Tens of thousands of revellers braved sub-zero conditions to take part in one of the most famous New Year parties in the world.

As temperatures plummeted to minus 5C in Edinburgh, about 100,000 partygoers saw in midnight at the Scottish capital's huge outdoor celebration.

The main event of the £250,000 spectacular was the city's street party, set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens.

Around 9,000 music lovers packed into the sell-out Concert In The Gardens event where they were treated to music from Scottish singer Paolo Nutini and dance act Groove Armada.

Rockers Glasvegas and electropop group Hot Chip were also performing on other stages in the city.

Wearing vintage clothes and a Trilby hat, Nutini opened the evening with a half-hour set.

The Paisley-born singer, who is also performing at Glasgow's Hogmanay party tonight, told revellers, “let's dance” and wished them a “wicked new year”, before belting out hits including 'Jenny don't be hasty' and 'New Shoes'.

The entertainment continues with a huge fireworks display in front of the Castle, as the bells ring out at midnight.

It will be followed by one of the biggest ever mass renditions of Auld Lang Syne and a spectacular light and laser show.

Crowds will be encouraged to sing along as a video clip of Robert Burns' most famous poem, set to the music of a traditional folk song is played on screens across the city centre.

The rendition has been arranged to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Burns' birth.

Partygoers from around the world, some donning Saltire and tartan hats, travelled to Edinburgh to enjoy the festivities.

The chilly but calm weather conditions dispelled fears that there would be a repeat of 2006 when high winds and torrential rain forced the cancellation of celebrations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.

Creative director of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, Pete Irvine said there had been a slower uptake than usual uptake for tickets this year, but a “big rush at the end” and the event was a sell-out.

“We are trying a big thing with Auld Lang Syne - we're putting on a great show tonight,” he added.

“Here in Edinburgh we have the arena and the backdrop of this beautiful castle with 100,000 people are together for one reason - to have a good time and to celebrate the new year.”

Spirits were high amongst partygoers who had come from all over the world to see in the celebrations in Edinburgh.

Patrick McMullan, 23, from Melbourne in Australia, said: “Edinburgh is the place to celebrate New Year. It's truly the best Hogmanay party in the world.”

Meanwhile, parties to bring in 2009 were under way across Scotland.

Revellers gathered in Glasgow's George Square, where Nutini was due to play his second gig of the night.

After kicking off the celebrations in Edinburgh, he was making his way to Glasgow to headline the city's Hogmanay party.

Singers Amy Macdonald and Sandi Thom were heading up Aberdeen's party, while indie-pop group the Magic Numbers have the top billing in Inverness.

In the seaside town of Stonehaven, crowds were being treated to a spectacular Fireball parade while Deacon Blue were playing in Stirling.

Council and police chiefs have warned partygoers to drink sensibly and wrap up warm as temperatures plummet.

Police forces across Scotland said the New Year celebrations were not causing any problems.

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