It was the perfect start to 2025 for one Stirling family as they celebrated a new arrival just hours after the Bells.
Amy Westmorland, 25, from Bannockburn, went into Forth Valley Royal for a regularly scheduled scan on Hogmanay alongside boyfriend Mark – only to be told by doctors that she was to be induced despite being three weeks early.
And shortly after 8pm on January 1, the couple’s second child, a little boy called Cole was born at a healthy weight of just over seven pounds.
Cole is now settling into his new home with his parents and two-year-old big brother Leo, who has already been making the most of sharing the news about his sibling.
Amy paid tribute to the staff at the hospital for creating a “special” environment for the birth – and admitted the festive season is set to be a busy one for the family wih Leo’s birthday taking place the week before Christmas.
Amy told the Observer: “It was definitely special and everyone made such a fuss for us which was lovely.
“We just went in for our scan and the birth was being dealt with on a scan-by-scan basis, so I had no idea it was going to be the day until I was told I was being induced.
“It’s all about settling in now and it’s a relief to have Cole home with us as we were in hospital for a wee while after Leo was born, so it’s a magical time and a great way to start the year for sure.
“Leo totally understands he’s a big brother and has been telling everybody at his nursery all about it and showing off the pictures so he’s taken to it already!”