Scottish cottages for Hogmanay

Scotland is the place to see in the New Year – but the best parties don’t need an official pass or big budget (sorry Edinburgh).

Hogmanay parties need accordions and ceilidhs, bagpipes and auld lang syne – all of which can be found on the Isle of Skye, where every village throws its own bash and the countdown in Portree is led by the island’s Pipe Band - from 11.30pm.

Scottish Cottages points out that some of its houses are big enough to hold their own party - like Hazelbank.  Sleeping up to eight in considerable style on the shores of Dunvegan’s sea-loch, this exceptional house – awaiting Visit Scotland rating – has high ceilings, a sweeping staircase, two large reception rooms, a galleried landing and state-of-the-art kitchen. It also offers views of Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the MacLeod clan since the 13th century.  A week’s rental at New Year, arriving 28 December, costs £985.

At the other end of the scale, Tawmans is a traditional cottage for two, painstakingly restored with a green turf roof, thick stone walls and a cosy wood burner. The nearest party is five miles up the road in the pretty port of Uig.  Alternatively, party poopers can watch the sun set over the sea (there’s no TV), toast 2010 in Talisker malt before snuggling into the king sized bed. It costs £385 to rent Tawmans for seven nights starting 28 December.

For more information and bookings, visit scottish-cottages.co.uk.