Scotland rings in new year as weather warnings kick off 2026

Scotland has welcomed the new year in spectacular fashion – but some people are already battening down the hatches with snow and ice forecast across much of the country.

Edinburgh's famous street party saw an estimated 50,000 people celebrate the arrival of 2026 at the world-famous event next to Edinburgh Castle.

Despite the chilly temperatures, hundreds braved the icy waters of the Firth of Forth the following morning for the traditional Loony Dook at South Queensferry.

The Met Office has now issued two amber weather warnings for snow for north east Scotland and parts of the Highlands for Friday and Saturday while a yellow warning is already in place for the northern half of Scotland.

Tens of thousands of revellers descended on Edinburgh's famous Princes Street party which culminated in the traditional firework display above Edinburgh Castle at midnight.

Liverpudlians Cheryl and Terry Brown were in the city with their seven-year-old son Oliver who was allowed to stay up well past his normal bedtime.

Terry said they had celebrated new year in several other cities in the past but nothing compared to the Edinburgh celebration.

"We done it a few years ago and we just had to come back," he said.

The family will stay in the city until Friday to soak up the city's four days of celebrations.

Organisers saved money this year as they used some of the fireworks bought for last year's event which was cancelled.

The event fell victim to bad weather for the third time since 2003, leaving revellers to make alternative plans to see in the new year.

Unique Assembly's artistic director William Burdett-Coutts said: "I think last year was one of the most depressing moments I've been through, when we had to call it off.

"So it's fantastic to be back and the public have totally embraced it. There's lots of people turning out this evening. I think we're up to about 45,000 so far for the street party."

Indie rock band Wet Leg headlined the Concert in the Gardens. There was also performances by Scottish support acts Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys.

Will Evans, director of Titanium Fireworks, told BBC Scotland News the midnight fireworks featured about 10,000 fireworks, accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack during a six-minute show.

Elsewhere, Stonehaven's Hogmanay fireballs event went ahead despite the weather, with about 10,000 people in attendance.

It involves about 40 men and women parading up and down the High Street swinging flaming balls around their heads before the balls are thrown into the harbour.

However the annual Nippy Dip in Stonehaven on New Year's Day was cancelled due to safety fears due to the weather.

Less severe conditions further south meant hundreds of people could take part in the 40th New Year's Day Loony Dook at South Queensferry.

Many of the brave swimmers donned fancy dress to take a dip in the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth.

The dook, a Scots word meaning to dip or plunge, began on 1 January 1987 when a group of friends went for a swim in the icy water as a hangover cure.

Council leader Jane Meagher said: "Last night's celebrations demonstrated exactly why Hogmanay in Edinburgh continues to attract visitors from across the globe year after year.

"With an exceptional programme, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and thousands of people coming together to celebrate safely and responsibly, it was a fantastic way to welcome 2026."