FIRE sculptures and light installations will illuminate the skies across Scotland at 20:14 on Hogmanay to kick off the Year of Homecoming.

Organisers said yesterday that New Year's Eve events in Stirling, Inverness, Stonehaven and Biggar, as well as the annual party in Edinburgh, would mark the moment to start the Homecoming Scotland 2014 celebrations.

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland said: "2014 is going to be an exceptional year for Scotland, so we wanted to start the year with an exceptional celebration.

"This is our time to unite and be proud of our country as we prepare to host a plethora of outstanding events including the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup. Bring on 20:14."