Spending New Year in Scotland is more than just a holiday, it is a celebration. The image of Hogmanay in Scotland spread across the world on TV or by social media is of fireworks going off above Edinburgh Castle and a massive party going.
To be part of New Year in Scotland, here is our guide on where to attend a party to see out the old year and welcome in the New Year in the traditional way.
1. Be a guest at the biggest street party in Scotland
The Edinburgh Street Party, attended by around 100,000 people is the biggest event in Scotland. Official celebrations are spread out across three days, with ceilidhs, events, the Hogmanay party on Princess Street and fireworks, followed by New Year’s Day events, such as the “Loony Dook” at South Queensferry beside the Forth Rail Bridge.
Getting the glasses ready for a party. Copyright Scotts Castle Holidays
2. Feel the magic of Fire
In Stonehaven, there is a fireball ceremony through the street, which takes place at midnight, when the fireballs are lit and the handlers emerge to swing these fire-balls in ancient style down to the harbour.
Stirling Castle in a wintry setting. Copyright Scotts Castle Holidays
3. Be part of a castle celebration
In Stirling, there is a firework display at Stirling Castle. With the backdrop of the impressive castle, there are various local events in Stirling, which culminates in fireworks from the castle itself.
Ready to offer your guests a dram at your holiday house in Scotland. Copyright Scotts Castle Holidays
4. Party like it’s 1999
Party in George Square in Glasgow with dancing and fireworks. The friendly city of Glasgow gets the party started in George Square with live music, dancing, food and drink, as well as a firework display.
Wintry setting in the Inverness area. Copyright Scotts Castle Holidays
5. Enjoy a Free Concert
In Inverness, there is the “red Hot Highland Fling”, which is a free concert at the Northern Meeting park followed by fireworks. A relatively recent event, this is one that is growing in popularity.
Winter sports at Glenshee in the Aberdeen area. Copyright Scotts Castle Holidays
6. Attend organised fireworks display
Aberdeen offers a programme of events and a firework display, which is traditionally set off from His Majesty’s Theatre, allowing it be seen throughout Aberdeen.
Oban Harbour. Copyright Scotts Castle Holidays
7.Enjoy a West Coast Celebration
In Oban, there is no official public gathering to see in the bells, but there is always a party atmosphere with the local ferries and boats sounding a fanfare of fog horns creating a celebratory start to the New Year.
Listen to the pipers in the pipe band. Copyright Scotts Castle Holidays
8. Have a Knees up!
Join the free ceilidh and street parade on New Year’s day in the centre of Pitlochry, with music, pipe band, food and drink in a traditional welcome to the New Year.
Gather in the square at Melrose at midnight. Copyright Scotts Castle Holidays
9. Join the Locals
Pretty much every village and town has a gathering in the square to welcome in the New Year, from Comrie to Melrose, so wherever you stay in Scotland, there is an event near you.
Book a Scotts Castle Holidays venue for New Year. Copyright Antony Sherlock
10. Make your own New Year in Scotland
New Year in Scotland is a time to spend with friends and family, sharing quality time, laughing together, eating and drinking, and time to let your hair down with a party or three. The first thing to organise is where you are staying and one of the best things to do is to book a large holiday house on a self-catering basis so you can all be in the same place.
At Scotts Castle Holidays there is a great selection of Scottish holiday houses and a designated Christmas and New Year page to choose from. Once your group is gathered together in one place then the planning can start for your very own Hogmanay.
