Scotland ushers in 2026 under snow and wind warnings as Hogmanay plans adapt
Scotland is counting down to the start of 2026 with a mix of celebration and caution, as a yellow snow and ice warning comes into force across large parts of the country.
Heavy snow and gale force winds are forecast from 06:00 on New Year’s Day through to midnight on Friday, according to the Met Office. The warning covers much of the north and north east, including the Northern Isles, the Hebrides, Angus, Perth and Kinross, and parts of Argyll and Bute.
The severe conditions have already forced some events to change plans. The annual Nippy Dip in Stonehaven has been cancelled on safety grounds, with the local community council saying the decision was made reluctantly after reviewing the latest forecasts. Northlink Ferries has also warned passengers that services could be disrupted from Friday through to Sunday.
Scotland ushers in 2026
Despite the weather concerns, Stonehaven’s Hogmanay fireballs ceremony is still expected to go ahead. Around 10,000 people are anticipated to line the streets as about 40 participants parade along the High Street, swinging flaming balls before hurling them into the harbour. Tradition holds that the ritual drives away bad spirits from the old year and brings good fortune for the new one.
In Edinburgh, tens of thousands of visitors from around the world are set to attend the city’s world famous street party, which culminates in a midnight fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle. Organisers will be reusing some fireworks purchased for last year’s event, which was cancelled due to bad weather, marking the third weather related cancellation since 2003.
Will Evans, director of Titanium Fireworks, said this year’s main display would last six minutes and feature around 10,000 fireworks set to a bespoke soundtrack. A shorter teaser show at 21:00 will celebrate Scotland and set the tone for the evening.
Music fans attending the Concert in the Gardens will see indie rock band Wet Leg headline, supported by Scottish acts Hamish Hawk and Lucia and The Best Boys. Elsewhere, revellers can choose between three musical styles at the Street Party Mega Silent Disco.
Al Thomson, co director of Unique Assembly, which produces Edinburgh Hogmanay, said organisers remained confident. He noted that while conditions might be blustery, plans were on track to proceed as scheduled.
A temporary airspace restriction will be in place over central Edinburgh from 18:00 on Hogmanay until 02:00 on New Year’s Day. During this time, unmanned aircraft including drones are banned from flying below 2,000 feet within one nautical mile of Edinburgh Castle.
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Elsewhere, hundreds of participants are expected to brave the cold waters of the Firth of Forth for the 40th New Year’s Day Loony Dook at South Queensferry. Swimmers will once again don fancy dress for the traditional plunge, which began in 1987 as a light hearted hangover cure among friends.
Hogmanay celebrations began earlier in the week with Edinburgh’s torchlight procession, where around 15,000 people marched through the Meadows carrying flaming torches, watched by an estimated 10,000 spectators.
Travel disruption expected
Rail travel will also be affected. The last trains on Hogmanay will depart earlier than usual, and no trains will run on New Year’s Day. A revised service will operate on Friday 2 January, with full details available via ScotRail.
Weather outlook
The Met Office said low lying areas could see up to 5cm of snow by Friday, with some places receiving as much as 10cm. Higher ground could accumulate 20cm, rising to 30cm on hills, with significant drifting expected due to strong winds. Lightning is also possible, and frequent heavy snow showers are likely to disrupt travel.
Areas affected include Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Na h Eileanan Siar, Highland, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, and Argyll and Bute.
As Scotland steps into the new year, celebrations will continue where possible, but many will be keeping a close eye on the weather and adjusting plans as conditions unfold.
