New Year’s Eve is usually one of the most overrated nights of the year. Generally more so if you are planning to go out to bars followed by clubbing, due to the sheer amount of people with the same idea, resulting in an underwhelming night full of expensive drinks and no space to move.
Good news; If you fancy doing something different on New Year’s Eve that will really amaze you there are a number of events happening across Scotland.
In Stirling, the celebrations will begin on the castle esplanade. Firstly for families, with quieter fireworks going off at 9pm, and later there will be a spectacular midnight display boasting an array of amazing fireworks set against the backdrop of Stirling’s picturesque landscapes. This New Year event is extra special as it celebrates the 150-year anniversary of the National Wallace Monument.
If you are in Stirling over New Year but planning to go somewhere else, the first choice would probably be to go to Edinburgh. The beautiful capital is world renowned for its Hogmanay celebrations, and on the 30th of December they kick off with a torch light procession.
Members of the public can buy big wax torches, dress up warm and join the crowds as they make their way through the winding streets toward Holyrood Park for a bonfire featuring 14 wicker sculptures – each representing a region of Scotland. The event starts at 7pm, and even if you don’t feel like taking part, just being in Edinburgh and seeing the rivers of orange glow flow through the city is a magnificent view!
On the 31st there will be a New Year’s concert with Franz Ferdinand and the street party which will be hosted by Johnnie Walker Whisky and feature Gerry Cinnamon with tickets on sale for only £31. The famous fireworks will kick of just before midnight with the countdown being shown live on BBC One.
If bringing in the bells in Auld Reekie tickles your fancy, you can find out more about the events taking place here.
But if like many you’ve spent countless years doing the same thing, visiting Edinburgh only to find it cold, mobbed and overpriced there are events going on all over Scotland to bring in the new year. Biggar in the borders are hosting their own bonfire, in a quaint village setting you will be able to experience a more chilled out New Year’s Eve while not missing out on a roaring bonfire and sense of togetherness.
Stonehaven carry on the one-hundred-year tradition of pipe bands marching through the town playing with great balls of fire above their heads to welcome in the New Year. In Comrie Perthshire, locals light tall thin birch tree poles wrapped in flammable material to fend away spirits and welcome in the New year.
Wherever you are, Scotland promises a warm, fiery welcome to 2019.
Featured image credit: VisitScotland
Film Media and Journalism student at the University of Stirling. Editor in Chief at Brig Newspaper. Edinburgh / Stirling
