More than 10,000 revellers in Glasgow's George Square celebrate the start to 2009.


MORE than 10,000 revellers braved sub-zero temperatures to see in 2009 in spectacular style in George Square.

Singer Paulo Nutini headlined the Hogmanay bash as a fireworks display lit the sky above the City Chambers at midnight.

It capped a double-header for the Paisley-born star, who had performed at Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations earlier.

Indie band Idlewild and Blondie tribute act Bleachie had kicked off the sell-out party in Glasgow, which was hosted by Real Radio DJs Steve McKenna, Cat Harvey, Paul Harvey and Micky Gavin.

Thousands filled the streets of the city centre during the countdown to the bells as temperatures dipped to -3C.

In the West End, Ashton Lane hosted its 10th annual Hogmanay Street Party, while live bands also performed at Merchant Square.

Around 100,000 people celebrated the start of 2009 in Edinburgh and major outdoor events in Stirling, Oban, Aberdeen and Inverness were hailed a success despite the cold weather.

Figures show the Scottish Ambulance Service dealt with 1825 calls to its 999 centres across Scotland during the 12 hours from 7pm on Hogmanay.

But that total was down on the 2288 handled last year, while Cardonald, Glasgow, was the busiest control centre, handling 937 appeals for help.

A spokesman said: "Hogmanay is always our busiest night and this year was no different as we dealt with a high volume of calls across the country."
























New Year tot turns up four weeks early

A TINY baby girl gave her parents a New Year's surprise when she made her first appearance more than a month early.

She was one of Scotland's first babies of 2009 when she was born at 12.21am yesterday at Glasgow's Princess Maternity Hospital.

Mum Katherine Johnson, from Erskine, Renfrewshire, is thrilled with her unexpected bundle of joy but the surprise arrival means she and dad Allan still haven't thought of a name.

Katherine said: "I'm still reeling from the shock of it all. I wasn't expecting her for another four and a half weeks - I hadn't even packed my bags!

"She's absolutely perfect though and I can't stop cuddling her."

The healthy baby weighed 5lbs 8oz and was described as "beautiful" by midwives.

In the same ward, Sephora and Graeme Livingstone were also celebrating after their baby, Andrea, was born at 12.31am yesterday weighing 8lbs.

Sephora, 36, from Cambuslang, Glasgow, said: "We wanted to name her after my father Andrew.

"I am so happy - she's a perfect miniature of her dad and we both love her very much."