A BILLION strong audience in more than 150 countries is expected to watch as Scotland rings in the New Year at Midnight.
Some 80,000 hardy souls – some sporting fancy dress, others kilts or warm scarves – are also expected to attend Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party in person to watch a breathtaking display of 2,000 fireworks first hand as they see in 2011 on Princes Street.
It will take around 1,200 people to prepare and deliver the illuminating display that remains the best in the world.
Scotland’s biggest Street Party is set to make a sparkling profit as an estimated £30 million in revenue was generated for Scotland last year.
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme shows that Scotland is a great visitor destination and the perfect stage for events all year round.
“With Edinburgh’s Hogmanay generating an estimated £29 million last year, we know that festive celebrations can make a significant contribution to Scottish tourism and our economy.
“That is why our Winter Festivals are so valuable – they will help entice people from home and abroad to explore all areas of Scotland.”
Revellers will be entertained by rockers Biffy Clyro who are headlining the sell-out Concert in the Gardens.
The gig beneath Edinburgh Castle will also feature special guests The Charlatans and Billy Bragg.
A total of four live music stages will boast a range of artists including The Coral, Newton Faulkner, Treacherous Orchestra and DJ sets from Booka Shade, Kaiser Chiefs and Goldie Lookin Chain.
Party-goers are also ready to dance the night away at The Keilidh where more traditional musicians Heuch, Hugh MacDiarmids Haircut and Brechin City Rollers are performing.
New Year’s resolutions and messages will appeare on giant screens throughout the event with 25p from every text donated to Help for Heroes.
Around 330 Lothian and Borders Police officers will be on duty to keep watch on the crowd along with 450 stewards from Group 4 Security (G4S).
And the Hogmanay clean-up effort will be no mean feat as tonnes of rubbish will have to be cleared ready for the New Year’s Day celebrations.
But organisers said that the clean-up plan was no different to any other year.
A spokesman for Unique Events, who organise Edinburgh’s New Year celebrations, said: “Thankfully for the 1st we are using the same infrastructure, staging and lights.
“Our plans are no different from any other year apart from the staging area will stay in place.
“We always have to have the area clear on Princes Street for any travellers and pedestrians.
“We have cleaning teams who are out throughout the night getting everything ready.
“Last year they collected about 30 tonnes of rubbish. I know that they start about 1:30am once everywhere is cleared and it is safe to do so.
“Groups of cleaning teams and cleaning machines are out until about 5am.”
This is the first year that celebrations will continue into New Year’s Day with Fife-born singer KT Tunstall taking to the stage.
The One Day celebrations pay homage to the unusual date, 1.1.11.
And the more traditional events are set to continue with those brave enough to suffer the cold delving into the River Forth as part of the traditional Loony Dook at Queensferry which celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
