Edith Bowman will count down Scotland to the New Year, taking the reins of the BBC's Hogmanay coverage for the first time.

The Fife-born radio and TV presenter, who recently hosted Scotland's Bafta awards, will replace comedian Susan Calman, who has led proceedings for the past two years.

The 47-year-old shared her excitement on Twitter, writing, "So this is my big news."

This year's Hogmanay special will include music from Texas and Emili Sande with a special rendition of Auld Lang Syne presented by Talisk and Claire Hastings, a BBC Scotland Traditional music winner from 2015.

The Herald:

Coverage will switch to Edinburgh Castle as is traditional from midnight with a lone piper and fireworks accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

 

 

This year's BBC Scotland festive TV schedule will include the return of Scotland's People 2021, where Jackie Bird takes to the road to seek out, recognise and thank the country's community heroes.   

She will be assisted by a host of famous faces including; Gary Lineker, Martin Compston, Guilt star Mark Bonnar, Sharleen Spiteri, Greg Wise, Fran Healy, Andy Robertson and Del Amitri.

The Herald:

There will also be a special tribute to former Rangers manager Walter Smith, following his death last month with those who knew him best talking about the legacy he has left and the personal impact he had on their lives and careers.

Scotland's Home of the Year will be given a festive twist as judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Michael Angus and Kate Spiers go in search of the most spectacular homes.

In the one-off special they’ll still be looking for architectural merit and stylish interior design but will also be marking the five finalists on festive flare and Christmas spirit. 

Other TV highlights will include two festive episodes of Growing Up Scottish where comedians and entertainers take a trip down memory lane to the casting politics of school nativities, the presents we always wanted and the sheer joy of dragging our parents out of bed much earlier than expected. 

Among those reminiscing and reflecting will be Ashley Storrie, Karen Dunbar, Bash the Entertainer, Des Clarke, Judith Ralston and Jane McCarry.

The award-winning Breaking the News team, hosted by Des Clarke, will be taking a wry look at the biggest stories and events of the year.

The Herald:

This year's Hogmanay TV will also include a brand new sketch show from Still Game's Greg Hemphill with Robert Florence covering the big talking points of 2021 from COP26 to the wild swimming craze. The duo will joined by  Barbara Rafferty, Clive Russell, Gayle Telfer Stevens, Louise McCarthy, John Gordon Sinclair and Juliet Cadzow.

Scot Squad will make a welcome return featuring everyone’s favourite comic cops and some surprise guest stars.