Thousands of Scots took to the streets to welcome the New Year at Edinburgh's famous street party.

The capital expected around 75,000 visitors from over 80 countries to arrive in what would be the biggest year yet for Edinburgh's Hogmanay on Thursday night.

The event saw revellers entertained by acts across Princes Street's four stages, as well as a firework display, after Hogmanay celebrations officially commenced on Wednesday.

Scots rockers Biffy Clyro headlined Concert in the Gardens while Maximo Park performed for crowds at the street party.

Biffy Clyro drummer Ben Johnston said: "To be in Scotland on Hogmanay, especially in Edinburgh with the castle as your backdrop, it's poetic.

"We can't think of a better way to come back and play a gig."

Major Tim Peake, the first British astronaut on the International Space Station, delivered a New Year message to Scots just before midnight, beamed to street party screens from space.

In Stonehaven, hundreds celebrated the traditional Fireballs Ceremony, where locals swung cages filled with burning gauze in a spectacular procession, while thousands attended Inverness' Red Hot Highland Fling.

Locals also toasted 2016 at the Biggar bonfire in South Lanarkshire and at the Carnival of Light and Sound in Stirling city centre.

Celebrations will continue across the country on Friday as locals take part in the annual Kirkwall Ba' Game in Orkney.

Scots will also be seen plunging into the Firth of Forth at North Queensferry for The Loony Dook, while Edinburgh's Hogmanay hosts a series of family activities.