Fabulicious Hogmanay

Hogmanay A Virtually Perfect Short Break in Edinburgh for an Unforgettable Start to the New Year

Eat, Drink and be Merry in the warmth of Scottish Hospitality UNESCO World Heritage City: Discover Old and New Edinburgh Pipe Bands, Gay Gordons and a Wee Dram

Hogmanay in Edinburgh

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Where to Stay: Edinburgh's Best Hotels for Hogmanay

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Day 1: 30 December Torchlight Procession & Hot Toddies

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Day 2: New Year's Eve - Hogmanay Explore by day, party by night!

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Day 3: New Year's Day Fresh air, Fun and Local Traditions

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'Your Hogmanay@Home Party Plan

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Hogmanay Feast: Useful Recipe Collection

Introduction: How to get the most from your virtual trip.

Hogmanay Useful Suppliers List

Literary Inspiration: Great Edinburgh Reads.

'Must Watch' Films to set the scene Hogmanay Soundtracks: Playlists to get the Party Started Annotated Map

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How to Get the Most From Your Virtual Trip You're off to Edinburgh!

No other nation in the world celebrates the New Year Hogmanay - with quite as much revelry and passion as Scotland does.

Edinburgh goes all out with three days of fantastic atmosphere and unforgettable memories. It must be experienced to be believed.

Get ready to eat, drink and be merry and see the New Year in with a bang!

Our virtual itinerary offers an immersive guide to Edinburgh, full of cultural insights and travel tips which we hope will inspire a real trip in the future.

We've done all the research so you don't have to!

Included in the text are lots of links to enable you to delve deeper, including some short video clips to really bring the experience alive. Try this one.

Or, for the true 'holiday from home' experience, why not get fully involved with our 'At Home' suggestions to create

your very own Scottish Hogmanay celebration.

Look out for the 'At Home' red boxes and click the links to discover virtual tours, suppliers, recipes, online entertainment and tutorials, music playlists, book recommendations and more.

You'll experience the best of New Year celebrations without leaving the house!

So take a little time to get those ingredients and dancing shoes at the ready, go mad with the plaid and prepare to throw the best party of the year.

Happy New Year!

You've Arrived!

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Where to Stay: Edinburgh's Best Hotels for Hogmanay The Balmoral The Balmoral -‘majestic dwelling’ in Gaelic - is iconic to Edinburgh. Its address – 1 Princes Street, looking up to the castle – is Edinburgh’s most prestigious.

Its clock tower is a city landmark. Originally a railway hotel, The Balmoral clock is still set three minutes fast to help travellers catch trains – except at Hogmanay, where it heralds the New Year on time.

It's a glamorous, glistening, celebration at the Balmoral, with a stirring start from the Royal Burgh of Stirling pipes and drums. Next a champagne and canapé reception, indulge in an exquisite Michelin-starred chef's four-course menu.

Then it's off to the Gala Ball where a ceilidh band will ensure you're dancing your way into the new year before the fireworks begin.

At Home

Treat yourself to a Balmoral style spa treatment at home using the Balmoral's favourite Scottish organic seaweed skincare brand, ISHGA. Watch their online tutorials HERE.

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Where to Stay: Edinburgh's Best Hotels for Hogmanay

The Caledonian, Waldorf Astoria An icon on Princes Street since 1903, The Caledonian combines modern luxury and Victorian style in a former rail station. It is ideally located with views of Edinburgh Castle and just steps from the Princes Street Gardens it a great vantage point for all the New Year madness.

The glittering Peacock Alley, displaying all its festive finery, is the venue for the Caledonian's black-tie Hogmanay Ball. A strictly traditional Scottish affair, enjoy fine dining by Chef Mark Greenaway (an ambassador for Scotland Food and Drink), bagpipes, ceilidh dancing and midnight stovies and champagne.

And of course you'll have a spectacular view of the Hogmanay fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.

At Home Chef Mark Greenaway is in the very top tier of Scottish chefs.

Watch Mark's cooking tips on how to create a magnificent feast at home HERE. Or treat yourself to his cookbook available HERE.

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Where to Stay: Edinburgh's Best Hotels for Hogmanay Fingal If you're looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, Fingal is a luxury, floating boutique hotel permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront at Leith, belonging to The Royal Yacht Britannia.

