Scotland Celebrates Start Of 2015

Tens of thousands of party-goers took to the streets of Scotland's capital city, known as the home of Hogmanay, to welcome in the new year. Up to 75,000 people from across the globe could be heard counting down the final moments of 2014 in Edinburgh before joining in a mass rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Revellers took part in the huge outdoor celebrations before the clock struck midnight, with singer Lily Allen headlining the Concert in the Gardens joined by special guests Bjorn Again and Soul II Soul. The world-famous street party also saw performances from Twin Atlantic, Twilight Sad, Eddi Reader and this year's Mercury Prize-winners, the Edinburgh-based act Young Fathers. The traditional outdoor ceilidh also saw 3,000 people dancing through the midnight bells. Elsewhere, celebrations at Stirling Castle's esplanade were cancelled due to high winds. A live outdoor concert had been due to take place with music from The Waterboys, Skerryvore, JJ Gilmour and Model Aeroplanes, followed by a fireworks display to welcome in 2015. In a statement on its website Stirling Council said the event had been cancelled on the grounds of public safety. A spokesman for event organiser Zisys Events said: "We deeply regret the necessary cancellation of Stirling's Hogmanay Event. "The Esplanade, while a totally stunning venue, is on a very high and open site and is exposed to extremes of weather. "Gusts of over 100mph were recorded, which exceeded the safe limits for the stage. "Other facilities on the site, such as signage and portaloos, were also adversely affected by the high winds. "The site became unsafe for the public and the decision was made to cancel the event before the gates officially opened." "We sincerely apologise for any disappointment and inconvenience caused." In Edinburgh, the five-minute midnight spectacular fireworks display was watched by people from more than 70 countries as organisers said tickets were bought from across the world, including Australia, Brazil, Mauritius, Slovakia and South Africa. Wilson Peery, 33, from Oregon, USA, travelled to Scotland especially to attend Edinburgh's street party. He said: "I came here in 2008 and made a split second decision to come back this year with a group of friends. We all just decided to come. "I just really like the energy and the fact that there are so many things to do. The torchlight procession is something special." According to Unique Events, organisers of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, the event was a sell-out. Director Pete Irvine, said: "What a great night. Lily Allen rocked the Concert in the Gardens, and a full Scottish line up across the Street Party stages was a great way to start 2015." Early figures revealed there were three arrests for minor disorder. Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Edinburgh policing commander, said: "Edinburgh has once again set the standard for a spectacular start to the New Year. It's been a fantastic night and the vast majority of people have enjoyedthemselves responsibly. "There were only three arrests at the street party and those were for minor public order offences such a breach of the peace."