Hogmanay celebrations get under way despite Storm Dylan

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Edinburgh fireworksImage source, PA
Image caption,

Thousands of people are due in Edinburgh for Hogmanay celebrations

Tens of thousands of people are gathering in Edinburgh as Hogmanay celebrations get under way.

Earlier, there was concern Storm Dylan might threaten events scheduled to take place to bring in the new year.

Met Office weather warnings had been in place, with some power outages and travel disruption as high winds battered parts of Scotland.

As the stormy conditions subsided organisers of events in the Scottish capital promised "the best party ever."

Underbelly, which is producing the event for the first time, said there would be live music, DJs, street entertainment and the "ultimate fireworks display" from Edinburgh Castle.

Rag'n'Bone Man is headlining the Concert in the Gardens, with The Human League among the acts taking to the street party stages.

Fireworks will be launched from the castle at 21:00, 22:00 and 23:00 in a countdown to midnight, when a soundscaped fireworks display will entertain the audience for the first nine minutes of 2018.

Image caption,

Stewards heading to work overnight at the Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh

Ahead of the events in Edinburgh, Police Scotland urged revellers not to be alarmed by the presence of armed police.

A range of barriers and bollards were also being used to prevent vehicles accessing the event arena.

Elsewhere in Scotland, celebrations include a street party at Schoolhill in Aberdeen, featuring live music from The Mersey Beatles and The Banjo Lounge 4, before a "spectacular" fireworks display from His Majesty's Theatre rooftop at midnight.

In Glasgow, a street party event is being held in Ashton Lane in the west end, with many of the city pubs and clubs also hosting Hogmanay-themed celebrations.

Stirling will host its "biggest ever" midnight fireworks display, focused around the castle, while in the fireball ceremony in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, about 40 people will parade up and down the High Street swinging flaming balls around their heads to welcome in the new year.

Image source, Met Office
Image caption,

Storm Dylan swept across parts of Scotland on Sunday

Earlier on Sunday, police closed part of Princes Street in Edinburgh to pedestrians for a couple of hours after part of a stage was blown over in the high winds.

As Storm Dylan tore across central and southern parts of Scotland there were power outages caused by trees on the lines.

Image source, Scotland TranServ
Image caption,

The floodgates on the A78 were closed between Largs/Meigle and Wemyss Bay/Skerlmorlie

Image source, Dunblane Fire Service
Image caption,

A fallen tree blocked the B824 Hill of Row road in Dunblane

The Met Office said a gust of wind measuring 76mph was recorded at Port Ellen on Islay.

The storm also caused disruption to ferry services from Oban, Tarbert and Lismore and rail services between Edinburgh, Helensburgh and Glasgow Central and Largs.

On the roads, there were restrictions on bridges and fallen trees caused some disruption.

Sepa had issued flood warnings for some areas in the south west but these were later lifted.

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