This is the place for the Hogmanay of a lifetime!

Fingal has all the glamour and style of a superyacht but with an old-world elegance that is completely unique.

Descend the sweeping staircase into Fingal’s magnificent ballroom and begin the Hogmanay celebrations with a Champagne and canapé reception, followed by a five-course dinner.

Countdown to the bells with a piper to welcome in the New Year and a traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne, followed by Ceilidh dancing into the wee hours.

At Home Imagine yourself in the Lighthouse Bar onboard Fingal with a nautical cocktail in hand made from their exclusive Britannia Gin AVAILABLE HERE

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Where to Stay: Edinburgh's Best Hotels for Hogmanay

The Glasshouse Housed in a converted church, this historic luxury hotel in Edinburgh features cosy-contemporary interiors, warm Scottish service and consistently spectacular views of the city centre and Calton Hill from the hotel’s magnificent two-acre rooftop garden.

On New Year's Eve get dressed up to the nines for a champagne reception and five-course dinner (with wine pairing). Then ring in the New Year from the rooftop at the ceilidh in the Calton Suite, located in the rooftop garden.

This is the perfect location for enjoying the fireworks over the city and then you can join tin all the fun of the world’s largest street party, which takes place on Princes Street each year.

At Home Learn how to brew the perfect cup of coffee with Intelligentsia here.

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Where to Stay: Edinburgh's Best Hotels for Hogmanay

Prestonfield House If you prefer somewhere a little more tucked away, Prestonfield House is Edinburgh's most exclusive luxury hotel, offering the privacy and seclusion of a country estate right in the heart of Edinburgh. Blazing log fires and candles throughout provide a warm welcome.

Situated within 20 acres of gardens and located next to the stunning Arthur's Seat, Prestonfield was designed for impressive entertaining.

Hogmanay is an unrivalled evening of spectacular food, drink, and entertainment in the velvet and gilt splendour of Prestonfield's Stables Ballroom. Welcome in the New Year in traditional Prestonfield style with a Champagne reception, lavish four-course dinner and Celtic cabaret. A lively ceilidh band will play until midnight, when a disco will see you back on the dance floor until 1am when it's time to your wend your way to your opulent suite.

At Home

Smoked salmon & crowdie cheese is a favourite sandwich on Prestonfield's afternoon tea menu.

Click learn howcup to make Learn how tohere brewtothe perfect crowdie cheese athere. home of coffee with Intelligentsia

30th December

Victoria Street

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30th December Welcome to Auld Reekie (Old Smokey!)

Edinburgh's nickname originates from the days when smoke from open fires hung over the city like a fog. Today, the elegant and historic capital is the perfect (clean!) destination for a New Year's break. Edinburgh is a compact city making it great to explore on foot and jam packed with all the right ingredients of history, culture, arts, fine dining, shopping and romance to delight any visitor. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings, providing the perfect back drop for the Hogmanay festivities which kick off on December 30th with the Torchlit Procession through the old town.

4pm Time for Some Scran The procession starts at 7pm but you'll need to be ready to join the hoards and pick up your torch from about 5.30pm.

An early supper (or late lunch!) is strongly advised to keep the cold out and hunger at bay.

For atmosphere you can't beat The Witchery, situated in a collection of historic buildings at the gates to Edinburgh Castle. Book a table to dine by candlelight in the 16th-century oak-panelled original dining room.

For simpler, hearty fayre head to The Holyrood 9A for a good gourmet burger and a cracking selection of Scottish beers in jolly surroundings.

At Home Holyrood 9A's haggis burger is a Hogmanay must!

Click on the video above to learn how to make a haggis burger like a pro with Masterchef Professional winner Gary Maclean

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30th December 5.30pm Torchlight Procession This is a fantastic spectacle!

With more than 20,000 people making their way down the Royal Mile to Holyrood, each holding a torch, the streets become a river of fire.

The city comes alive as crowds line the route to enjoy the show.

Vikings lead the way and kilted pipe bands add to the magic and party atmosphere.

Holyrood becomes a festival with live music, foodstalls and a firework finale.

