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Old Year's Night

James Naughtie investigates the history and traditions behind the peculiarly Scottish celebration of Hogmanay. From 2003.

Towards the end of every year, thousands of people head north of the border at a time when the days are bewilderingly short and the weather, at best, unpredictable.

The reason?

Hogmanay.

James Naughtie investigates the history and traditions behind this peculiarly Scottish celebration.

Producer: Caroline Barbour

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.

Available now

1 hour

Last on

New Year's Day 2026 00:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Broadcasts

  • Sat 31 Dec 2016 08:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 31 Dec 2016 15:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • New Year's Day 2017 03:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 31 Dec 2025 10:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 31 Dec 2025 16:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • New Year's Day 2026 00:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra