Thousands brave cold for Hogmanay

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- About 80,000 people endured freezing temperatures to welcome the New Year at Edinburgh's celebration of Hogmanay, as New Year is called in Scotland.

The evening ranged from the sublime to the rock 'n' roll, The Scotsman reported. The St. Giles Cathedral Choir performed George Friedrich Handel's Coronation Anthems to mark the 250th anniversary of his death, while a selection of rock and pop bands played for the crowds on Princes Street.

Edinburgh Castle was the backdrop for the midnight fireworks.

Winter this year has been a rough one in Britain and Castle Hill was dusted with snow, while temperatures were in the 20s.

Officials canceled Hogmanay celebrations in Inverness because of icy roads. In Aberdeen, the traditional rowing regatta was also canceled because of ice.

"If they hit ice, the boats will shatter and sink," James McKee, president of the Aberdeen Boat Club, said.

In Stirling, massed pipers marched across the castle drawbridge as the year ended and fireworks went off overhead. In Stonehaven, 40 people participated in the traditional fireball parade, which ended with the balls of fire thrown into the sea.