Snow forces cancellation of Inverness Hogmanay party

Police have advised motorists not to travel to Inverness

Hogmanay celebrations in Inverness were cancelled as police warned of "treacherous" weather conditions in and around the Highland capital.

Organisers of the city's street party decided to scrap the event following concerns from Northern Constabulary.

Meanwhile up to 80,000 gathered for Edinburgh's street party and revellers saw in the new year at events in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Stonehaven.

Heavy snow was forecast for the north-east, with freezing temperatures.

Airport closure

Police in the Highlands said they had rescued motorists stranded on the A9 southbound and urged people not to make unnecessary journeys.

Northern Constabulary Ch Insp Andrew MacLean, said: "The underfoot conditions in Inverness are extremely hazardous and the roads in the city and in the outlying areas are treacherous."

He said for public safety reasons they had recommended that organisers cancel the Hogmanay party.

Meanwhile Inverness airport was closed and several hundred passengers had to find overnight accommodation in the city.

Sixteen passengers, however, opted to stay in the terminal to bring in the new year with champagne and pizza.

Deacon Blue

In Aberdeen a fireworks display lit up the sky over His Majesty's Theatre while the streets of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire were illuminated by the 150-year-old fireball festival.

Elsewhere, Deacon Blue headlined the celebrations taking place in the centre of Glasgow.

In Edinburgh Madness headlined the Concert in the Gardens, while The Enemy, Frightened Rabbit, Stanley Odd and We Were Promised Jetpacks appeared on the Waverley stage.

The new year was heralded by a massive fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle before a laser and light display in Princes Street.

Crowds gathered at the esplanade of Stirling Castle saw in the new year with acts including Sandi Thom and the MacDonald Brothers.

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