Storming into the New Year

More weather misery on way as temperatures plummet

- JOHN RINGWALL

REVELLERS endured heavy rain and high winds as they welcomed in a stormy New Year last night - with blizzards set to bring more chaos today.

Scotland was hit with multiple Met Office weather warnings as most outdoor Hogmanay events were scrapped including the big Edinburgh street party.

A yellow warning for heavy wind and rain covered most of Scotland right up to the Bells which forecasters warned would "bring significant disruption in the build up to new year".

A more severe amber warning was in place in the Highlands, where the main rail line north was shut by flash floods.

And today, The Met Office warned "blizzard conditions" are set to hit parts of Scotland as temperatures plunge.

The organisers of Edinburgh's Hogmanay yesterday issued an apology to international tourists who have travelled to the Scottish capital for the street party, midnight fireworks display and the Concert in the Gardens headlined by Scottish band Texas.

International student Darren Travasso, 21, from Mumbai, India, came to Edinburgh to celebrate with friends.

He said: "I'm here for three days, we are all on vacation. It is a bit sad but there's still time to come up with other ideas.

"We were assuming the weather would be normal or snowing.

"We were planning to go to the fireworks but will visit the museums first. It cost around £200 to £300 to come up for the trip."

Katharina Ende, 19, and Sophie Bolohlavek, 19, both from Lower Saxony, Germany, travelled from York to see the fireworks.

Katharina, who is an international student, said they are planning to spend three days in Edinburgh and had spent around £200.

She said: "We think it is really sad, we just found out 10 minutes ago. We planned to go and watch the fireworks.

"We are going to make the best of it but it is sad.

"I think for safety reasons it was the right decision.