As 2024 draws to a close, the Scottish Highlands prepare for Hogmanay, the traditional New Year’s celebration deeply rooted in Scottish culture. While some events have changed, the spirit of festivity remains strong in this extraordinary region, offering a blend of time-honoured customs and modern celebrations. Here’s our pick of the highlights in the region and traditional customs you need to be aware of when visiting this fine region at the end of 2024.
Inverness: The Heart of Highland Hogmanay
Kingsmills Hotel Gala Dinner
The Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness offers a glittering Hogmanay Gala Dinner on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Guests can enjoy:
- A glass of bubbly upon arrival
- A delicious 3-course dinner with wine
- Dancing and entertainment from a live band and resident DJ
- A midnight toast with champagne
- Festivities continuing until 1 am
For those wishing to extend their celebration, the hotel provides a 4-night Hogmanay package from December 29, 2024, to January 2, 2025. This package includes accommodation with breakfast and dinner each day, entry to the Gala Dinner, and various activities.
Other Inverness Venues
- Johnny Foxes Pub: Offering live music by the band In Cahoots, traditional stovies at midnight, and celebrations continuing until 4 am
- Raigmore Motel: Hosting a Hogmanay celebration featuring The Shire band
- Bogbain Farm: Presenting “Bogmanay” with performances by Ali Levack, Ru Mac, and the Tartan Paint ceilidh band
Cairngorms and Aviemore Area
The Cairngorms National Park area offers several options for Hogmanay celebrations:
Loch Insh Family Celebration
Loch Insh is hosting a Hogmanay 2024 Family Celebration, featuring:
- A buffet and skating from 6 pm to 9 pm
- Live ceilidh music by The Ragin Ceilidh
- A family disco from 8:30 pm to 1 am
Aviemore Resort
The Osprey Arena at Aviemore Resort will host a Hogmanay celebration with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, promising music, dining, and a fireworks display.
Rowan Tree Country Hotel
Located just outside Aviemore, the Rowan Tree Country Hotel offers a Hogmanay tasting dinner with canapés and welcome drinks, providing a more intimate celebration option.
Other Highland Locations:
Clava Mains Highland Fire Ceilidh
Located about seven miles south of Inverness, Clava Mains will host a Highland Fire Hogmanay ceilidh. Tickets are £35, and the event will include music, dancing, and traditional festivities.
Village Hall Celebrations
Many villages around the Cairngorms National Park typically celebrate with traditional ceilidhs in their village halls. These events welcome both visitors and locals, providing an authentic Highland Hogmanay experience.
Traditional Hogmanay Customs
Hogmanay in Scotland is steeped in tradition, with many customs still observed today:
First-Footing
One of the most common Hogmanay traditions is first-footing. As the clock strikes midnight, people visit the homes of friends and family, aiming to be the first person to enter in the new year. Traditionally, a dark-haired man is considered the luckiest first-footer, often bearing gifts such as whisky, shortbread, coal, and salt, symbolising prosperity.
Saining
Some Highland communities still practice saining, an old custom of blessing the house and livestock. This involves:
- Drinking blessed water from a river ford
- Burning juniper branches to fill the house with cleansing smoke
- Opening all windows and doors to let in fresh air
- Enjoying a dram of whisky before a hearty breakfast
Fire Ceremonies
Fire plays a significant role in Hogmanay celebrations, symbolizing purification and warding off evil spirits. While large-scale fire festivals may not be held in every location, many communities organize torchlight processions or firework displays to honour this tradition.
Singing Auld Lang Syne
As the bells chime at midnight, it’s customary to join hands and sing “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns that has become synonymous with New Year’s celebrations worldwide.
Where do you love to spend Hogmanay in the Highlands and why?
Let us know in the comments below!
