Inverness bars and hotels go all out for Hogmanay
Hogmanay is a time for celebration. It’s an opportunity to say goodbye to what no longer serves us, and a hello to new opportunities.
This new year also sees the first celebrations without Covid restrictions since 2019 – and local establishments are ensuring that they go all out for revellers around the area.
Pubs are hosting live music where people can dance into the wee hours, and hotels are putting on banquets and ceilidhs for a good old knees-up.
It is hoped that these hospitality businesses will see a boost to takings during December 31 and into January 1, which was missed during the hiatus.
In Inverness, Gellions Bar, in Bridge Street, and its sister venue The Highlander, in Church Street, have several acts playing throughout the evening, with the latter also serving up some festive food.
Ronnie Ward, supervisor at the Gellions, has high hopes for a good night and is looking forward to welcoming people to see in the bells.
“We are hoping for a very busy night at both our venues,” he said. “We have live acts on throughout the evening and we can ensure that it will be a night of good craic.
“We like to think that people will be back out in force to see in Hogmanay this year, after two years of restrictions.”
Event organiser Steve Robertson has also been busy sorting out celebrations throughout Inverness, including Hootananny’s Hogmanay Extravaganza and a booked out event at the Beaufort Hotel.
He said: “The Hootananny Hogamanay Extravaganza has been sold out for nearly two months, and we still have people from across the world emailing about tickets.
“We think that people love the idea of taking in the bells at an authentic Scottish traditional music bar.
“I’ve also organised the Highland Hogmanay with Schiehallion at Beaufort Hotel and that sold out as well, many weeks ago! The band is one of the more local acts and demand was high for tickets.”
The Whitebridge Hotel, in Stratherrick, is also looking forward to a weekend of partying, with its Hogmanay event including live music, food and a piper, having been sold out since January this year.
Owner Bella Kilgannon said: “Having no restrictions will make a huge difference this time.
“People can get up and dance and we can sit together.
“I think Covid has taught people lessons. Life is short, and people are more receptive and come in for a purpose now! People take that wee bit of extra time to talk to others now.”
It also has a New Year’s Day Sunday Roast with live music on January 1.
Macdonald Drumossie Hotel is also hosting a classy affair, with two options for those wanting to see in the bells.
It has The Big Shindig with a four-course meal, or a First Footing option for those wanting to have a lighter bite and dance the night away to Highland Fire Ceilidh band.
With more than 200 people already booked in to welcome in 2023, the night is shaping up to be a real party.
Feel free to send your Hogmanay photos to newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk and we might publish them next week online and in print.
