While Christmas is still a week away, people across Scotland will already be looking ahead to Hogmanay.
For many Scots, December 31 is an even bigger occasion than the 25. From intimate nights in with loved ones to large-scale parties and festivals, there is no limit to what you can get up to on New Year’s Eve in Scotland.
However, some events are especially iconic. Given Scotland’s unique history with Hogmanay, it is no wonder that we know how to celebrate the holiday properly.
The Daily Record has rounded up some of the top events taking place across Scotland this New Year’s Eve. Whether it is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay or the historic Stonehaven Fireballs, something is sure to jump out.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Easily the biggest and most iconic Hogmanay celebration in Scotland takes place in Edinburgh. Each year, the centre of the Scottish capital plays host to a massive festival that sees people from across the city and beyond come together to ring in the new year.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, which has been compared to St Patrick’s Day in Dublin and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, is centred around an enormous street party on the city’s iconic Princes Street. Expect live music, street theatre, pipers and drummers, funfair attractions, and more.
Another highlight of the event is the yearly concert at the Ross Band Stand underneath Edinburgh Castle. This year, Scottish music icons Texas and singer-songwriter Callum Beattie will take to the stage.
More information can be found on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website.
Stonehaven Fireballs
Elsewhere, Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire is hosting its legendary annual Stonehaven Fireballs festival. Each year, the coastal town celebrates Hogmanay with a one-of-a-kind ceremony that sees dozens of people parade up and down its High Street swinging balls of fire around their bodies.
While the festival officially starts at midnight, locals and visitors begin to gather from around 10pm. The fireballs are officially lit on the Shorehead at the top of the slipway at the harbour, before being swung in the dazzling procession.
Other highlights include street entertainment consisting of a pipe band and drummers. There is even a fireworks display to cap off the night.
More information can be found on the Stonehaven Fireballs website.
Biggar Hogmanay Bonfire
If you are looking for something a little less extravagant, then Biggar in South Lanarkshire could be just the place to head. There is nothing more wintery than a bonfire, and no better way to kick off 2025.
On Hogmanay, the celebration begins with a torchlight procession featuring pipers and drummers. Later, the bonfire in the town centre is officially lit and locals and visitors alike bask in a cosy warm glow as the new year begins.
More information can be found on the What’s On Lanarkshire website.
Burghead’s Burning of the Clavie
While technically a Hogmanay event, you may be surprised to learn that Burghead’s Burning of the Clavie doesn’t actually take place on December 31. Rather, the Moray town’s fire festival is held on January 11.
This is because residents of Burghead ignore the Gregorian calendar that was officially adopted in Scotland in the 1750s and instead celebrate ‘old Hogmanay’ on January 11. It is thought that the Burning of the Clavie dates back to at least the seventeenth century.
The festival itself sees locals parade a barrel filled with wooden staves and tar through the town. It is then set alight on a nearby hill, and left to smoulder well into the following day.
More information can be found on the Visit Moray Speyside website.
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