To walk in the procession you will need to buy a ticket in advance. With so many people it can seem to take a while to get going but its worth the wait.

Torchlight Procession What to expect

Late After all the excitement you might want to unwind and warm up a little before heading to bed. Try a traditional hot toddy or a mulled whisky. (Did you know‘ Whisky’ - always without an 'e' in Scotland derives from the Gaelic term Uisge beatha which translates as ‘water of life’).

The Albanach is a traditional Scottish bar on Royal Mile.

Currently stocking over 320 Scottish Malt Whiskies they have one to suit every taste and will be happy to recommend one for your perfect hot toddy.

At Home Watch the video tutorial above to learn how to make the perfect, warming hot toddy at home.

Hogmanay

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New Year's Eve - Hogmanay Hogmanay is the Scottish term for New Year's Eve. The big day has arrived!

With a night of celebrations lasting well into the wee hours ahead, we'll take today at a relaxing pace.

At Home If you want to perfect your porridge making skills, cookery writer Felicity Cloake provides the full low down.

CLICK HERE

9.30am A Scottish Breakfast There's nothing nicer than stumbling across that perfect hidden away cafe to make you instantly feel like a local in a new city.

The Pantry is just that place. If it's really cold out the traditional Pantry Fry (including haggis of course) will keep you toasty (vegan option available). For the more cosmopolitan customer there are avocado options aplent and divine homemade Belgian waffles too.

Porridge is the traditional Scottish breakfast and Brochan is the place to get your oats.

This porridge cafe has combined health with indulgence to produce instagram worthy bowls of porridge fit for even the fussiest Goldilocks.

10.30am Exploring Old & New You will definitely want to have a wander to witness the qualities that earned Edinburgh's Old and New towns UNESCO World Heritage status for yourself.

The contrast between the Old Town’s Medieval narrow, winding closes and the broad, elegant streets of the Georgian New Town together with the

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New Year's Eve - Hogmanay impressive skyline make for an architectural dream of a city.

Grab a decent coffee and maybe a bite to eat from one of the many independent coffee shops Edinburgh Castle stands proud to recharge (Brew Lab is one of over the city atop Castle Hill.

From here take a walk along the the best. The Elephant House is a favourite of J K Rowling) and length of the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, an official royal you're ready to hit the excellent shopping scene. Princes Street is residence. Art lovers won't want the main shopping area, home to to miss the fantastic collections Jenners, one of the world’s at the National Museum of oldest department stores and Scotland (home to Dolly the famous for its gloriously festive cloned sheep!) and the City Arts tree visible from every floor.

Centre. If literature is more your Multrees Walk is the place to thing head for The Writers’ find all your favourite designer Museum which celebrates the brands. For the hidden gems lives of three giants of Scottish brimming with Scottish Literature – Robert Burns, Sir designers, artisans and Walter Scott and Robert Louis independents selling world Stevenson. crafts, vintage clothing, antiques and gourmet food head to the West End Village with its indy bohemian feel or the Grassmarket and Victoria Street area in the old town just behind the castle. Much loved bars and bistros complete the mix making these delightful areas to explore.

At Home Explore the National Museum of Scotland from home using the wonder of Google Streetview.

CLICK HERE

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New Year's Eve - Hogmanay 2.30pm A Wee Dram Even if whisky is not usually your tipple of choice, Edinburgh is definitely the place that could convince you otherwise. Plenty of bars in the city boast magnificent whisky collections for you to pick and choose but if you would like to take the opportunity to learn how to appreciate the 'water of life' a little better, book a whisky tasting. The Scotch Whisky Experience has been inspiring visitors to Edinburgh about the joys of Scotch whisky for over 30 years and houses the World's Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky. The Whiski Rooms host daily whisky tastings in the tasting room adjoining their whisky shop and offer an array of options from an Introduction to Whisky Tasting to tasty Whisky and Cheese and Whisky and Chocolate tastings. Learn about how scotch whisky is made and how to enjoy and really savour the different flavours within various whiskies. The Balmoral Hotel offer the opportunity to discover Scotland's national spirit

from the comfort of their signature whisky bar, SCOTCH. You will be guided through your chosen Whisky Journey by one of SCOTCH's knowledgeable Whisky Ambassadors who will provide a wealth of information on the taste & heritage of each dram.

