Tag: Hogmanay

Good Lord – Provost to join Loony Dookers!

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Councillor Donald Wilson is preparing to plunge into the Forth’s icy waters for charity when he takes on the New Year’s Day Loony Dook challenge in South Queensferry.

LoonyDookPart of the three day festival for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the event will see over 1,000 ‘Dookers’ cheered on by 4,000 spectators start 2015 with a dip in the River Forth in the shadow of the world-famous Forth Bridges.

The Lord Provost has signed up to take part to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution RNLI, which provides a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service across the UK.

He commented: “The event is great fun and will be raising money for a fantastic charity. The South Queensferrry branch of the RNLI will receive a 10 per cent donation from each registration fee for the event this year. I’m either brave or barmy to sign up, but I’m very glad to lend my support. I wish everyone taking part the best of luck and a happy – albeit chilly – start to the New Year!”

The Loony Dook is organised by Unique Events, who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council. Earlier this month, organisers confirmed that M&D’s, who operate Scotland’s Theme Park in Strathclyde Country Park and also run the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay carnival, will be supporting the event. It is also funded by EventScotland and Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

This year’s event has been a sell out and no more spaces are available. It will start with a Dookers’ Parade, led by the Beastie Drummers, at 1.20pm followed by the Dook itself at 1.30pm on Thursday 1st January. Spectators are welcome to cheer on the Dookers from various vantage points along the route.

Find out more at the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme

Let’s make this a Hogmanay to remember

Chief Medical Officer calls for responsible drinking over Hogmanay

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Sir Harry Burns, has urged revellers to take care this Hogmanay.

Sir Harry said: “Whether you are seeing in the bells at one of Scotland’s outdoor parties or in the company of close friends and family, Hogmanay is a wonderful time of the year to be enjoyed.

“Everyone should have a night to remember and this means taking responsibility for your drinking.

“There are simply too many people across Scotland drinking too much alcohol and putting their health at risk. You shouldn’t think this happens only to other people, alcohol misuse affects people across society. There’s nothing wrong with having a drink, as long as it’s done safely and not to excess.

“If you are planning to drink this New Year’s Eve then enjoy a good meal before you go out. It’s also important to keep track of what you are drinking. Cocktails and generous home pours can contain much more alcohol that you might think.”

“Missing a round of drinks is absolutely fine. It’s good to be sociable but don’t let others dictate your pace. You don’t need to drink alcohol throughout the night, having a soft drink or a glass of water will help you feel much better in the morning and let you enjoy the festivities until much later.

“Many people will be setting themselves the challenge to lose weight or to become healthier next year. One of the easiest ways to achieve both is to cut back on the how much and how often you drink. Small changes in your alcohol consumption will make a big difference to your health at the end of 2014.”

“I want everyone to enjoy Hogmanay and remind them this can be done without drinking too much. Keep warm, keep safe and remember if you are planning to drive the next morning be very careful the night before”

The message comes the day after Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill met representatives from Best Bar None and Police Scotland to hear their plans for ensuring everyone in the capital and beyond enjoys a safe and happy Hogmanay 2013.

For more information on responsible drinking visit http://www.drinksmarter.org/

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Scotland gets ready to welcome the New Year

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With Christmas celebrations over for another year the final preparations for Hogmanay parties are now now being made across the country.

With the welcome news that all homes across Scotland have now had their power supply restored, Transport Minister Keith Brown says that people can really look forward to the Hogmanay festivities.

Keith Brown said: “The recent storms that hit Scotland over the last few days may have caused disruption to the Christmas festivities but the latest information from the Met Office suggests normal December weather for Hogmanay, which means people can celebrate the New Year across Scotland as planned. I would encourage everyone to check their local event arrangements and local travel arrangements on Tuesday.

“We are expecting the weather to be usual for a December in Scotland so I would urge everyone to wrap up warm and get out there and make the most of the celebration parties being hosted across the country. Hogmanay is a time to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the year to come. With the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and, of course, the Referendum to come in 2014, people can be sure of an exciting year ahead for Scotland.

“We must never be complacent however, so while organisers continue to plan their events the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room will remain open into the New Year. This will allow us to plan for the best while being prepared for the worst and will allow the Scottish Government, emergency services, transport agencies and utility companies to work together quickly to adapt planning to any unforeseen weather events. I will personally visit the Multi Agency Response Team on the evening of Hogmanay to oversee any final arrangements. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year.”

Penny Dougherty of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will enjoy three days of celebrations starting with the Torchlight Procession which will launch the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014.

“Scotland’s Big Year Starts Here” when 80,000 revellers from around the globe welcome the New Year at the world famous Street Party and can also enjoy free night bus services supported by Diageo and Lothian Buses, taking them home safely across the capital. Hogmanay Services will run from after the bells until 4am.”

Hope it stops raining, though …

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