Practices and customs

Hogmanay has thrown up some curious practices and quaint customs - here are some.

20 Versions of Auld Lang Syne

To get you in the mood for tonight's Hogmanay festivities wherever you are, here are twenty versions of Auld Lang Syne.

It's amazing to think how ubiquitous this song has become, considering it was penned in 1788 by Scotland's national poet Robert Burns to a traditional folk song.

Auld Lang Syne lyrics

Auld Lang Syne

Written in 1788 by Robert Burns and sung to a traditional Scottish folk melody, the song's title literally means 'old long since', but is the equivalent of such sayings as 'for old time's sake'

Hangover Cures

It's life's most easily forgotten lesson: boozing begets hangovers.

What's The Perfect Hogmanay?

It's the last day of the year. Tomorrow is a new year. Thousands of us will take to the streets for a grand celebration. But what do you think the best way is to see the Auld Year out and the Ne'er in?

Hogmanay Karaoke - Auld Lang Syne

Hogmanay Media Gallery

The Hogmanay.net Millennium Mix Footage capturing some of the revelry on the streets of Edinburgh at Hogmanay time, with music by Russian Ho

Designated Driver

Let's face it: being designated driver doesn't just mean driving everyone home. It also carries with it the implied responsibility for everyone's well-being. Anything goes wrong, and it's you that's left carrying the can. The best way to deal with this is to be frightfully scoutish and "be prepared". So anticipate and plan for the worst, and take the steps you can ... or take the bus.