Scotch Whisky Explained At Home Enjoy a Scotch whisky tasting at home and know your blended from your single malts. Try an Online Whisky Tasting experience under the guidance of expert Distillery Ambassadors or invest in a DIY kit complete with tasting notes

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New Year's Eve - Hogmanay 4.30pm A Walk under the Stars As night falls, head to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a magical and festive illuminated trail, complete with a mulled wine or hot chocolate.

Enter into a botanical world festooned with seasonal cheer enhanced by a soundtrack of festive classics. Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour. There are hidden surprises too. Watch out as lights seem to tumble from the undergrowth and flash up trees like fizzing fireworks.

Set in over 70 acres of beautiful landscape and just one mile north of the city centre, the Garden offers superb panoramic views of the city skyline featuring Edinburgh Castle.

At Home Bring your garden or window box to life as night falls with these top tips for festive outdoor illuminations at home.

CLICK HERE

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New Year's Eve - Hogmanay 7pm You Shall go to the Ball!

Get on the glad rags and get ready for the best party of the year!

Whether you are attending the Hogmanay Gala Ball at your luxury hotel or the famous Street Party celebrations on Princes Street and the Ceilidh Under the Castle, your evening is going to go with a swing.

Champagne receptions, pipe bands, haggis, Scottish dancing, 'The Bells', Auld Lang Syne, fireworks, First Footing and a wee dram or two are all the essential hogmanay ingredients for a cracking send off to the old year and a warm welcome to the new.

How to Celebrate Hogmanay like a Scot

At Home Step this way to the Ceilidh!

At Home Join hands at the stroke of midnight for Auld Lang Syne with Rod Stewart to welcome the New Year in the traditional Scottish way PLAY HERE

For Auld Lang Syne (For the sake of old times)’ First verse: Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne*?

Chorus: For auld lang syne, my jo, for auld lang syne, we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Second verse: And surely ye'll be your pintstoup! and surely I'll be mine!

And we'll tak' a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Chorus Third verse: We twa hae run about the braes, and pou'd the gowans fine; But we've wander'd mony a weary fit, sin' auld lang syne.

Fourth verse: We twa hae paidl'd in the burn, frae morning sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar'd sin' auld lang syne.

Chorus Fifth verse: And there's a hand, my trusty fiere! and gie's a hand o' thine!

And we'll tak' a right gude-willie waught, for auld lang syne.

By Robert Burns 1788 Click here to learn more about the origins of Auld Lang Syne.

New Year's Day

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New Year's Day 11am A stroll to clear the head After the inevitable excesses of the night before, enjoy a good breakfast and then you could probably use some New Year fresh air.

A climb up to Arthur's Seat will definitely blow the cobwebs away! The highest point in Holyrood Park, this extinct volcano sits 251m above sea level giving excellent 360 degree views over the city. You'll be in the just the right part of town to call in at the Sheep Heid Inn, it’s one of Edinburgh's oldest surviving watering holes.

Arthur's Seat Walk

Racing enthusiast or novice either way you'll love an afternoon of jumps action at the New Year'sAt Day race meeting at Home Musselburgh Racecourse. This includes The New Year Sprint (most historic athletic event in the world). Or, for the craziest among For a flatter option, join the us, dress up in the wackiest outfit Water of Leith walkway (it runs you can find, join the procession parallel to the Royal Botanic through the streets of South Gardens) and follow Edinburgh's Queensferry and then throw river out to the historic port of yourself into the bracing waters Leith where you'll find plenty of of the Firth of Forth for the annual quirky pubs to quench your thirst. tradition known as the Loony How to Celebrate Hogmanay The King's Wark has delicious Dook. A warmer option is to join like a Scot food and cosy interiors. If you're the spectators! in need of a hair of the dog, Teuchters Landing is renowned for its whisky & beer selection.

And finally ...

Now you've perked up a bit you can join the locals for two New Year's Day traditions.

