Scots Whay Hae!’s Alternative Hogmanay Night In - 2025…

Once again Montgomery Scott raises a glass to see out the old year and ring in the new, and that means it’s time for Scots Whay Hae!’s annual selection of New Year’s Eve treats. It’s an alternative to the Hogmanay telly, so if there’s little you fancy on the box there might be something here to your liking.

We kick things off with some music, and last month saw the publication of Grant McPhee's new book Caledonian Screaming (published with Into Books) which looks at Scotland's complicated yet influential Punk scene, and those who were there. I can tell you it's a terrific read, but below is a 9 minute teaser released for Grant's films which eventually became Big Gold Dream and Teenage Superstars, both of which are essential viewing if you have an interest in Scotland's musical history:

For over ten years I was lucky enough to cook every summer on the VIC 32. Built in 1943 she is one of the last of the steam puffers. This film follows crew and passengers as they leave from Tarbert on Loch Fyne to the Isle of Bute, then head to the waters of the Kyles before arriving in Tighnabruaich. The very definition of slow TV, if you're looking to have a relaxing Hogmanay then this will do the trick:

One of my highlights of the year was chairing at the Edinburgh Book Festival, including an event with writers and journalists Dylan Jones, Miranda Sawyer & Arusa Qureshi for Music Across the Decades. You can watch the full event by clicking here - Music Across the Decades - or the image below:

Next year sees the directorial debut from James McAvoy arrive in our cinemas. It's called California Schemin' and this is the trailer:

As the year comes to an end (and thoughts turn to Scotland's return to the World Cup stage), it's worth reminding ourselves of one of the most incredible nights of 2025. This is worth multiple views:

We also like to offer up our very own Hootenanny to see you through the Bells, and there were lots of great songs released in 2025 which happened to have great videos as well. Here's just a select few, starting with someone who had an incredible 2025. Brooke Combe's album Dancing at the Edge of the World was one of the best of the year (shortlisted for the SAY Awards), but for me her best release was the single 'How Can I Tell You? (To Love Me More)':

Way back in January, Beautiful Cosmos (Glasgow indie-pop legends Anna Miles & Matt Brennan) released their debut album Dance of the Atoms, which was launched at Celtic Connections, a memorable night at The Glad Cafe. It's a wonderful record, and this is the title track:

Beautiful Cosmos were artist of the week on the Scots Whay Hae! Radio Show, as was Scott C. Park who spoke about his eagerly-awaited debut album Crossing The Line which came out in May. This is 'Day Job', one of the standout tracks:

Someone else whose debut album came out in May was Oran Ra, a band who have long been favourites of SWH!. The album is called The Travellers, and it was among the best of the year. Below is Part One of their Big Tree Sessions, featuring 'The Island' & 'Den of Thieves':

I'm going to leave you with something to chill out to as you enter the new year. We've featured Alex Tronic many times over the years on Scots Whay Hae!, but 'Strangers That Listen' from earlier this year - featuring the haunting vocals of Constance Pennycuick - is as good as anything he has released to date. See what you think:

And if you're after more music then you'll find all the SWH! CamGlen Radio Shows here - The Scots Whay Hae! Radio Show - and you can still catch up with our Best Music Of 2025 podcast with Fiona Liddell and Ali talking about 20 of the best tracks of 2025, & discover the SWH! Best Albums of 2025.

Huge thanks to all of our podcast and radio show guests this year, and to all those people who have read, liked, listened to, supported, and shared what we do. It's appreciated more than you could ever know, and we hope to offer more of the same, yet completely different, in 2026.

From everyone involved with Scots Whay Hae!, Happy New Year and we’ll see you on the other side… Ali x