Not everyone in Edinburgh was downcast

A gig by Erasure in Princes Street Gardens was abandoned when gale force winds prompted fears for public safety.

Unique Events, which organises the four-day celebrations, said the 8,000 people with tickets would be refunded on their credit cards or in the post.

A free street party and fireworks display were also called off, an hour before midnight, in the pouring rain.

Police had to ask 100,000 revellers with tickets for the street party in Princes Street to go home.

Whilst we are all massively disappointed, I hope people will understand it was our concern for public safety that forced us to cancel Pete Irvine Unique Events

The safety of the concert audience was in doubt when the Ross Band Stand began to creak and fall apart in the wind.

Unique Events director Pete Irvine said he hoped people accepted "concerts do occasionally get cancelled".

He added: "We're trying to make the refund process as painless and convenient as possible and refunds, in most cases, will be automatic.

"Whilst we are all massively disappointed, I hope people will understand it was our concern for public safety that forced us to cancel and will look forward to celebrating in Edinburgh once again."

The Hogmanay event organisers have been keen to stress the success of other parts of the four-day programme.

Glasgow sleet

The Torchlight Procession on 29 December attracted 12,000 people and 15,000 attended the Night Afore International on 30 December.

On New Year's Day, an estimated 20,000 people attended a series of outdoor events at Holyrood Park.

In Glasgow, thousands of revellers took to the streets despite the heavy showers of rain and sleet.

The highlight was a massive concert in George Square where 25,000 revellers flocked to see headline act The Proclaimers.