At midnight the revellers join hands to sing Auld Lang Syne as a spectacular fireworks display explodes from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, and this year there will be a lyrical farewell. Flights of illuminated drones take to the night skies above Edinburgh and the highlands to form enchanting images, accompanied by Scots music and poetry.

Elsewhere Glasgow hosts its traditional street party in the West End’s Ashton Lane and the skirl of the bagpipes will welcome guests to a ‘wee Hogmanay party’ in the National Piping Centre. Inverness stages Scotland’s biggest free Hogmanay celebration with a family-friendly ‘Red Hot Highland Fling’ on the banks of the River Ness with music, fireworks and more.

Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire has a spectacular 100-year-old fireball parade in which a piper leads bravehearts swinging balls of fire above their heads through the streets just before midnight. Let’s just hope they stay sober.

Gavin Bell

Hogmanay 2021/22 – the essentials

What is Hogmanay?

Hogmanay, the Scots’ word for New Year, is a three-day celebration for ringing it in. Customs vary throughout Scotland but usually include gift-giving and first-footing (in other words, being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour). Rumour has it that if your first-footer is tall, dark and handsome, you will be a very lucky person indeed. 

When is it?

Celebrations take place from December 30 until January 1.

What are the highlights?

Things kick off on December 30 with the Torchlight Procession, which sees around 40,000 people walk through the Scottish capital – and will continue through to the “Loony Dook” on New Year’s Day, during which hundreds of people in fancy dress plunge into the freezing River Forth. 

On December 31, electronic music duo Basement Jaxx are headlining at the Party at the Bells, leading revellers into the New Year. Premium access and garden access to the Party at the Bells 2021 on are already sold out but you can still purchase street access tickets.