Hogmanay silence for Asia victims
news.bbc.co.uk
[My idea of XMAS and the NEW YEAR is not to travel anywhere and do not get mixed up in crowds, just stay at home and enjoy some time with the family (even though teenagers briefly visit with like scantily clad friends and go off to parties) and take it easy. I will make a special pledge to those people who were hit by the Asian tsunami as well though]
Edinburgh party-goers will be asked for silence at 2245 GMT
The organisers of Edinburgh's Hogmanay party are to hold a one-minute silence to show respect to those killed in the Asian tsunami disaster.
The 100,000 people attending the capital's traditional outdoor concert and street party in Princes Street will be asked to fall silent at 2245 GMT.
The decision was made after a meeting by event organisers just hours before the party was due to start on Friday.
Donation points will also be set up for people to give to the disaster appeal.
Tonight we will take a minute out to remember those who have lost their homes, lives and loved one
Lesley Hinds
Edinburgh Lord Provost
City council collectors will gather donations from party-goers at the entrances to outdoor event in the city centre.
Edinburgh's Lord Provost Lesley Hinds said: "The events of the past week in South Asia have touched everyone around the world and the loss of life is beyond comprehension.
"Tonight we will take a minute out to remember those who have lost their homes, lives and loved one.
"Edinburgh is in a position to help those countries affected tonight and over the coming months and I would urge party-goers to take a moment to reflect."
Outdoor party
Large outdoor New Year celebrations are also planned for Aberdeen, Glasgow and Stirling.
Other notable events to ring in 2005 are due to take place at Biggar in the Borders, Crieff in Perthshire, and in Inverness and Stonehaven.
All are hoping bad weather does not force cancellations like last year.
Most notably, Edinburgh and Aberdeen's parties were cancelled after torrential rain and gales forced organisers to call them off at the last minute leaving disappointing more than 150,000 people.
On Friday, weather experts predicted there will be no need for cancellations this year.
Good forecast
A PA WeatherCentre spokesman said: "Edinburgh will have westerly winds of around 15mph and maybe some scattered drizzle.
"Temperatures will only go as low as 3C, which is not bad for this time of year. But there will be nothing as nasty as last time.
"Aberdeen should have the same conditions.
"Inverness and Glasgow could be a bit blustery with scattered showers."
Fireworks in Edinburgh will bring at least 150,00 onto the streets
This year's Edinburgh event, as usual, will lead the way in Scotland's traditional Hogmanay celebrations with a massive outdoor party.
The Royal Bank Street Party will see in 2005 with a party in Princes Street.
It includes three new stages alongside the main event of The Concert in the Gardens in Princes Street Gardens, where pop legends Blondie will appear alongside the Scissor Sisters and special guests Aberfeldy.
At midnight, 150,000 more people are expected to take to the streets to watch more than 7,000 fireworks by Christophe Berthonneau, who masterminded the Eiffel Tower Millennium and the Athens Olympics displays, arc into the skies from Edinburgh Castle and the city's six hills.
Homegrown talent
Organisers of Aberdeen's Hogmanay street party are hoping for a clear night and plan to put on two stages of entertainment in Castlegate and Langstane for 40,000 party-goers with homegrown acts Deacon Blue, Hue and Cry and David Sneddon topping the bill.
Aberdeen City Council leader councillor Kate Dean said: "I hope we see people of all ages coming down to enjoy the sights and sounds and help make the party go with a real swing.
"Though there was nothing we could do to avoid cancellation last year, because of atrocious weather conditions, everything possible is again being done to ensure the show won't be affected by adverse weather.
"And I'm sure we'll all be keeping our fingers crossed for a clear night on the 31st."
Glasgow, where the New Year festivities carried on last year in spite of the weather, is expecting 25,000 to turn out for its celebrations in George Square.
Chart-toppers Snow Patrol are the headline act in the ticket-only affair where party-goers have been warned to wrap up warm and come prepared for bad weather.
Pop singer Lulu will lead the celebrations at Stirling Castle
Councillor Alex Mosson, events organiser spokesman, said: "I'm delighted that the event has sold out so quickly and I'm sorry that thousands of people have missed out on tickets and been left disappointed.
"However, the 25,000 lucky ticket-holders will have a night to remember as they party into 2005."
Stirling still has some tickets left for its event where 5,000 people are expected to turn out to watch Lulu at the city's castle.
Provost Colin O'Brien said: "I hope everyone will have an enjoyable and safe evening and that the weather holds off.
"It should be a good night with Lulu and several local bands playing and will be a great way to see in 2005."
Of the more low-key events, Inverness has organised a midnight firework display over its castle and Biggar will hold its traditional bonfire dating from pagan times and to ward of evil spirits for the New Year.
Crieff's free celebrations get under way in the town's James Square with the lighting of the Hogmanay Beacon at 2200 GMT while in the Stonehaven the Ancient Fireballs Ceremony will make its way through the town where 60 fireball-swingers swing their fireballs above their heads.
Executive warning
With all the celebrations in place, people were also reminded by the Scottish Executive of the damage drinking too much can cause on Hogmanay.
Chief Medical Officer Mac Armstrong said: "As with most parties, alcohol will play a part in the festivities and there's nothing wrong with that as long as it's in moderation.
"Binge drinking can have serious side effects. At the time, it may give people a lift or a good feeling. But drink-fuelled injuries, be they caused through an accident or a fight, are all too common.
"Too much alcohol can also distract us from how cold it actually is.
"If anyone is attending an outdoor event this year, they should wrap up warm and plan in advance how they're getting home.
"We can all enjoy Hogmanay without drinking to excess.
"I hope people do have fun with friends and enjoy their favourite tipple but are being safe at the same time."
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