Eight of the best Hogmanay events around Scotland

WHETHER you want to twirl the night away at a ceilidh or head to Edinburgh’s street party, Scotland has plenty of great ways to see in the New Year. We round up the pick of the bunch
Fireworks above Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street at the bells. Picture: Jane BarlowFireworks above Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street at the bells. Picture: Jane Barlow
Fireworks above Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street at the bells. Picture: Jane Barlow

Ashton Lane, Glasgow

Since George Square quashed their outdoor celebrations in 2011, Ashton Lane has been Glasgow’s best bet for an al-fresco party atmosphere – accompanied by a traditional piper – to bring in the New Year. The ticket costs £25 and grants you access to every venue on the cobbled West End Lane. With bands and DJs playing, a lively party is guaranteed. Safety regulations won’t allow for a firework display but there will be a ‘laser light show’ on offer instead. The festivities start at 7pm and go on until 1am. £25, https://www.facebook.com/AshtonLaneStreetParty

Edinburgh Street Party

Hogmanay fireball swingers illuminate the streets of Stonehaven. Picture: Getty ImagesHogmanay fireball swingers illuminate the streets of Stonehaven. Picture: Getty Images
Hogmanay fireball swingers illuminate the streets of Stonehaven. Picture: Getty Images

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay event is one of the biggest New Year celebrations on the planet. The world-famous Edinburgh Street Party promises to be bigger and better thanks to a whole new stage and increased arena space – a particularly welcome development after reports of crushes at the last Hogmanay event. Bands playing include indie-favourites Maximo Park, Mercury nominees Slaves, Glasgow’s very own White, The Peatbog Fairies and many more. Musicians, DJs and revellers from all corners of the world will come together to welcome the New Year in style. This is only one part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay; there’s the Concert in The Garden, The Torchlight Procession, The Old Town Ceilid, the Loony Dook and Scot:Lands, all of which are separate ticketed events.

A Night to Remember at Stirling Castle

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Stirling Castle’s traditional Hogmanay concert has had a shake-up this year. Following the last-minute cancellation of last year’s celebrations, Stirling Council has decided to do something a bit different: this New Year, they’re holding a parade of light and sound through the city centre which will end up at Kings Park. The family friendly event will include a two hour celebration of music, food and street performers and a fireworks display over the city as the clock strikes twelve. For anyone who doesn’t overindulge, there’s a 5km Resolution Run taking place the next day. The event is, obviously, alcohol free.

Men dressed as Vikings during the Hogmanay Torchlight Procession in Edinburgh. Picture: PAMen dressed as Vikings during the Hogmanay Torchlight Procession in Edinburgh. Picture: PA
Men dressed as Vikings during the Hogmanay Torchlight Procession in Edinburgh. Picture: PA

Stonehaven Fireball Festival

One of the most unique Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland, the Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony takes place from around 10.30pm and is a free, non-ticketed event suitable for all ages. As midnight strikes, the High Street will come alight with 50 or 60 local fireball swingers who make their way through the fishing village, twirling burning spheres over their heads.

Free (donations welcome), http://stonehavenfireballs.co.uk/

Club Noir’s New Year’s Eve Burlesque Party, Glasgow

Club Noir’s annual New Year Burlesque celebration is taking place at the Classic Grand this year. Formal dress and burlesque-themed attire is encouraged. The now-iconic evening will include live shows, cabaret, flamboyant midnight celebrations and an eclectic mix of modern and traditional music, including some ceilidh.

Sloans Ceilidh, Glasgow

A traditional ceilidh in Glasgow’s oldest pub, the £75-a-head ticket includes a glass of bubbly, a three course meal and half a bottle of wine. The ceilidh will take place in the beautiful Grand Central Ballroom, with a DJ playing on the first floor. A great crowdpleaser with a little something for everyone.

Book Club and Reading Rooms, Dundee

With sets from local and resident DJs and a 4am license, The Reading Rooms is guaranteed to put on a proper party for the hardiest of Hogmanay celebrants. Expect funk, house, techno, a bit of disco and lots of dancing. This legendary Dundee venue is notorious for hosting the best party in town while supporting local DJ talent.

Hogmanay Hootfest, Edinburgh

If you fancy something more intimate, then the Stand Comedy Club is hosting an evening of stand-up for the bells. The Hogmanay Hootfest is hosted by Scottish comedian Susan Morrison and features sets from Stand favourites Tom Stade, Vladimir McTavish, Dougie Dunlop and Robin Grainger. There’s home-cooked hot food available and the bar is open until 1am. The show will finish in time for the bells, when guests can pop out and enjoy the fireworks before coming back in to dance the night away at the bar.