Hogmanay 2006 – Scotland’s big night in

Scotland’s reputation for upholding Hogmanay celebrations could be a thing of the past as a new report has found the vast majority of Scots are planning on snubbing the revelry this year because of the cost of partying and the struggle to get a taxi home.
New Clydesdale Bank research found just six per cent of Scots are planning to hold or attend a Hogmanay party to see in 2007 and just one in 10 (10%) will either be having friends and family around or are going to their homes.

The reason why more than one in four people (26%) are avoiding a wild night out is because the cost of celebrating Hogmanay is so much. A similar number (23%) cite problems with getting a taxi home as a reason for staying in.

Steve Reid, Clydesdale Bank’s retail banking director, said: “We normally associate Hogmanay with outrageous parties and excessive spending but something appears to be putting many off celebrating altogether. The costs and perhaps over-commerciality of the night is keeping people at home.”

Hey ‘small’ spenders
Clydesdale Bank’s research found just one in 10 (11%) households are planning to spend more than £200 on Hogmanay celebrations this year to cover the costs of taxis, drinking and party outfits.

Steve Reid said: “Recent interest rates rises, high energy bills and the long wait until pay day at the end of the month could all be contributing factors to people feeling the pinch when it comes to Hogmanay. It appears more people are making the sensible choice to save on their finances rather than push themselves into debt.”

Stay at home capital
Dundonians are the most likely to be saving their cash and preferring a night in on Hogmanay, according to Clydesdale Bank’s research. One in three people from the city (32%) are planning a night in compared to one in four in (24%) Edinburgh.

People in Aberdeen are the most likely to snub the party altogether. One in four (25%) admit they will probably have gone to bed before Big Ben strikes 12. Nationally, one in seven (14%) Scots think they’ll be tucked up in bed for the celebrations.

Steve Reid said: “Hogmanay celebrations aren’t for everyone and it would seem those in Aberdeen might not be up for a big party this year and could be opting for an early night.”

Upholding traditions

Despite not being up for a big party this year, some are still upholding some traditions this Hogmanay. One in five (20%) will be welcoming in Hogmanay with a special toast and one in seven households (15%) will be continuing with the traditional first-footing celebrations.

Steve Reid said: “A special toast and quiet celebrations is obviously the trend for this Hogmanay. Spending the night at home with the family rather than scrambling for space in the pub and getting covered in everyone’s else’s drinks at the stroke of midnight seems to be the most popular way to celebrate.”