Hogmanay and New Year in Scotland is a chance to celebrate in glamorous style or in cosy comfort, from gala balls to whisky by the log fire.
Wherever you choose to stay, you can be guaranteed excellent food and beautiful surroundings, as the Good Hotel Guide will tell you with 10 of their top hotels for New Year in Scotland…
Douneside House, Tarland
Douneside House is always a magical destination, but when it’s covered in snow it’s the embodiment of festive cheer. Bordering the Cairngorms national park, it’s elegant, stylish and has a treat in store for a Scottish New Year with a bang. It includes three nights’ accommodation full board stay, a traditional Scottish Hogmanay celebration, and a fireworks display to see in 2020.
The Green Park, Pitlochry
A country house with magical gardens peppered with sculptures and loch views, Hogmanay at The Green Park is a total retreat from 29th December onwards. It includes plenty of sherry and Champagne punch, Scottish breakfasts, Bucks Fizz, mince pies, live music and a New Year quiz with both a three and four day break.
Coul House, Strathpeffer
An elegant Highland hotel surrounded by magnificent gardens, Coul House has a delicious air of tradition and a warm and welcoming environment. Perfect for appetite feeding walks and hearty dinners to return to, Hogmanay here is a literal feast, with a package including three night’s dinner bed and breakfast and a gourmet celebration ceilidh.
Kilcamb Lodge, Strontian
On the shores of Loch Sunart and surrounded by hills, Kilcamb Lodge is a beautiful whitewashed 18th-century house bookended by Victorian stone extensions. Here, the festive season is a truly traditional and peaceful celebration with log fires and snow-capped mountains. For Hogmanay, they celebrate by starting the day with porridge with a wee dram, followed by afternoon tea featuring plenty of mince pies and punch, and a black tie gala including a six course dinner, a Scottish piper, fireworks, live music and dancing.
Loch Melfort Hotel, Oban
A dog friendly retreat on the Argyll coast, Loch Melfort Hotel is set in 17 acres of gardens running down to the beach. It’s wonderfully romantic, especially at New Year. For Hogmanay they have cocktails and canapes by the fire, traditional Scottish music performed by talented local musicians, reeling and welcoming in the New Year with the traditional black bun and a wee dram.
The Balmoral, Edinburgh
A spectacularly elegant hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, The Balmoral features a landmark clock tower, a Michelin Star restaurant, classic Scottish art and 500 whiskies to sample. For New Year, they go all out, with a spectacular Hogmanay Gala Ball. Dress up and enjoy a magnificent dinner, coupled with the finest of wines, enjoy a rousing ceilidh band and see the New Year ushered in as musicians lead you in a traditional Auld Lang Syne.
Riverwood, Pitlochry
A contemporary arts and crafts house set in large grounds, Riverwood is a tranquil B&B that’s spacious and tranquil. Guests find it a restful place to stay enjoying good company and a very good night’s sleep whilst participating in Pitlochry’s local Hogmanay celebrations. In particular, there’s a New Year’s Day street party in the village that’s not to be missed.
Killiecrankie Hotel, Pitlochry
This charming 18th century Dower House is impressive and elegant, surrounded by the most magnificent countryside. Over Hogmanay it really shines, taking on an even more convivial atmosphere with either a three or four day retreat complete with a welcoming afternoon tea, a Champagne reception before our celebratory Hogmanay dinner and dancing the night away at the local Ceilidh in the village hall. Enjoy brunch on New Year’s Day, followed by a walk along the riverbank to a Street Party in Pitlochry. 2nd January will be spent clay pigeon shooting and hot spiced cider, followed by pub lunches and musical entertainment.
The Tontine, Peebles
Built in the early 19th century by French prisoners of war, The Tontine is an intriguing place, now best reserved for cocktail evenings and afternoon teas as well as cycling holidays and outdoor leisure. Hogmanay festivities are beautifully enticing including a Champagne cocktail reception, gala dinner and entertainment with a Scottish Ceilidh band and piper for a New Year break in Scotland to remember.
Rufflets, St Andrews
A majestic, stylish hotel where no stylish stone is left unturned, Rufflets never disappoints at New Year, with a distantly Scottish fine dining menu and plenty of entertainment.
You will be greeted with a glass of fizz on arrival, before sitting down to enjoy a delectable four-course dinner. Then dance the night away with a traditional Scottish ceilidh in the Garden Suite. Tables can be reserved for up to 12 people, and it is an adult-only affair.
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