It’s a familiar story. You get so focused on Christmas that you forget to make plans for Hogmanay – then panic buy a ticket to an overpriced event at a pub, paying a fortune to have a decidedly average evening. So this year, why not plan ahead and do something a bit different? From cabins to ceilidhs, these are our pick of the best alternative ways to spend New Year’s Eve.
Stay at Glencoe Woodland Lodges, Ballachulish
Why not forego the crowds completely, and see in 2025 in total tranquillity? That’s what’s on offer at the delightful Glencoe Woodland Lodges. Their luxury RiverBed micro cabins are perched right on the riverside, with private sunken hot tubs on the deck where you can toast the bells in style. Only 12 square metres in size, the cabins are cosy and romantic, but well stocked with a Simba mattress, mini kitchenette and luxury en-suite bathroom. And with the breathtaking surroundings of Glencoe on your doorstep, it’s the ideal place for a New Year’s Day walk to blow the cobwebs away.
www.woodlands.scot/accommodation
Enjoy comedy at the Hogmanay Special at The Stand, Glasgow
End 2024 on a high with a giggle at the Stand Comedy Club. This intimate venue in Glasgow’s west end has seen some A-list comedians performing there over the years and is a great place to catch exciting new talent. Their Hogmanay special will be hosted by Marc Jennings, with performances from Susan Riddell, Gary Little and headliner Ray Bradshaw. The event starts at 8pm, but be sure to arrive an hour earlier, when the doors open, to secure a seat up the back. If not, you run the risk of becoming part of the act.
Dance at the Taybank, Dunkeld, Perthshire
The Taybank, one of Perthshire’s most popular pubs, is a hub for celebrations on Hogmanay. There’s cocktails, canapés and a disco upstairs, or live trad performances from ceilidh band Rohallion for those who prefer more traditional music. If you want a bit of fresh air, there’s fire pits and mulled drinks outside where you can coorie in and enjoy views of the majestic Telford Bridge over the Tay. Tickets for the party are £50 per person, but you can buy an extra package that includes a four-course dinner and a glass of fizz in the restaurant.
Watch the Stonehaven Fireball Festival, Aberdeenshire
For a truly memorable way to spend the bells, look no further than the Stonehaven Fireball Festival. Thousands descend on this Aberdeenshire harbour town to see the locals parade through the street swinging balls of fire around their heads (allegedly banishing the bad spirits before the new year). The excitement starts around midnight and lasts for 20 minutes, before a firework display kicks off above the harbour. Best of all, it’s free and there is no ticket required to watch the festivities. Take note, Edinburgh!
Toast a whisky in Dufftown, Moray
Dufftown is famous for whisky and shortbread, and you can enjoy both these Scottish classics at the town’s Hogmanay festivities. Most people begin the evening at a party in local hotel The Whisky Capital Inn, where stovies are served alongside whisky (included in the £20 entry ticket) and there’s live music from the Dufftown Pipe Band. At midnight, revellers spill out into the town square where free drams of whisky and shortbread are handed out, thanks to the local Glenfiddich distillery and Walkers biscuit factory.
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