People were spotted gathered in Glasgow city centre at midnight on New Year's Eve.

Crowds could be seen in George Square with wine glasses in hand for some impromptu Hogmanay celebrations.

The city chambers building was lit up with its Christmas lights, with an illuminated '2021' sign broadcast to welcome in the new year.

Glasgow Times: Pic: Colin MearnsPic: Colin Mearns

Elsewhere, as we previously reported the city's streets were abandoned as most opted to stay at home to bring in the bells. 

Traditional celebrations including Edinburgh's famed street party were cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, with organisers opting for more Covid-safe ways to bring in 2021.

READ MORE: Glasgow's streets deserted on Hogmanay like no other

The gatherings come despite repeated warnings from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to stay at home for New Year's celebrations.

Glasgow Times: People gathered in George Square on Hogmanay. Pic: Colin MearnsPeople gathered in George Square on Hogmanay. Pic: Colin Mearns

Mainland Scotland has been under level four coronavirus restrictions for almost a week after new rules came into place on Boxing Day in light of concern over a new, faster-spreading variant of Covid-19.

Glasgow Times: People in George Square. Pic: Colin MearnsPeople in George Square. Pic: Colin Mearns

Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and some other islands in Scotland were moved to level three on the same day.

Elsewhere in Scotland, revellers were also spotted on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, were an impromptu fireworks display was held.

Glasgow Times: An impromptu fireworks display was held on Calton Hill, Edinburgh.An impromptu fireworks display was held on Calton Hill, Edinburgh.

Police Scotland echoed the warnings from the Scottish Government, with deputy chief constable Malcolm Graham telling the BBC that he wanted people to take "personal responsibility".

"Regulations do allow for small groups up to six people from only two households together outdoors," he said.

"But we're encouraging people to take personal responsibility for doing the right thing and using their judgment about what's appropriate to do in these circumstances.

Glasgow Times: People with sparklers on Calton Hill, Edinburgh. Pic: PAPeople with sparklers on Calton Hill, Edinburgh. Pic: PA

"It's been the case that very often gatherings become larger, we've seen a lot of gatherings outside that have involved far larger groups of more than two households and we'll continue to use the approach we have to engage with people.

"We've broken a lot of gatherings like that up and I think in the large majority of cases that we're dealing with people know that's against the regulations and that it's unsafe to be doing that.

"I should also add the overwhelming majority of people across Scotland have adhered relentlessly to these really highly restrictive measures that have been in place and I thank everybody for continuing to do that."