SCOTLAND'S first baby of 2014 timed his arrival perfectly, coming into the world at exactly one minute past midnight.

And the arrival of little Martin Ogilvie, who barely tipped the scales at just 4lb 7.5oz, was a particularly poignant moment for parents Colleen and Edward.

Little Martin arrived at 12.01am in St Johns hospital in Livingston yesterday, a month early.

It was a moment of joy for the West Lothian couple, who were left devastated last month when Colleen, 38, lost one of the twins she was expecting.

First-time dad Edward, 40, said: "Colleen was standing in the doorway of our house and she just said 'don't put the car away'.

"We came in to the hospital at about 7.15pm. At that point, delivery hadn't been discussed. It was a bit touch and go, and then we were told he was going to be delivered.

"We've been in the hospital about five or six times recently, and the staff were just fantastic."

Colleen added: "It's definitely a tale we'll be telling Martin - we are just both so glad he's here. I'm just totally stunned. We weren't expecting him to be so early. The nurses have been fantastic, before, during and afterwards. Nothing has been a problem."

New Year's Eve was a busy time at maternity units across Scotland, with several babies choosing the night to make their debut.

At Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the first baby of 2014 was born at 4.34am. Felicity Chisholm, from Edinburgh, gave birth to baby Olivia, weighing 8Ib 6.4oz.

In Lanarkshire, Angela Wilson gave birth to a baby boy at 2.20am at Wishaw General Hospital.

In Glasgow, Little Ella Campbell made her appearance at 12.02 to first-time parents Lisa and John Campbell.

Ella arrived at Glasgow's Southern General Hospital, weighing in at a healthy 7lb 8oz. Lisa, 41, and John, 45, were overwhelmed with joy, with the New Year's timing making it all the more memorable.

John, from Langside, Glasgow, praised hospital staff for the "excellent" care they had given to his wife.

He said: "The staff were so professional and caring - they were wonderful and couldn't have done a better job.

"We had been waiting for such a long time and then it just happened, along she came, and it was all over."

Ayixia Mitilip and her partner Sabir Obul, who live in Aberdeen, had just finished celebrating New Year at home when their son began to make his presence felt.

The baby boy, who is yet to be named, arrived at 2.45am, weighing 7lbs 4oz.

Ayixia said: "The baby was actually due two days ago on Monday, so it's been a bit of a surprise.

"It had never crossed my mind that I might give birth on New Year."