Spectacular return of proper New Year
Revellers have a ball despite rain – but now first freeze of 2023 is on way
TENS of thousands of revellers may have braved the rain for Scotland’s flagship Hogmanay celebrations – but the New Year washout is set to turn into a deep freeze after a nationwide warning for ice was issued.
The Met Office warning, which took effect yesterday, stretches across the country and is due to expire at 11am today.
It came hours after 40,000 people endured downpours to attend the Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, the first full-scale event since the Covid-19 pandemic ended.
Revellers welcomed the New Year with a spectacular firework show from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle. It was described as ‘one of the most intense displays in the world’ and was beamed around the world to an estimated one billion people watching on TV and online.
However, motorists have been told to prepare for icy stretches on untreated roads, with slips and falls a possibility for
‘Our celebrations are envy of the world’
pedestrians on slippery pavements. Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: ‘We are expecting clear spells across Scotland, and some light winds and temperatures are going to drop off quite sharply.
‘Given that surfaces are going to be very wet from the recent rain we are expecting some fairly icy stretches all around.
‘It’s going to be a cold night with temperatures in rural parts as low as -8C.’
Despite plummeting temperatures, hundreds of hardy souls plunged into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth to take part in a traditional Loony Dook.
Smaller events around the coast included those in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, North Berwick and Dunbar in East Lothian, Portobello in Edinburgh, Rhu, Dunbartonshire, and Dalgety Bay, St Andrews and Kirkcaldy in Fife.
Today’s relatively settled weather is because the UK is between weather systems, according to the Met Office.
But forecasters say ‘significant’ rain is expected to fall tomorrow and on Wednesday, which could turn to snow if temperatures plummet as expected by the end of the week. Mr Stroud added: ‘There is a risk of more cloud and rain, perhaps even snow on Thursday and Friday, although we are some way out from that yet to say for certain.’
The Met Office said further weather warnings may have to be issued later this week, with conditions in Scotland expected to be wilder than south of the Border. A spokesman said: ‘The outlook suggests a south-east and north-west split will develop as high pressure clings on to the south, with low pressure to the north.
‘This is likely to allow for calmer weather further south and more unsettled conditions further north, with showers, some longer spells of rain and strong winds. However, the details of how this split will materialise remains uncertain.’
More than 40,000 people attended the capital’s sold-out Street Party and Concert in the Gardens headlined by the Pet Shop Boys.
The band’s spectacular show was described as the biggest production ever staged in Princes Street Gardens. Stephen Stanworth and five friends from Burnley, Lancashire, wore waterproof ponchos as they celebrated his 57th birthday by dancing to the pop duo.
He said: ‘It’s our first time at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and it’s pouring but it’s been brilliant.’
Cammy Day, leader of City of
Edinburgh Council, said: ‘Once again, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations have been the envy of cities across the globe.
‘With one of the most impressive fireworks displays against the most stunning of backdrops this was a fantastic way to ring in 2023.’
Simon Page, of fireworks display design team Titanium Fireworks, said: ‘It’s fantastic to be back. We’ve all missed being part of this world-class event.
‘Edinburgh is the original street party. The roar of the crowd at the end is amazing. It comes up Castle Rock and comes over the wall and hits us.’
Police said there were no arrests in the capital, while event organisers proclaimed Edinburgh the ‘Home of Hogmanay’.
Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland event lead for the Street Party operation, said: ‘Significant planning was undertaken ahead of the city’s first Street Party since 2019 and it has passed without serious incident.’
Revellers had to brave the elements as the heavens opened just as the gates opened to the street party, but few were put off.
Camila Chianca, 34, from Brazil, said: ‘Everyone said I had to come to Edinburgh for New Year. Even in Brazil it is famous. The street party is amazing. It’s cold but I love it.’
Elsewhere, street events and gatherings took place in Glasgow and up and down the country as people celebrated being together for the first time at Hogmanay since the easing of Covid rules.
In Stirling, a fireworks display lit up the sky over the National Wallace Monument to welcome 2023.
Stirling Council leader Chris Kane said: ‘Stirling brought in the bells in typically stunning fashion with an amazing fireworks display.’