Glasgow pop band Deacon Blue will be helping revellers see out 2015 in style by performing at Stonhaven's Hogmanay Festival.

The Open Air in the Square party on December 31 has previously welcomed performances from Simple Minds, The Human League and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and now Deacon Blue who are known for hits Real Gone Kid and Dignity.

Lead singer Ricky Ross said: "We are really looking forward to coming to Stonehaven...it's a place I know quite well.

"When I was young I grew up in Dundee and used to come to lots of places along the east coast.

"I haven't been in Stonehaven for a long time and I am looking forward to coming back there and it's the first time ever we will be doing a gig there .

"We're not doing a lot of gigs this year so it's one of a few special gigs that we are doing and it will be a great way to round off this year and kick off next year which we think will be quite a busy year for Deacon Blue"

An OAITS spokesman added: "This is a major boost to Stonehaven's growing reputation as one of the top Hogmanay venues in Scotland.

"Last year it was said we were second only to Edinburgh and, once again, we are delighted to feature one of the biggest names in the pop world.

"Deacon Blue have played in many of the country's most prestigious festivals including T in the Park, and we are delighted they will be bringing in the New Year at our party in Stonehaven Market Square.

"As usual, we will be laying on a wide mix of entertainment on the night with the aim of providing something for everyone."

Them Beatles will join the bill and the organisers are also staging a Battle of the Bands contest between acts around Scotland to compete for a performance slot at the concert.

There will be a series of heats in different regions of the country with a final battle held in Stonehaven itself later this year.

They have also launched a contest for designers to create a fresh and memorable new logo for the festival with the winner taking home a £200 cash prize and two VIP tickets to the event.

Adult tickets are £34.50 plus £1.50 booking fee. One adult plus one child is £55 plus booking fee; two adults plus one child is £89.50 plus booking fee and two adults and two children is £110 plus booking fee.

For full details on the tickets and competitions, visit www.oaits.org