Hello 2012: Hogmanay around Scotland

Here’s a round-up of what to do and where to go to see in the New Year across the country.

Aberdeen:

Aberdeen’s Hogmanay fireworks are set off from the roof of His Majesty’s Theatre, so the best viewing points are Belmont Street, Union Terrace, Union Street and Rosemount Viaduct. From there our pick would be the Hogmanay Hoedown at Snafu where six hours-worth of party electro will be spun, some of it by local hero A La Fu.

Or head to nearby Stonehaven where a procession of locals will see in 2012 by swinging great balls of fire over their heads, creating a molten river that flows down the town’s main streets and lights up the dark skies. The Fireballs festivities have their roots in pagan tradition, but are more popular than ever, and are unique to Stonehaven.

Edinburgh:

Edinburgh’s world-beating Hogmanay street party features its best line up yet this year. And although the Concert in the Gardens, at which headliners Primal Scream will perform seminal album Screamadelica in its entirety, sold out long ago, tickets to the street party are still available.

With five stages running between the West End and Waverley, the acts on offer include The Vaccines, Friendly Fires, Mark Ronson, Kassidy and The Cuban Brothers. Plus 80,000 people to choose from for your New Year’s kiss.

Tickets cost £15 and are available online here or from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Box Office at the Fringe Office, 180 High Street, open on 30 December 10.00am to 10.00pm, and on 31 December from 10.00am to 9.00pm.

Alternatively, head up Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat for the best view of the midnight fireworks, all 5.5 tonnes of them, for free.

Glasgow:

Glasgow’s Hogmanay street party may be no more, but with the biggest one in the world happening fifty miles away it was never much of a contender. However, the city’s superior clubbing culture comes into its own on New Year’s Eve, with a great line up of events for those who prefer beats and bass to bells and bangs. Mash-up merchants 2ManyDJs will be at O2 Academy; house-party-away-from-home Back Tae Mine, with tea, toast, booze and bands is at The Flying Duck and free before midnight; Soundhaus bids 2011 farewell with its Last Tango party, set to be an extra poignant affair due to the fact that the building itself will be saying its goodbyes in February 2012, when the wrecking crew arrives; the Subclub celebrates its 25th Hogmanay with its resident night Subculture, which turns 18 on the night, although it has been known for its adult content since birth; while for the burlesque crowd, Club Noir at Classic Grand will be shaking its tail feathers.

Inverness:

Inverness boasts that its Red Hot Highland Fling is the largest free street party in Scotland. Hosted by Craig Hill and held at the Northern Meeting Park, it’s five hours of food, drink and flinging, with local bands including Wolfstone and Bags of Rock, midnight fireworks, and no tickets required. For more info click here.

Stirling:

If its tradition you’re after, head to Stirling Castle, where the line up on the esplanade includes The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Eddi Reader and The Heart of Scotland Choir. The night also features midnight fireworks and fire dancers, and is firmly family-friendly. Tickets are £20 and can be bought here.

How will you be spending Hogmanay?

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