HOGMANAY revellers who see in the Bells in Glasgow are to get free buses home for the first time.

First Glasgow and the Royal Bank of Scotland have teamed up to ensure party-goers can get home safely.

The deal will see around 100 buses carry 15,000 passengers out of the city in the small hours of January 1.

They will travel along the same routes as the night buses operating in the city at weekends.

Normal services will stop running at 9pm on Hogmanay but the free service will start at 12.30am on January 1 and continue until 4.30am.

Similar RBS funded schemes will also operate in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Maria Leonard, regional director for RBS Glasgow, said: “Getting home late at night on Hogmanay can be tricky and expensive so we really wanted to do something helpful and simple for our customers.”

Alex Shearer, commercial director of First in Glasgow, said: “Our normal night service provides a great way to travel home from a night out but, with the support of RBS, we are excited to offer customers a special service this Hogmanay.”

Glasgow Lord Provost Bob Winter welcomed the decision to offer free bus travel.

He said: “This is great news for the thousands of people who will party through the Bells to welcome in 2010 in George Square.

“It gives them the chance to have an extra special night knowing that transport home has already been laid on.”

The annual Hogmanay party in George Square starts when gates open at 7.30pm.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to join in the event which is headlined by Glasgow band Deacon Blue, with fireworks at midnight from the top of the City Chambers.

Tickets, costing £15 each, are available from winterfestglasgow.com.

The Evening Times revealed earlier this month that revellers will be banned from taking their own drink into the George Square party, although alcoholic drinks will be available to buy from temporary bars.

Details of all services can be obtained by logging on to www.firstgroup.com/rbshogmanay or www.rbs.co.uk/hogmanay from tomorrow.