Concerned organisers of Hogmanay events across the north and north east are keeping a close watch on the weather, with a storm due to lash Scotland.
The Met Office yesterday said heavy rain and strong winds are expected to cross the country during the day on Tuesday.
However, the wet and windy conditions are expected to clear in the evening, offering a brief respite for New Year party-goers.
Another spell of bad weather is then due to start on Wednesday afternoon.
Forecaster Peter Sloss said: “It looks as though there’s going to be a gap of drier weather overnight on Tuesday for the Hogmanay celebrations, especially in the east.
“Aberdeen and Inverness will be mainly dry, with a risk of a few showers, and the wind will just be a southerly breeze.
“The temperature should be round about 4C at midnight.”
In Inverness, up to 10,000 revellers are expected to watch the fireworks display over Inverness Cathedral and take part in the Red Hot Highland Fling, to be hosted by comedian Craig Hill.
Inverness Provost Councillor Alex Graham said: “We are hoping the weather will not affect the event, but the safety of the public and those taking part is paramount.
“The council will be monitoring the weather forecasts and checking to ensure that when the event takes place, it can proceed safely.”
The organisers of Stonehaven’s Fireball Association’s Hogmanay ceremony were yesterday more concerned about high winds than rain.
Chairwoman Susan Leiper said: “It will be fantastic if the weather is good for the event this year.
“With all the wind and gales we’ve had lately in this area, we’ve been quietly hoping it will go away so we can get on with the ceremony. We’ve never had to cancel yet. However, if the wind was to pick up, the safety officer will have to make a judgment call as the last thing we want is for anybody to get hurt.”
Aberdeen will welcome in 2014 with a fireworks display fired from the rooftop of His Majesty’s Theatre and local bands performing on a stage at Union Terrace.
A spokesman for the theatre yesterday said organisers were hoping the weather would not affect the celebrations.