Video: Fireworks mark New Year in Aberdeen

THOUSANDS of people lined Aberdeen’s Union Terrace as a massive fireworks display welcomed in the New Year.

As a large clock projected the time on to the side of Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre, the crowd counted down the final seconds of 2009.

Then the colourful display of fireworks lit up the night sky over Aberdeen city centre as the families, friends and strangers wished one another Happy New Year.

In Stonehaven more than 7,000 people turned out to watch the traditional fireball spectacular.

Crowds lined the streets of the town and cheered as participants marched through the streets swirling flame- filled cages around their heads before hurling them into the waters at Stonehaven harbour.

David Fleming, the chief marshal of the event and head of Stonehaven community council, said: “It all went very well. There was a reasonable crowd but I think the police were advising people not to drive so we had expected more. It all went off without a hitch.”

Both Aberdeen and Stonehaven events went as planned according to emergency service bosses.

Events in Stonehaven went from flaming to freezing on New Year’s Day as dozens of people plunged into the icy harbour to raise charity cash.

About 60 volunteers ran into the waters at Stonehaven harbour in fancy dress – or sporting a T-shirt and swimming costume.

It was the second annual New Year’s Day Dip arranged by children’s cancer charity Clic Sargent.

The wintry weather was expected to continue across the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire area this weekend.

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cjordan@ajl.co.uk