Revellers will have a safe haven in the city centre as a bus service with a difference was launched for the first time.
Black Friday, as it is dubbed by the emergency services, is traditionally the busiest night of the year for police and paramedics with so many people out celebrating the Christmas party season.
Starting on Friday night the Safe Zone bus, based in Lidl car park on South Ward Road, will be on hand providing medical facilities and support.
Ambulance and police personnel will work with charity volunteers to keep people safe when they become vulnerable through substance abuse or consumption, injury, domestic abuse or other kinds of emotional distress.
The bright yellow bus will become a regular fixture in the city, providing an initial place of support to those who might otherwise end up in police custody or accident and emergency, on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm and 4am.
Chief Superintendent Hamish Macpherson said: “This bus is a fantastic resource, providing a safe environment where people in need of support will find people who can help.
“Revellers can be vulnerable for a whole variety of reasons. Alcohol and drugs can play their part in leaving people vulnerable to their surroundings, other people and even themselves.
“Police officers won’t be routinely stationed at the Safe Zone bus, but they will be working alongside street pastors to ensure those in need find their way to the bus.”
At the launch of the service, Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said: “This weekend will be exceptionally busy for our hard working emergency services and we need to work together to keep people safe.
“That’s why the Scottish Government is investing £120,000 to support the set up of Safe Zone Buses in Dundee and Edinburgh.”
The service has already been up and running in Glasgow.