Plan a Red Hot Highland Hogmanay!
For an authentic Scottish New Year experience, look no further than the capital city of the Highlands - the spiritual home of Hogmanay!
The city of Inverness has lined up a fantastic range of Hogmanay hoolies and Celtic ceilidhs at venues around the city on New Year's Eve. And over 10,000 revellers will be letting their hair down at the Red Hot Highland Fling in the city's Northern Meeting Park Arena. This free event is open to all - and will be hosted by Scottish comedian and Edinburgh Festival veteran Craig Hill for the second year running.
Live music to dance the night away in traditional Highland Hogmanay style will be provided by top Scottish rock band Big Country, as well as the Treacherous Orchestra, Whisky River Band and Skerryvore, all of whom promise to help bring the New Year in with a bang.
This big-scale event will be filmed by the BBC and, as the bells and fireworks herald the arrival of 2013, guests will form part of the televised singing of Auld Lang Syne nationwide.
The event is family friendly, but for parents who prefer to go it alone, Inverness can also provide the perfect opportunity to wear out the wee ones earlier on New Year's Eve - with the Wee Hot Highland Fling in Inverness city centre from noon to 3pm.
Musicians, dancers and costumed characters will be on hand in various locations around Inverness, providing a dazzling afternoon of entertainment - whatever the weather. Organisers advise bringing a camera and wrapping up warm for some great family fun to round off 2012.
And of course, once visitors have enjoyed the craic in Inverness, the surrounding Highlands offers a great choice of ways to clear the post-Hogmanay head.
Visitors can first foot their way along one of many great walks in the local countryside - from the National Nature Reserve of Glen Affric to part or all of the 30 mile South Loch Ness Trail or they can fill their lungs with some fresh sea air on Nairn's beautiful seven mile long stretch of beach.
Spot deer or dolphin on one of the area's fascinating wildlife tours, or see the New Year in with a swing on one of the nearby world-class golf courses before enjoying some Highland hospitality at one of the many hostelries serving up drams of local whiskies.
Highland Accommodation and Packages in Inverness
Highland Apartments: highlandapartments.co.uk
Enjoy the flexibility of luxury serviced apartments in the centre of Inverness overlooking the River Ness, less than five minutes' walk from the centre's shops, restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes.
1,2 and 3 bedroom serviced accommodation from £130 per night.
The Waterside Hotel: thewatersideinverness.co.uk
This privately owned hotel has an enviable riverside location overlooking the River Ness in the heart of the city.
A 2-night Hogmanay package with dinner on one night, full Scottish breakfasts and a Gala Hogmanay Ceilidh Dinner Dance with champagne reception, piper and fireworks starts from £229 per person.
Culloden House Hotel: cullodenhousehotel.co.uk
More than two centuries ago Bonnie Prince Charlie used Culloden House as his lodging and battle headquarters prior to the fateful battle on Culloden Moor. This historic Inverness luxury hotel stands in nearly 40 acres of woodland and private gardens.
A 2-night Hogmanay package delivers all things Scottish from pipers to storytellers, from ceilildh bands to clarsach players and sumptuous food and includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner and all entertainment. Prices start from £485 per person.
For more information on what to see and do in Inverness check out inverness-scotland.com.
