Scotland will ring in the New Year as Weather Warning 2026 begins

Scotland has welcomed the New Year in spectacular fashion – but some people are already batting down the hatches with snow and ice forecast for much of the country.

The weather didn’t dampen the spirits of revelers at Edinburgh’s famous street party as organizers 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.

Another warning for gale-force winds is in place for Orkney and Shetland.

Snow is expected to affect north and north-east Scotland, the Northern Isles, the 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 affected by snow and urged people to check their journeys ahead of time.

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

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

Tens of thousands of revelers flocked to Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street Party which culminated in the traditional fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle at midnight.

Organizers saved money this year because they used some of the fireworks purchased for last year’s event, which was canceled.

The event was hit by bad weather for the third time since 2003, leaving 45,000 revelers to make alternative plans to see in the New Year.

William Burdett-Coutts, artistic director of Unique Assembly, said: “I think last year was one of the most disappointing moments I’ve had, when we had to close it.

“So it’s great to have it back and the public has fully embraced it. There’s been a lot of people out there this evening. I think we’re up to about 45,000 so far for the street party.

“The concert will go on 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 garden. There were also performances from Scottish support act Hamish Hawke and Lucia and the Best Boys.

Will Evans, director of Titanium Fireworks, told BBC Scotland News that the midnight fireworks display will feature around 10,000 fireworks, accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack during the six-minute event.

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

It would be an offense for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 2,000 feet above sea level within one nautical mile of Edinburgh Castle. Bans include drones.

Elsewhere, Stonehaven’s Hogmanay Fireballs event went ahead despite the weather, with around 10,000 people in attendance.

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

However the annual Nippy Dip at Stonehaven on New Year’s Day has been canceled due to security fears.

Hundreds of people will take part in the 40th New Year’s Day Looney Duke in South Queensferry.

Brave swimmers will don fancy dress to plunge into the chilly waters of the Firth of Forth.

Duk, a Scots word meaning to sink or drown, began on 1 January 1987 when a group of friends went swimming in icy water as a hangover cure.

Edinburgh’s annual Torchlight Procession kicked off the Hogmanay celebrations on Monday night as thousands of people waved flaming torches and made their way through the Meadows to Edinburgh Castle.

Organizers say about 15,000 people took part and another 10,000 spectators.

Forecast details

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

Up to two inches (5 cm) of snow is possible at lower levels by Friday, with up to four inches (10 cm) of snow in some places, according to the weather service.

In the mountains, up to 12 inches (30 cm) of snow may accumulate on high ground. There is a warning of “significant” snow drifts due to high winds.

The Meteorological Department has said that lightning may be an additional risk and continuous heavy snowfall is likely to disrupt travel.