Celebrate with a Wonderfully Walkers Hogmanay

Why Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year, making it synonymous with celebrating New Year’s Eve in a truly Scottish manner. Whilst outside the UK many may have never heard of Hogmanay, from festive fireworks to visiting friends and partaking in lively parties across Scotland, it’s a longstanding celebration that’s not to be missed!

Hogmanay Traditions

With origins reaching back to the celebrations of winter solstice amongst the Vikings, Hogmanay brings with it a wealth of festive traditions. As well as being a time to enjoy a drink with friends and attend parties to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of the next, more sentimental traditions include the exchanging of the Scottish saying, “Lang may yer lum reek”, which is our way of wishing someone a long and healthy life.

A Hogmanay highlight for Scots and visitors alike, the festive firework displays offer a truly awe-inspiring way to celebrate the New Year. This year, the world-famous Edinburgh Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks, set beneath the incredible backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, can be viewed on the castle ramparts. However, if braving the cold isn’t for you, you can catch them on television too. Just don’t forget to join in the Auld Lang Syne sing song wherever you are!

Written by Scottish national bard, Robert Burns, Auld Lang Syne is often sung during Hogmanay celebrations. Linking arms and bursting into song as the clock strikes midnight, find the words to the chorus below so you can join in with this heart-warming tradition:

“For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
and surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.”

A New Year Feast

Often followed by further celebrations on the morning of New Year’s Day, or even the 2nd January on the Scottish bank holiday, Hogmanay brings with it plenty of opportunity for a delicious feast.

Whether you’re hosting friends and family for Hogmanay or attending celebrations elsewhere, creating a tasty party platter offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in your Walkers Shortbread favourites. Ensuring you’re catering for sweet and savoury fans alike, a mix of rich fruit cake and delicious shortbread paired with Walkers oatcakes and cheese should do the trick!