Head for the Scottish Highlands this New Year
As the clocks strike midnight on December 31st there are few places where the traditional New Year song 'Auld Lang Syne' will ring louder or truer than in the heart of the Scottish Highlands - the spiritual home of Hogmanay.
And anyone looking for an authentic Scottish Hogmanay experience need look no further than the legendary Loch Ness for the perfect party setting.
As the bells ring out across the waters of this iconic location, Highland hospitality will be flowing in nearby hostelries, with Hogmanay holidaymakers invited to first foot their way to a number of exciting events in the villages along the shores of the Loch and the nearby Highland capital of Inverness.
In the Loch Ness-side village of Drumnadrochit it will be pipes and drams to hail Hogmanay - as revellers are invited to gather at the Drumnadrochit Hotel and accompany the whisky-filled Quaich cup on a piped procession through the streets before receiving a share of its contents to fuel their efforts at a celebratory ceilidh to see in the New Year.
For those who prefer to experience the craic in the city, the region's capital, Inverness, offers a selection of exciting events. Sitting astride the River Ness, Inverness combines a cosmopolitan city feel with centuries of Highland tradition.
The city's Northern Meeting Park Arena will play host to a free event open to all. 'The Red Hot Highland Fling' features music from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Peatbog Faeries and Blazin' Fiddles who will keep the party going through the night. Other events hosted at pubs and bars across the city include Ceol Mor - a thoroughly Highland hostelry - where artists including the Whisky River Band will keep spirits high throughout Hogmanay.
And there is no better place than Loch Ness and Inverness to clear heads following the festivities. Take a boat trip on the famous loch itself or enjoy unrivalled access to all the best of the outdoors - from mountain biking and walking to horse riding.
Golfing enthusiasts are within easy reach of some of the world's best courses - allowing them to ring in the New Year with a round - whilst skiers and snowboarders can make the short journey to Cairngorm Mountain near Aviemore or Nevis Range near Fort William to indulge their passion for powder.
Families choosing the Loch Ness area for their New Year break can round off the holidays and Hogmanay in the Highlands with a visit to Cairngorm National Park where there are plenty of entertaining activities including reindeer spotting, dog sledding and a range of exotic animals to spy at Highland Wildlife Park.
Hogmanay Accommodation Offers
The Lovat, Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness is an informal, eco-friendly hotel. Hogmanay celebrations include a gourmet 5 course dinner, cocktails and canapés, live entertainment and fireworks. 2 night break for 2 people from £449 including Hogmanay celebrations and B&B on second night. Thelovat.com
Aldourie Castle is the ultimate venue for the ultimate house party. Enjoy the freedom of an entire 15 bedroom castle and its five hundred acre estate. Minimum 3 night booking. Accommodation £15,000+VAT. Aldouriecastle.co.uk
Waterside Hotel, Inverness is situated on the banks of the River Ness in the heart of the Highland's capital city. This relaxed hotel is offering a 2 night DB&B Hogmanay break including champagne, dinner dance and full Scottish breakfast starting from £195 per person. Thewatersideinverness.co.uk
Further information on the area, accommodation and what's on around Loch Ness and Inverness at: visitlochness.com