Hogmanay around Scotland: Going the whole Hog

Published on Friday 26 December 2008 16:19

Edinburgh and Glasgow don't have a monopoly on the best celebrations

ABERDEEN

24,000 REVELLERS EXPECTED

• Gates on Union Street open 8pm, stages live from 9pm until 12.30am

RUNNING ORDER OF ACTS: Any Dream Will Do finalist Keith Jack, currently starring in Peter Pan at His Majesty's Theatre, Sandi Thom and Amy MacDonald (on stage 11.10pm)

Having just clocked up two million sales of her debut album This Is The Life, which was 10th best selling album of the year, hopefully MacDonald will find time to celebrate at her 105th gig of 2008. During her sell-out shows at Glasgow Barrowland last weekend, MacDonald performed covers of the songs of the season – 'Hallelujah' and 'Run' – proving that the 21-year-old from Bishopbriggs can compete with the best.

STIRLING

• Events at Stirling Castle Esplanade kick off at 9.30pm

RUNNING ORDER OF ACTS: Clanadonia, Central FM DJs, piper Finlay MacDonald, fiddler Chris Stout and Deacon Blue (on stage 11pm)

You can't beat some classic Scottish rock to bring in the bells, and it doesn't come much more crowd-pleasing than Deacon Blue, recently polling fourth in the search for Scotland's favourite song with 'Dignity'.

INVERNESS

• Events at Northern Meeting Park Arena kick off at 8pm

RUNNING ORDER OF ACTS: Shutter, Lowtide Revelry, Single Malt Sound System (featuring members of Wolfstone, Box Club and the Treacherous Orchestra), The Magic Numbers and Albannach

It has been a couple of years since we have heard any new material from brother and sister Romeo and Michelle Stodart (who may have been born in Trinidad, but sport a Scottish father), and brother and sister Sean and Angela Gannon, but The Magic Numbers' blend of melodic guitar riffs and happy-go-lucky heartache should hit the right note for Hogmanay. They are supported by an array of local ceilidh and rock bands who are familiar sights on the local live music scene. There will also be the first ever international Highland Games event that will see Inverness compete with New Zealand and America via satellite link-up. For children, there will be games and an early fireworks display at 8pm.

DUNDEE

BUCK ROGERS NEWYEAR'S EVE BASH

Cover group playing hits from every rock/indie band under the sun – The Who, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon and Franz Ferdinand included.

With support from The Daze.

• The Doghouse (08444 999 999), 8pm

PERTH

HOGMANAY!

Music from fiddle ensemble Session A9, who are led by former Capercaillie fiddler Charlie McKerron and colourful carnival favourites Orkestra del Sol.

• Perth Concert Hall (0845 612 6324), 10pm

ST ANDREWS

BELLS AT THE BYRE

This traditional dinner and ceilidh package, which sold out last year, is still available for revellers opting for a defiantly Scottish entry into the New Year. With dancing starting at 9.30pm.

• Byre Theatre (01334 475 000), 7.30pm