Scotland rings in 2026 as weather warning kicks off the new year

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.

The weather didn’t chill the sprits of revellers at Edinburgh’s famous street party as organisers estimated tens of thousands of people attended the world-famous event next to Edinburgh Castle.

Heavy snow and ice is expected everywhere north of Dundee from 06:00 on New Year’s Day until midnight on Sunday, with a yellow weather warning in place.

Another warning for gale-force winds has taken effect across Orkney and Shetland.

The snow is expected to affect north and north-east Scotland, the Northern Isles, Hebrides, Angus, Perth and Kinross and parts of Argyll and Bute.

Network Rail has warned that train lines in the north of Scotland could be impacted by snow and urged people to check their journey ahead of time.

Northlink Ferries has warned that some services may be disrupted from Friday to Sunday.

Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) says it has activated contingency plans, with teams ready to respond to any network damage caused by the weather.

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.

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 45,000 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.

“The concert will be going on for most of the evening, and it should be a fantastic night. It will be an amazing 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.

A temporary airspace restriction will be in place covering Edinburgh city centre between 18:00 on Hogmanay and 02:00 on New Year’s Day.

It will be an offence for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 2,000ft above sea level within one nautical mile of Edinburgh Castle. The restrictions include drones.

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 has been cancelled due to safety fears.

Hundreds of people will be taking part in the 40th New Year’s Day Loony Dook at South Queensferry.

The brave swimmers will be donning 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.

Edinburgh’s annual torchlight procession kicked off the Hogmanay celebrations on Monday night when thousands of people marched through the Meadows waving flaming torches, making their way to Edinburgh Castle.

Organisers said about 15,000 people took part, with a further 10,000 spectators.

A yellow weather warning for heavy wind came into force at 21:00, and snow and ice is expected from 06:00 on New Year’s Day until midnight on Sunday.

The Met Office said there could be up to two inches (5cm) of snow at low levels by Friday, with four inches (10cm) in some places.

Up to eight inches (20cm) of snow could accumulate on higher ground, with as much as 12 inches (30cm) on the hills. There is a warning of “significant” drifting of snow due to the high winds.

The Met Office said lightning could be an additional hazard and added that it was likely that frequent and heavy snow showers would disrupt travel.