Scots rockers Deacon Blue are to star at a popular Aberdeenshire Hogmanay festival.
The chart-topping Glasgow group will herald the arrival of 2016 at Stonehaven’s Open Air In The Square party on December 31 this year.
They follow in the footsteps of Scots rock giants Simple Minds, new wave favourites The Human League and pipe-rock crowd-pleasers the Red Hot Chilli Pipers who have all performed at the Market Square gig in previous years.
Deacon Blue lead singer, Ricky Ross, said: “We are really looking forward to coming to Stonehaven, it’s a place I know quite well. When I was young I grew up in Dundee and used to come to lots of places along the east coast.
“I haven’t been in Stonehaven for a long time and I am looking forward to coming back there, it’s the first time ever we will be doing a gig ther .
“We’re not doing a lot of gigs this year so it’s one of a few special gigs that we are doing and it will be a great way to round off this year and kick off the next.”
Deacon Blue have chalked up 12 UK Top 40 singles, including their biggest hits – Dignity and Real Gone Kid. As of 2012, the band’s total album sales stood at six million, including two UK number ones.
Last year they had a hugely-successful comeback tour and released their seventh studio album, A New House. They also performed at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.
An Open Air in the Square spokeswoman said: “This is a major boost to Stonehaven’s growing reputation as one of the top Hogmanay venues in Scotland. Last year it was said we were second only to Edinburgh and, once again, we are delighted to feature one of the biggest names in the pop world.
“Deacon Blue have played in many of the country’s most prestigious festivals, including T in the Park, and we are delighted they will be bringing in the New Year at our party in Stonehaven Market Square.
“As usual, we will be laying on a wide mix of entertainment on the night with the aim of providing something for everyone.”
The event will also feature top Beatles tribute band, Them Beatles, and the winners of a battle of the bands contest.
Adult tickets are £34.50 plus £1.50 booking fee and can be bought at: www.oaits.org