Highlights

All tickets have gone for the headline performance by the Pet Shop Boys in Princes Street Gardens. Tickets are still available for the street party.

Scottish poprock icons Deacon Blue and singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean head up for the annual concert on Stirling Castle’s esplanade.

Around 10,000 revellers are expected at the free event at the Northern Meeting Park, which the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Skerryvore are headlining.

Ten hours of free entertainment, winding up by 10pm. well as the independence referendum.

The three-day festival, worth £32 million to the economy, has been promoted under the banner of “Scotland’s Big Year Starts Here” to reflect the scale of the major events calendar.

A specially curated four-hour film and soundtrack show – dubbed “Rewinder” – will be beamed on to giant screens marrying some of the biggest hit songs made in Scotland over the years with iconic moments in Scottish history.

The street party, the concert in the shadow of the castle and the ceilidh will feature 15 bands.

Pete Irvine, managing director of Unique Events, producers of the capital’s Hogmanay celebrations for the past two decades, said: “With seven big fireworks displays, 13 giant screens and hundreds of artists over three days we are set for a fantastic 21st birthday party.”

Steve Cardownie, the city’s festivals and events champion, added: “Scotland’s capital has forged a much-envied reputation as the best place to see in the New Year.” Among the