REVELLERS were urged to wrap up warm at Hogmanay celebrations across Scotland this evening, with temperatures set to fall below zero.
Lows of minus 5C were expected in Edinburgh, where crowds of up to 100,000 will see in midnight at the capital's huge outdoor celebration.
Organisers of Glasgow's Hogmanay party said the mercury was expected to drop to minus 2C, but it could feel
as cold as minus 8C.
And in parts of the Highlands, temperatures were predicted to plummet to a bone-chilling minus 15C.
Despite the forecast, it is not thought the weather conditions will threaten the festivities.
Police and health chiefs appealed to revellers to make sure they stay safe and drink sensibly as they welcome in 2009.
In Edinburgh – the self-styled home of Hogmanay – dance act Groove Armada and singer Paolo Nutini are the big names performing at the city's world-famous street party.
Scots rockers Glasvegas and electropop group Hot Chip will also play on one of four live stages at the Concert in the Gardens event.
The evening will culminate with a huge fireworks display in front of Edinburgh Castle, as the bells ring out at midnight.
This will be followed by a mass rendition of Old Lang Syne and a light and laser show.
Passes for the street party sold out earlier this month, but organisers yesterday release a limited number of extra tickets, due to public demand.
After opening the celebrations in the capital, Nutini will travel to Glasgow to headline the city's Hogmanay celebrations in George Square.
He will be joined by fellow home-grown act, Idlewild and Blondie tribute band, Bleachie.
Singers Amy Macdonald and Sandi Thom head up Aberdeen's party at Castlegate, while indie-pop group The Magic Numbers have the top billing in Inverness.
In the seaside town of Stonehaven crowds will be treated to a spectacular Fireball parade while Deacon Blue will play at Stirling Castle Esplanade.
In Oban, cult bagpipe group the Red Hot Chilli Pipers will perform.
Councillor Steve Cardownie, deputy leader of Edinburgh City Council, said: "The safety of partygoers is always our paramount concern.
"Dress warmly, be sensible, look after your friends and have a great New Year's Eve."
Assistant chief constable of Lothian and Borders Police, Bill Skelly, added: "While we hope that everyone is able to enjoy the Hogmanay celebrations, we will be making the safety of the public our top priority."
High winds and torrential rain forced the cancellation of celebrations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling in 2006.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay party was also dramatically cancelled on safety grounds in 2003 because of stormy weather.
The full article contains 443 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
