No need to explain why. It’s nearly New Year’s Eve – sorry, Hogmanay
Not just any Hogmanay. This is the culmination of Homecoming Scotland, a year-long extravaganza, so the party will be bigger and better than ever.
So what’s going on?
The annual torchlight procession is on 30 December. On NYE, the Concert in the Gardens is to be headlined by Lily Allen; the World Famous Street Party features Mercury winners Young Fathers and Hot Dub Time Machine (playing a song a year from 1954); and the Keilidh on the Mound is a modern take on traditional music. Fireworks go off on the hour from 9pm, and the midnight display is truly spectacular.
Where should I nurse my hangover?
No time for that! Clear your head with a New Year’s Day dip in the Forth, AKA the Queensferry Loony Dook. Then head to Scot:Lands – 11 “worlds” in beautiful buildings and outdoor spaces in the Old Town (free but registration essential; all tickets at edinburghshogmanay.org).
OK, a hair of the dog, then?
There are loads of newcomers. Try gin at the Summerhall Distillery or Heads & Tales, whisky at Devil’s Advocate, or cocktails at Blackbird or Panda & Sons. For something more traditional, try the Abbotsford, a sumptuous Edwardian pub.
I’d better have something to eat …
Aizle has no menu, just a list of ingredients. You cross off things you don’t like, and the chef works his magic. This month’s produce includes trout, wild venison and winter truffle (four courses £35).
And staggering back?
Motel One, a German boutique chain, opened its second hotel in Edinburgh this year. Motel One Edinburgh-Princes has a “royal” theme, doubles from £69 – and availability over Hogmanay.
Do I need a car?
There are three National Tourist Routes to Edinburgh (from Fife, Stirling and the Borders), which make for a scenic drive. By train, it is 50 minutes from Glasgow and about two hours from York, Newcastle, Inverness and Aberdeen. The fastest route from London takes less than five hours, or you can take the Caledonian Sleeper. There are free night buses in Edinburgh and the Lothians on NYE.
