FUNDRAISING PUSH FOR HOGMANAY STREET PARTY
DORNOCH is ready to build on the success of last year’s Hogmanay Street Party.
The celebrations were forced to go on hold for two years by the pandemic.
But last year’s decision to revive the annual gathering in the Square was rewarded by a huge turn-out for The Bells.
Event coordinator Lou Rollason said fundraising had been stepped up to cover the near £8000 cost of hosting the crowd-pulling event, which fills hotel bedrooms as visitors are lured to Dornoch in their droves to enjoy a traditional Highland Hogmanay.
The organisers are grateful to Royal Dornoch Golf Club and members for their support.
“We have set-up a Dornoch Hogmanay Street Party JustGiving page and this year we are also holding a raffle, with local businesses proving very supportive with donations of prizes,” said Lou.
“Tickets will be available at the party and in advance from various local businesses, with the draw being made on January 2.
“Throughout the weekend there will be a variety of events to enjoy at the Cathedral and elsewhere in town, including First Foot breakfasts, whisky tasting and, of course, the popular Loony Dook run by the East Sutherland Rescue Association team, which provides safety cover for the brave bunch taking to the waters of the Dornoch Firth.”
Royal Dornoch has presented a sought-after voucher for a fourball on our world-famous Championship Course, Dornoch Castle Hotel has donated a two-night stay and afternoon tea for four at the Royal Golf Hotel features among the many prizes.
“After missing out for two years because of the pandemic, it was wonderful to see locals and visitors again mingling to bring in 2023 at the party organised under the umbrella of the Dornoch and District Community Association,” noted Lou.
This year’s December 31 party gets under way at 10pm, with live music, food courtesy of Highland Larder and Treats on the Street and a dram on offer in the heart of the Royal Burgh.
Once again, the Hogmanay Pipe Band and a ceilidh band will entertain the crowds, with a lone piper taking to the battlements of the Dornoch Castle Hotel ushering in 2024 along with a spectacular fireworks display.
“The Hogmanay Street Party is great for the economy of the area, with hotels reporting bedroom accommodation filling-up nicely,” said Lou.
“The organising committee in Dornoch has been working up the programme for months and now the countdown is on in earnest.”
You can make a donation at justgiving.com/campaign/dornochhogmanay