BBC party is a Hogmanay bore, says Moira

The White Heather Club stalwart said she was embarrassed that the programme which helped to make her a household name had become so "crass".

She said: "The BBC has become obsessed with not appearing old-fashioned, so they put on the rubbish at Hogmanay that we have now.

"But at New Year people would prefer traditional Scottish music, because Hogmanay is a traditional time of year. People would be much happier dancing to some old-fashioned Scottish music - and that goes for young and old.

"I certainly won't be watching the Hogmanay show - I'd rather read a book."

Anderson was once the country's favourite first footer, appearing regularly on BBC Scotland's Hogmanay show with other stalwarts, such as Andy Stewart and Kenneth McKellar, during the 1950s, '60s and early '70s.

But the star, who recently revived her singing career at the age of 67 and was adored by millions of Scots at home and abroad, says the BBC has turned its back on Scotland's heritage with its "pathetic" Hogmanay schedule.

Anderson, who hails from Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow, but now lives on the Isle of Man, admitted she would jump at the chance to appear back on the box and sing for the nation as it awaits the bells.

But the veteran performer does not expect to receive a call any time soon.

She said: "Even around Burns Night there might be some traditional singing on the TV, but the person singing them pronounces all the words wrong.

"It is sad that the music that is so loved for being Scottish all over the world is being ignored in our own country."

She went on: "I am on the radio on Hogmanay in New Zealand because they love Scottish music there, but I don't expect to be asked back on Scottish television in the near future."

A BBC Scotland spokeswoman denied that the Hogmanay Live show, which features KT Tunstall and Texas and will be hosted by Jackie Bird, will be lacking in traditional music.

She said: "We have violinist Nicola Benedetti, Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis and Celtic musicians Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, as well as a pipe band.

"There is more traditional Scottish music on the Hogmanay Live show than modern music."

Anderson has been married to Dr Stuart MacDonald for nearly 40 years and recently revealed that the couple now like to take it a bit easier during the party season.

Hogmanay this year will see them preparing for a holiday that will bring back some memories for the singer.

She explained: "It will be a quiet Hogmanay this year at home with my husband, because we leave to go cruising on the Queen Mary 2 in the new year.

"I performed many times on the QE2, where my Scottish singing was always well received, but this year I will be relaxing in the audience."

Despite the singer's misgivings, last year BBC Scotland trounced its rival, Scottish Television, by attracting twice as many viewers for its Hogmanay programme, despite providing a more traditional schedule.

More than 940,000 people tuned in to watch Jackie Bird and Karen Dunbar herald the start of 2005, with live performances from Scots musicians Phil Cunningham, Aly Bain and Eddi Reader.

Scottish will hope to improve on last year's performance, when only 470,000 people tuned in to watch its coverage of the fireworks and celebrations of Edinburgh's street party.

The Hogmanay show was hosted by GMTV presenter Lorraine Kelly and Scotland Today newsreader Stephen Jardine.

STV still managed to attract nearly twice as many viewers on the previous year when rain and gales prompted organisers to abandon the fireworks and musical acts. Presenters Alison Baird and Brian Burnett were left making conversation in the studio to 270,000 loyal viewers while the BBC attracted a record audience of 1.3 million.

Last year's Hogmanay performances in Edinburgh included stage shows by the Scissor Sisters and Blondie.