There are countless ways to bring in the New Year but, if you’re looking for something a little different, then celebrate Hogmanay-style!
Gather up the family in one of our cosy Scotland cottages and see in the New Year against the beautiful backdrop of the rocky Scottish terrain. Discover some of the country’s ancient New Year traditions and enjoy some of the more recent additions to the celebrations!
What is Hogmanay?
Putting the vibrant street parties, extravagant events and fire festivals aside, there is a long and ancient history of Hogmanay.
With the banning of Christmas from the end of the 17th century to the 1950s, New Year’s Eve became the perfect opportunity for the Scots to let off a bit of steam, enjoy some whisky and party into the night, chasing away the year behind them.
Today, Hogmanay is celebrated through three days of festivities across the whole of Scotland, and we've picked a few of our favourites.
Edinburgh Hogmanay: best for fireworks
As one of the world’s biggest and best New Year celebrations, Edinburgh Hogmanay is guaranteed to be a New Year celebration to remember. As you wait for the clock to strike midnight, enjoy the German Market, big wheel, the outdoor ice rink, a torchlight procession, various outdoor concerts and of course that all important Midnight Moment. As the bells chime and the crowds cheer, a spectacular firework display lights up the stunning city of Edinburgh and everyone joins together to welcome in the new year by singing Auld Lang Syne.
If you are feeling a bit worse for wear on New Year’s Day, clear your head by taking part in the Loony Dook or Dooker Parade, where you will end up in the freezing waters of the River Forth in the shadow of the iconic Forth Bridges. For years, people have taken part in this event to raise money for charities across the UK, often in fancy dress.
Stay nearby: The Albany, Edinburgh | Sleeps 5
Stonehaven Fireballs: best for fire!
You won’t believe your eyes at some of Scotland’s exuberant fire festivals and that’s exactly why you need to experience one for yourself. Believed to be part of the pagan origins in Scotland, the use of fire is suggested to purify and drive away evil spirits. One of the most spectacular ceremonies takes place just south of Aberdeen in Stonehaven and sees 40 people swinging balls of burning material around their heads.
Whilst it might sound a little frightening, the ceremony has been taking place for hundreds of years and attracts spectators from far and wide. Starting at midnight, the procession lasts for around 25 minutes.
Stay nearby: Ferneyhowe Croft, The Cairngorms | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
The Kirkwall Ba’: best for tradition
There might not be any balls of fire flying around in Orkney but there is a ‘Ba’ - a handmade, cork-filled, leather ball. On New Year’s Day, the ancient tradition sees homeowners and shopkeepers gather for a giant football game in the winding central streets of Kirkwall. Those born to the north of the cathedral become the Doonies team and those born to the south are the Uppies; together, they siege through the streets for hours of a rough and tumble rugby-style game.
If you’re spending a quiet New Year break nearby, why not pop to the town and experience the competitive atmosphere for yourself? You never know, you might want to join in!
Stay nearby: Neuketineuks, Kirkwall | Sleeps 2
Comrie Flambeaux: best for families
If you’re looking for a festival of fire where kids can get involved too, Corrie Flambeaux is a great way to spend Hogmanay in Scotland. The festivities begin with a children’s fancy dress parade with prizes awarded to the best-dressed children, before everyone can enjoy a firework display on Comrie Boulevard.
At midnight, the Comrie Pipe Band leads the Flambeaux – a procession of giant lit torches – around the village and down to the River Earn, where the torches are then thrown into the water.
Stay near Comrie: Oak Cottage, Comrie | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Dufftown Hogmanay: best for whisky lovers
In the heart of Speyside, and home to six distilleries, Dufftown is firmly in whisky country and so it’s only right that the village’s Hogmanay celebrations come with a dram or two of the spirit.
Dufftown’s celebrations begin with a ceilidh at the Commercial Hotel and a party at the Royal British Legion before everyone spills out into the square at midnight for drams of whisky and bites of shortbread – could there be a more quintessential way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Scotland?!
Stay near Dufftown: Distillery Cottage, Aberlour | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
The Burning of the Clavie: best for latecomers
Missed out on New Year’s Eve celebrations for another year? Not to worry! They do things a little differently in Burghead, celebrating Hogmanay on 11th January instead.
This belated celebration is one of Scotland’s oldest Hogmanay traditions, harking back to the 1750s when the Gregorian calendar took the place of the Julian calendar in Britain, losing 11 days in the process. While this was an issue for some people, the residents of Burghead instead decided to celebrate Hogmanay twice!
On 11th January, the town burns a Clavie – a ceremonial cask – parading it around the town before its final resting place on Doorie Hill where it burns out. If you collect a piece of the burnt Clavie, legend has it that you’ll have good luck for the rest of the year.
Stay near Burghead: Peace Cottage, Burghead | Sleeps 6
Why is Scotland a good choice for New Year?
Whether you want to revel in the bustling Edinburgh streets, witness a remarkable fire display or you want to cosy up on the edge of Galloway Forest Park in one of our cottages in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland knows how to do New Year.
Start planning your bank holidays, grab your loved ones and experience the hustle and bustle or avoid the street parties and spend the new year exploring the beauty of rural Scotland. We have a selection of cosy Scotland cottages, so take a look and find the perfect base for your New Year break.
New Year breaks in Scotland