There is nothing like New Year in Scotland. Whether you are in a local pub, on the streets of Edinburgh or enjoying a party with friends and family Scotland seems to be in its element at Hogmanay.

Scotland’s flagship Hogmanay event is in Edinburgh. With leading music events and DJs this is an all ticket affair. The concert is part of the larger street party in Princes Street. You can still have a great time in Edinburgh without buying a ticket– there are lots of great pubs in Edinburgh and many will be having parties to bring in the New Year. Alternatively there will be a torchlight procession from Parliament Square to Calton Hill with a fireworks display.

There are many other events at the theatres and concert venues that Edinburgh such a great city for a party. The Usher Hall has Scottish Fiddle Orchestra – hive you ever heard; Auld Lang Syne played by a fiddle orchestra? The Queenshall will do things in a traditional Scottish way with a Ceilidh hosted by the band Heeliegoleerie and piper to bring in the New Year.

If all this sounds rather full on perhaps a more peaceful time in Perthshire might be the way to bring in 2012.  Auchterarder might be a good place to stay. There is a good assortment of pubs in town to choose from and there is a great array of shops. What better way to clear your head on New Year’s day than to stroll along the Oak Walk from the town? Mackays has two Scottish cottages in Aucterrarder that have both received excellent reviews for previous guests.

Should you still feel you want a big party to enjoy at a New Year Perth Race Course Bring in the New Year with Perth race course. This offers a mixture of the traditional Ceilidh and disco at the racecourse just to the north of Perth.

Pitlochry is one of the Scottish towns that goes a bit crazy for New Year. They close their main street and have a proper party. The pubs and hotels of this beautiful Scottish Highland town make a special effort to welcome the guests. Mackays has several Scottish cottages available in and around Pitlochry. all just a short walk from the party.

There is something to do for Hogmanay where ever you stay in Scotland and Mackays probably has a self catering cottage nearby. To see all the Scottish cottages to choose from visit www.macakys-self-catering.co.uk.

Author: Abhishek Bhan