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Hogmanay@Home 7pm: Champagne Reception accompanied by the sounds of the Scottish Bagpipes

8pm: Traditional Hogmanay Celebration Dinner

Menu Scottish Smoked Salmon & Crowdie Cheese on tattie scones ***** Cock a Leekie Soup ***** Haggis, Neeps and Tatties ***** Clootie Dumpling & Custard Cranachan

10pm: Ceilidh Dancing with the Gordon Pattulo Ceilidh Band

11.55pm: The First Footer leaves the house Midnight The Bells Ring in the New Year Welcome your First Footer Join hands for Auld Lang Syne Toast the New Year with fireworks, shortbread & a fine Scotch whisky

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Your Preparation List Recipes

Smoked Salmon & Crowdie on Tattie Scones Recipe

Cock-a-leekie soup recipe

Haggis, Neeps & Tatties with Whisky Sauce Recipe

CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

Scottish Cranachan Recipe

Clootie Dumpling Recipe

Scottish Petticoat Tails Shortbread Recipe

CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

Porridge Recipe

Haggis Burger Recipe

CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

Hot Toddy Recipe

CLICK HERE

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Your Preparation List Online Suppliers

Dunkeld Scottish Smoked Salmon

Macsween Haggis

Crombie's of Edinburgh Haggis

BUY HERE

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Make your own Haggis Kit

Whisky Tasting Sets

Glencairn Definitive Whisky Tasting Glass

BUY HERE

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Clootie Dumplings (prepared or DIY Kit)

by ClootieMctoot

Firework Displays in a Box for @ home Galactic Fireworks

All Things Tartan!

Bunting, Tableware, Bowties & more.

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Literary Inspiration: Great Hogmanay Reads 44 Scotland Street (Alexander McCall Smith) The story revolves around the comings and goings at No. 44 Scotland Street, a fictitious building in a real street in Edinburgh. 44 Scotland Street is vintage McCall Smith, tackling issues of trust and honesty, snobbery and hypocrisy, love and loss, but all with great lightness of touch. Clever, elegant and funny, this is a novel that provides huge entertainment but which is underpinned by the moral dilemmas of everyday life and the characters' struggles to resolve them.

Complete Poems & Songs of Robert Burns To this day, Burns' poem Auld Lang Syne is sung around the world at the moment the New Year arrives, as a celebration of the greathearted attitude to life and its trials the verses promote.

Arranged according to the date they were written, this anthology contains both famous and lesser known works by Burns. Written in his distinct style, replete with slang and terminology native to his homeland, the poet covers subjects such as love, longing, celebration, politics and emotional expression.

Knots and Crosses (Ian Rankin) This is the very first Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author. The brutal abduction and murder of two young girls is not the sort of thing that happens in Edinburgh. And now a third is missing. Rebus is one of many policemen hunting the killer. Messages begin to arrive: knotted string and matchstick crosses - taunting Rebus with pieces of a puzzle only he can solve

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Must Watch Films to set the Scene

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) Adapted from the novel by Muriel Spark and starring Dame Maggie Smith, Edinburgh provides the idyllic setting for this film. Jean Brodie is a rather unorthodox teacher at an Edinburgh school for girls. Her unconventional views cause controversy especially when one of the students takes the lessons to heart.

Festival (2005) 'Festival' is a black comedy set during the annual Edinburgh Fringe festival. The film is based around both the judging of a major comedy award and the performers at one of the smaller venues. The Fringe is an Edinburgh institution and Festival is a quasi-documentary that allows you to see some of the annual behind the scenes craziness.

Sunshine on Leith (2013) This is a romantic musical based on the stage show featuring songs by the Scottish rock duo, The Proclaimers. Davy and Ally, recently discharged, return to their homes and families in Edinburgh after their Afghanistan tour. As they search for normality, it's not all plain sailing in this funny and moving story about families, friendships, love and life.

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Hogmanay Soundtracks

Click on the Spotify links below for some music suggestions to make your Hogmanay go with a swing

Bagpipes Scottish Bagpipes The Drums and Pipes

Ceilidh Dancing Gordon Pattulo's Ceilidh Dance Party The Lothian Scottish Dance Band Scottish Ceilidh Pop Party The Essential Scottish Ceilidh party Album

New Year Auld Lang Syne Dougie MacClean

After Party Scottish Folk Songs Old & New (Mix) The Great Wee Scottish Party Album

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Hogmanay in Edinburgh Map

Click Here for Detailed Map

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