ALTERNATIVE HOGMANAY EVENTS
Stonehaven Fireballs
The Fireball ceremony is a unique and mesmerising way to bring in the New Year in Stonehaven. Crowds line the high street to watch more than 40 men and women parade up and down the street swinging flaming fireballs around their heads. This is no mean feat, as these giant fireballs can be as big as 60cm (2ft) in diameter! The origins of this tradition is uncertain, but thought to come from Viking invaders. Drams In Dufftown
Dufftown is self-described as the Whisky Capital Of The World, so you’d expect nothing less than a dram or two at Hogmanay. After various events, including a party in the Royal British Legion Club and a ceilidh in the Commercial Hotel, everyone comes together in Dufftown’s town square to share well wishes and enjoy free drams and shortbread – courtesy of the local Glenfiddich distillery and Walkers biscuit factory. The Comrie Flambeaux
At Hogmanay in Comrie, Perthshire, one of Scotland’s oldest fire ceremonies takes place. Giant flaming torches – or flambeaux – are paraded from the town’s centre to the outskirts, purging it of evil. The parade is led by the Comrie Pipe Band and is always a spectacular experience.