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Edinburgh Hogmanay 2011: Out of town and countryside options in Scotland

Source: The List (Issue 690)
Date: 19 December 2011
Written by: Lauren Mayberry

Edinburgh Hogmanay 2011: Out of town and countryside options in Scotland

Five non-city centre activities this Hogmanay

Detour’s Aviemore Bash
Detour definitely know how to party, so their Hogmanay gathering should be a riot. Live sets come from Kitty the Lion and Stanley Odd, plus DJ set from the Detour team (chances of taps aff action: extremely likely). There are no pre-sales, so be sure to get down early.
31 Dec, The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore, 9.30pm, £10.

The Loony Dook

Nothin’ says New Year like freezing your bits off in the Forth, right? The Loony Dook is a 25-year-old tradition, often accompanied by fancy dress and plenty of amused family members. The Grand Parade of chilly swimmers starts at Queensferry High Street and registration is required in advance at edinburghshogmanay.com
1 Jan, South Queensferry Lifeboat Station, time tbc, £6.

The Red Hot Highland Fling

Allegedly Scotland’s biggest free Hogmanay party, those with relatives up north can take a road trip and bring in the New Year with Craig Hill. Bands include locals Hooja, Wolfstone and Skerryvore. Tickets: no. Fireworks: yes.
31 Dec, Northern Meeting Park Arena, Inverness, 8pm, free.

Musselburgh New Year’s Race Day

For a family-friendly start to January, you could take your mammy to the races. Part of Edinburgh’s official Hogmanay but slightly further out of town, Musselburgh hosts a special New Year Sprint which involves people running instead of horses.
1 Jan, Musselburgh Racecourse, 10.45am, £21.

Stirling Castle

The official Stirling celebrations, complete with fireworks, the Heart of Scotland choir, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Three Blind Wolves and Eddie Reader. Put on mittens to survive the likely breeze on the Esplanade and re-learn the words to ‘Patience of Angels’ in advance.
31 Dec, Stirling Castle, 9pm, £15–£20.

More: Music, Craig Hill, Detour, Eddie Reader, Hogmanay, Hooja, Kitty the Lion, loony dook, Musselburgh, Skerryvore, Stanley Odd, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Three Blind Wolves, Wolfstone