Edinburgh Hogmanay revellers see in 2012

Edinburgh saw in the new year with a six-minute firework display

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Edinburgh to see in the new year at the city's world-famous Hogmanay street party.

Meanwhile, a huge free party featuring the Hoodja, Bags of Rock, Wolfstone and Skerryvore was staged in Inverness.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Eddi Reader helped Stirling Castle revellers see in the bells.

In Aberdeen, a free firework display was set off from the roof of His Majesty's Theatre in the city centre.

Glasgow hosted a family day, which ended at 22:00 GMT, with traditional music and children's activities.

The city council had previously said it was not holding a street party this year due to the cost.

Edinburgh, which has been dubbed the "home of Hogmanay", attracted about 80,000 party-goers to welcome in 2012.

Scots rockers Primal Scream headlined the sold-out Concert in the Gardens against the backdrop of the castle.

The Keilidh, an outdoor ceilidh event in the city, also sold out.

The Scottish capital's famous street party featured music stages, giant screens and outdoor bars.

Friendly Fires, DJ Mark Ronson and Kassidy all performed, with folk band Peatbog Faeries headlining the Celtic World Music stage.

'Just fantastic'

More than 2,800 individual fireworks were set off from the castle in a six-minute display.

Sean Ingles, 23, travelled from New Orleans in Louisiana to Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations.

A firework display was also held in Stirling

He said: "I came with my dad who is originally from here, he moved to the States about 25 years ago and he brought us home for the good times.

"We came here just for Hogmanay, it's been great. I've met all kinds of great people in the crowd, it's just been fantastic.

"The atmosphere is brilliant, I feel right at home. New Orleans is such a friendly city and Scotland is very much the same. It was definitely worth the trip."

Newlyweds Rob and Claire Atkins, from Nottingham, said the party had been the perfect end to the perfect year.

Mrs Atkins, 31, said: "We got married earlier this year so 2011 has been brilliant, we like to think we're carrying on the celebrations tonight."

Pete Irvine, creative director of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, said: "Edinburgh's Hogmanay has a worldwide reputation, and we are delighted that, once again, revellers have travelled from around the globe to join us."