Gales, thunderstorms and driving rain forced major new year celebrations throughout the UK to be cancelled last night as revellers endured a wet and windy start to 2007.

Thousands braved a squally London night for a firework spectacular on the South Bank, but more than 100,000 people in Edinburgh had to conjure up last-minute alternatives after the official Hogmanay party was called off because of atrocious conditions.

Organisers and partygoers were deflated, but few questioned the move given the sideways rain and squally gusts lashing the Scottish capital.