Torchlight Procession
When does it take place? Hogmanay, 6.30pm.
Where is it? The procession starts on Edinburgh's Chambers Street before weaving through the capital towards Calton Hill.
Does it cost anything? This is a free, unticketed event to watch. If you want to carry a torch it costs £7 on the night (£6 in advance). Torch vouchers are available from the Hogmanay box office and other ticket outlets.
What happens? Described as a "river of fire", the torchlight procession is famous for being the opening event for the city's Hogmanay celebrations. According to those in the know "a bunch of noisy, hairy Vikings" lead a procession of people carrying flaming torches through the streets. The procession culminates on Calton Hill with the Son et Lumiere and Firework Finale at around 7.45pm.
Anything else? This is an outdoors event so some waterproofs and woolly gloves wouldn't go amiss.
www.edinburghshogmanay.org.
Loony Dook
When does it take place? Ne'er Day, 11am-1pm.
Where is it? Queensferry, beginning on High Street and ending in the water of the Firth of Forth.
Does it cost anything?
Registration is free, tickets to the event cost £7 and must be booked in advance.
What happens? A mass splash in the Firth of Forth, under the shadow of the Forth Road bridge, where groups of people, usually in fancy dress, dip themselves into the water to celebrate the new year and raise money for charity. Spectators are welcome.
Anything else? Tickets will not be sold on the day. South Queensferry pubs, cafes and restaurants remain open on New Year's Day.
www.edinburghshogmanay.com
The Ba' Game
When does it take place? Ne'er Day. Boys' (under 16) at 10.30am; men's at 1pm
Where is it? Kirkwall, Orkney: Mercat Cross on the Kirk Green opposite the cathedral.
Does it cost anything? Free, no tickets required. Large crowds expected.
What happens? A game of mob football involving around 200 people battling for the ba', in a game based on medieval football rules. The participants fall into two groups, the Uppies and Doonies, depending on where in Kirkwall you live, or which side of the town you arrived from. A mixture of rugby and football, the aim of the game is, of course, to get the ba' into the opposing team's goal.
Anything else? This is not for softies.
www.bagame.com
Stonehaven Fireballs
When does it take place? Hogmanay, from 11pm.
Where is it? Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, parading up and down the High Street.
Does it cost anything? Free, no tickets required.
What happens? Between 40 and 50 participants walk the streets swinging flaming torches around their heads with great skill, creating an amazing spectacle. The event also features a performance from the Stonehaven Pipe Band.
Anything else? The fireball event is free: for access to the Hogmanay event at Market Square tickets are required. Spectators are advised to wear old clothing in case of sparks flying from the fireballs.
stonehavenfireballs.co.uk/
Biggar Bonfire
When does it take place? Hogmanay, at 9.30pm.
Where is it? Biggar High Street, Biggar.
Does it cost anything? Free, no tickets required.
What happens? A large bonfire is constructed and then set alight in the middle of Biggar High Street to bring in the New Year. The celebration is said to date back to ancient pagan times when fire was worshipped and was believed to ward off evil spirits. The celebration was even carried out during the depths of the second world war when locals burned a candle in a tin to mark the event.
Anything else? The event can be watched live on the internet by webcam.
www.biggarbonfire.org.uk
Edinburgh's Dogmanay
When does it take place? Ne'er Day 11.30am-15.20pm.
Where is it? Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.
Does it cost anything? Free, no booking necessary.
What happens? A afternoon of sled-dog racing involving different breeds competing in groups of two, three and four. The entertainment includes a novelty dog show, obedience and clicker-training demonstrations, Kennel Club good citizen bronze certificates for junior handling, and prizes for the waggiest tail and dog most like its owner. Visitors will also have a chance to snuggle a sled-dog.
www.edinburghshogmanay.org/
Glasgow Loves Hogmanay
(until 10pm)
When does it take place? Hogmanay 12-10pm
Where is it? George Square, Glasgow.
Does it cost anything? Free, no booking necessary.
What happens? An all-day event for all the family which features storytelling for children, drum bands, a ceilidh, pipe bands, Highland dancing and much more. There will be lots of entertainment, food, drink and live music for the whole day.
Anything else? An outdoor event so dress appropriately, large crowds expected.
www.glasgowloveschristmas.com/glasgow-loves-hogmany/
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