2024 arrives in style at Badenoch and Strathspey
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Hundreds turned out for torchlit parades in the strath to say farewell to 2023 and welcome in the new year.
At Kingussie, some 500 revellers turned out for the torchlight procession, ceilidh and fireworks.
"It was a great night," said local community council chairman Ruaridh Ormiston.
"I'm told that over 250 torches were bought for the march led by piper Sandy MacDonell."
He added: "What a show! Amazing fireworks display and great party at the market stance and shinty field, with some amazing ceilidh dancing to local debut DJ Teuchter Roor on da Chunes.
"Happy New Year - Bliadhna mhath ùr - and all the best for 2024 to all family and friends near and far."
Parades were also enjoyed at Grantown, Nethy Bridge and Newtonmore.
At Aviemore the traditional crowd built up outside the Cairngorm Hotel for the rooftop fireworks display in crisp, clear conditions.
New Year's morning saw the traditional icy dip at Loch Insh, with hundreds taking the plunge – after the ice had been cleared by caman!
Jonny Freshwater and his team from Loch Insh Sailing School were out with the shinty sticks and a long log to sweep away any ice remnants to give hundreds of dippers a chance to get into the water relatively unscathed.
The Strathy counted them all out and – quite soon afterwards – counted them all back in!
But we heard that many had come from quite a distance to take part in the annual fun and enjoy an especially big breakfast afterwards.
One couple even said relatives had come over from France to be a part of it all and to help raise funds for the school's extended dry ski slope, which was looking magnificent today with all of the new surface now laid.
A big opening of the facility is due to take place this month.
