The New Year was ushered in across the north east with a diverse range of celebrations.
There were pyrotechnic displays and ceilidhs and concerts across the region, and despite the privations suffered by many people amid the ravages of Storm Frank, the mood was generally upbeat and ebullient.
That was nowhere more evident than among the 10,000 people who packed the streets of Stonehaven to bring in 2016 with the town’s annual fireball spectacle.
The streets were littered with Hogmanay revellers who witnessed a spectacular fireworks display and a procession of fireball swingers.
The festival is more than a century old and regularly draws thousands to the centre of the town for what has developed into one of Scotland’s most distinctive and spectacular Hogmanay events.
Stonehaven Fireballs Association chairman, Ross Milne, confirmed people from as far afield as Canada had travelled especially to be part of the 9,900-strong crowd.
He said in the aftermath: “Everything went well and as expected.
“We had volunteers from Glasgow and people travel from far and wide to attend. An English couple had come up to see it and we had people coming over from Canada and all sorts.”
Fireball swingers of all ages led the 30-minute procession down from Bervie Braes, onto the High Street and finally to the waterside where the fireballs were flung into the sea.
Live music followed at Open Air in the Square where 80s Scottish pop band, Deacon Blue, were the headline act.
They were joined in the line-up by Indie band The Supernaturals, Supa and Da Kryptonites, and Lorraine and The Borderlands.
Music was also the highlight of Ellon’s New Year celebrations with the third annual Gig at the Brig proving to be as popular as ever.
About 2,000 people packed into Market Street to see headliners Big Country pump out hit after hit.
In Aberdeen, fireworks were the main attraction.
The local authority organised the country’s longest display which brought the city centre to a standstill.
Set to music, the display was designed by Inverurie firm Fireworx Scotland and was visible throughout Aberdeen.
Last night, Lord Provost George Adam said the success of the event was down to the hard work.
He added: “It was a tremendous fireworks display and a fitting way to see in the New Year in Aberdeen.”
Neighbouring north-east communities brought in 2016 with a centuries-old traditional walk on New Year’s day.
About 100 people, including schoolchildren, took part in a seasonal procession through Inverallochy and Cairnbulg.
The parades date back to the 19th century when they were launched as temperance events to warn locals about the dangers of drink.