Hogmanay on the North Coast 500
Hogmanay is the Scots’ name for New Year’s Eve.
Its origins date back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Vikings who used to host wild parties in late December.
Lots of the towns and villages around the North Coast 500 host Hogmanay street parties and gatherings on the evening to see the new year in. There is food, drink and usually a ceilidh too!
And of course, New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be complete without rendition of Auld Lang Syne. What better place to sing it than the place where it was written by Robert Burns himself?
Inverness Cathedral
Where can you celebrate it?
Pubs and bars around the route will be hosting events to celebrate, lots have live music including traditional Scottish pipers and fiddlers. Because the evening is so widely celebrated by Scots, there is a great atmosphere surrounding the festivities.
Celebrate at home
If you can’t make it to the North Highlands for Hogmanay, why not celebrate it at home with some locally distilled whisky or gin and a hamper of Scottish goodies?
You can’t do Hogmanay without a wee dram! Clynelish is a fabulous traditional whisky that is perfect for sipping while seeing the New Year in. If gin is more your thing, it doesn’t get much better than Rock Rose Gin. And for all the drivers, give Feragaia a go – an alcohol free spirit lovingly distilled right here in Scotland.
Lots of businesses around the route are offering hampers and local produce that are perfect for hosting guests on Hogmanay. West Coast Deli’s Taste of Scotland hamper, sweet treats from The Storehouse and some fresh smoked salmon from Applecross Smokehouse will set you on your way to the perfect dinner party.
Hogmanay events
Glenmorangie House
Dine, dance and toast the New Year in with Glenmorangie House’s Hogmanay Package! Indulge in an extravagant afternoon tea, try your hand at mixology, enjoy a decadent four course dinner and more. Book Glenmorangie House’s event for something totally out of this world and extra special this New Year’s Eve.
Highland Coast Hotels
Three glorious nights in the Scottish Highlands with the finest food and drink, fabulous entertainment and an idyllic setting is a perfect way to kick off the New Year! Not just your average New Year’s Eve, join in the famous Hogmanay street party in Dornoch at Royal Golf Hotel or take part in Royal Marine Brora’s murder mystery. Highland Coast Hotels are dog-friendly too so the whole family is welcome!
