaven and Banff.
The annual New Year’s walk will also be held in Cairnbulg, setting off from the Gospel Hall at 10.30am.
The walk, which has been held for 175 years, will also be held in St Combs the next day.
Organiser George Ritchie said: “It hasn’t been as popular as it used to be in recent years, but we anticipate around 40 people will take part.”
Road restrictions in full
There will be several road restrictions in Aberdeen today and early tomorrow for the celebrations:
From 10am-6am: Rosemount Viaduct, from Union Terrace to Blackfriars Street; Schoolhill, from Blackfriars Street to Back Wynd; Back Wynd, from Schoolhill to Little Belmont Street
Fom 1pm-6am: Blackfriars Street, from Rosemount Viaduct to St Andrews Street; Schoolhill, from Blackfriars Street to Back Wynd
From 6pm-6am: Schoolhill, from Flourmill Lane to Harriet Street
From 9pm-6am: Rosemount Viaduct; Harriett Street and Crooked Lane; Union Terrace; Diamond Place; Windmill Brae; Windmill Lane; Bath Street
From 10pm-6am: Belmont Street, from its junction with Little Belmont Street to Union Street; Back Wynd, from its junction with Little Belmont Street to Union Street; Gaelic Lane
From 11.30pm to 12.45am: Union Street, from its junction with Crown Street to its junction with Market Street – except for buses travelling from Guild Street/ College Street via Bridge Street to Union Street – left turn only onto Union Street.
Buses travelling in other direction to turn right onto Crown Street
Bridge Street, from its junction with Wapping Street to Union Street except for buses travelling from Guild Street/ College Street via Bridge Street to Union Street – left turn only onto Union Street.
Diamond Street, at its junction with Diamond Lane to Union Street.
From 11.50pm-12.30am: Denburn Road in both directions.
There will also be a number of parking restrictions in place from 6pm-6am: Pocket Park outside RGU; Schoolhill; Upperkirkgate; Blackfriars Street; Bridge Street, from the junction of Wapping Street to Union Street; Diamond Street, at its junction with Diamond Lane to Union Street; Union Terrace; Back Wynd; Little Belmont Street.
