Revellers gathered in Princes St for Edinburgh's Hogmanay party See UK celebrations

About 100,000 people gathered in Edinburgh for the New Year celebrations with Texas, KT Tunstall and El Presidente performing.

Thousands more people gathered at Hogmanay events around the country, including Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Police forces and organisers of the events praised revellers for their behaviour during the celebrations.

More than 25,000 revellers were in Glasgow's George Square for the city's Hogmanay celebrations.

The highlight of the city's entertainment was a concert with performances from Athlete, Hue & Cry and Deacon Blue.

Aberdeen played host to chart-toppers Liberty X, The Coral and The Proclaimers.

Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the capital's party began with music and dancing at 2200 GMT.

Revellers gathered in Princes St for Edinburgh's Hogmanay party

A 10-second countdown gave way to the sound of Big Ben ringing out on the loudspeakers at midnight, followed by eight tons of fireworks lighting up the sky.

IT consultant Kevin Rice, who was at the concert in Princes Street Gardens, said: "This is the place to be at this time of year.

"I went to Rio in February for my birthday. Rio is the place for the carnival and Edinburgh is the place for Hogmanay."

Extra security was in place at the Edinburgh event in light of the terrorism incidents in London, although police stressed there was no specific threat to the Scottish capital.

Partygoers were warned to wrap up, avoid binge drinking and plan their journeys home in advance.

'Great success'

Lothian and Borders Police paid tribute to revellers for heeding the advice and described the atmosphere as "good-natured".

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Dickinson said: "Even though a lot of alcohol was in evidence and my officers and the ambulance service have had to look after quite a few people who had, perhaps, too much of a good time, it seems that this year has been yet another great success for Edinburgh."

Edinburgh Lord Provost Lesley Hinds said: "There was a great atmosphere, the street party seemed fuller than ever and the firework display was absolutely fantastic."

Jon Scordia snapped this picture of a reveller in Glasgow

Pete Irvine, director of organising company Unique Events, said: "It's definitely been one of the best Hogmanay events ever.

"The atmosphere on the streets has been just great. All the bands are really thrilled and we're all totally chuffed with the great response from the crowd."

Officials in Glasgow were equally delighted and Lord Provost Liz Cameron said: "Glasgow's Hogmanay 2005 was a fantastic night of top class entertainment and some surprises. We have again proved that there is no better city to welcome in the New Year.