Category Archives: Edingburgh

Celebrate Hogmanay this New Year in Scotland

Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh
Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh

There is nothing quite like the exuberant Hogmanay celebrations each New Year in Scotland.

Tens of thousands take to streets in the major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to bring in the New Year with a very Scottish flavour.  A fun evening of celebrations and wonderful food reaches the New Years Eve  climax with the accompaniment of a lone piper, the bells at midnight and the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne (based on the words of famous Scot Robbie Burns).

Each area of Scotland has their own traditions and customs for Hogmanay, although perhaps the best known and most widely continued is that of First Footing.  This is where you hope that the first person crossing your threshold after midnight is a tall dark stranger bearing gifts which will bring you good luck in the year ahead.

You will find Hogmanay celebrations taking place in towns all across Scotland but some of the popular  bigger events can be found in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Stirling.

We think it is a great time to visit Scotland, to fully immerse yourself in the culture, tradition and celebrations, so why not enjoy a cottage or apartment break in Scotland.  We have put some suggestions together for you including close to some of these bigger Hogmanay New Year events.  Cottages for Hogmanay and New Year

 

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Edinburgh Festivals and Military Tattoo Short Breaks in Scotland

Edinburgh hosts a staggering 12 world class Festivals each year ranging from Jazz and Blues to Books and Films which makes Edinburgh the Festival city of the UK and the perfect place for a short break.

Like us, you have probably heard of the Edinburgh International Festival, the Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh Fringe but we have to admit we were surprised how many other wonderful events there are including the International Book and Film Festivals, Imaginate Children’s Festival, Science Festival, the Art Festival and lots more.

It’s quite a line up and although some of the best known ones are in August you will the others spread across the year.

All of this adds up to a staggering 2,500 events each year and so, it is fair to say, if there is one place you are planning to head this year for a weekend break or short break make it Edinburgh as you are sure to be well entertained.

The key dates for the Edinburgh Festivals in 2012 are:

2012 Summer Festivals

  • Edinburgh International Film Festival- 20 June – 1 July 2012
  • Edinburgh Festival Fringe- 3rd – 27th August 2012
  • Edinburgh International Festival- 9th Aug – 2nd Sept 2012
  • Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival- 20th July – 29th July 2012
  • Edinburgh International Book Festival- 11th – 27th Aug 2012
  • The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo- 3rd – 25th Aug 2012
  • Edinburgh Mela Festival- 31st Aug – 2nd Sept 2012
  • Edinburgh Art Festival- 2nd Aug – 2nd Sept 2012

2012 Autumn and Winter Festivals

  • Scottish International Storytelling Festival: 19-28 October 2012 
  • Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: 30 Dec 2012- 1 January 2013

 

Find out more about the Edinburgh Festivals and self catering accommodation close by

 

Best Selling Cottages in Scotland

If you are heading to Scotland for a short break or holiday and are not sure where to head, then take a look at some of our top selling Scottish cottage holidays. Our top 10 Best Sellers in Scotland so far include cottages and apartments in the popular areas of Inverness-shire, Argyll and Edinburgh.

Although these are the top 10 customer favourites, there are over 1,000 excellent self catering cottages and apartments featured on Find Cottage Holidays with everything you could want from a cottage holiday including open fires, hot tubs, swimming pools, spas and many more luxuries!

However, it’s the wonderful Scottish scenery that takes centre stage, from the highlands to the lochs and waterways. You will find some superb cottages and apartments that are the perfect place to take in the views, chill out and have a great holiday.