We all hoped it would be different this year, but newly imposed Covid restrictions will likely see most of us celebrating New Year's Eve at home for the second time in a row. 

Even the iconic Edinburgh Hogmanay was cancelled last week, as new government measures capping numbers for outdoor celebrations made it impossible for it to go ahead.

But what about Glasgow?

We have been used to welcoming the new year in smaller indoor gatherings for some time now.

While we still put up a good party, whenever that time of the year approaches, one question arises: where is Glasgow's own Hogmanay party?

Glasgow Times: Micheal and Gillian Hully from West Cumbria dancing in the street after the bells in 2003. Photo: Kieran DoddsMicheal and Gillian Hully from West Cumbria dancing in the street after the bells in 2003. Photo: Kieran Dodds

Does Glasgow have a Hogmanay party?

Those with good memory will remember Glasgow did have its own city-funded event that ran through the bells. 

But the last large-scale public celebration running into the new year took place in 2011.

Previously, George Square had been the focal point of celebrations on the last night of the year. 

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The history of Glasgow's Hogmanay goes way back to the first half of the 20th century. It was already celebrated in George Square in 1939.

More recently, it featured ticketed events like the Hogmanay Ceilidh - one of Scotland's biggest - and gigs headlined by the likes of Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, Deacon Blue and Snow Patrol. 

The party of course concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks above the City Halls, on the notes of Auld Lang Syne.

Glasgow Times: Crowds welcome the new year in George Square in 1939.Crowds welcome the new year in George Square in 1939.

What happened to Glasgow's Hogmanay celebrations?

After 2011, the city started shutting its celebrations down at 10pm to focus on day time events. 

At the time, council leaders preferred investing in the extended festive period rather than the midnight New Year bash, The Scotsman reporter in 2013.

That's when Glaswegians started moving into nightclubs and pubs to greet the first day of the year.

We asked Glasgow Life, the charity delivering major events in the city on behalf of Glasgow City Council, if there are any plans to bring the Hogmanay party back, but their position seems unchanged. 

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A spokesperson said: “Glasgow is a vibrant and welcoming city at all times of the year, offering unrivalled entertainment for people of all ages, delivered by the hospitality, music, leisure, theatre, events and night-time industries.

"The focus of winter and Glasgow Loves Christmas programmes is to support these industries and attract people to Glasgow during the festive period where they can enjoy some of the unforgettable experiences on offer.”

Glasgow Times: Revellers party in George Square during the New Year celebrations in 2004.Photo: Nick PontyRevellers party in George Square during the New Year celebrations in 2004.Photo: Nick Ponty

What is Hogmanay and why do we call New Year's Eve that way?

Hogmanay is Scots for the last day of the old year and has come to include celebrations running into the first, sometimes even the second, day of the new year.

Its origin is unclear, but experts believe it comes from the Norse or Gaelic festivities around the winter solstice. 

Scotland has several traditions related to Hogmanay.

One of the most popular is the practice of first-footing: after midnight the first person to cross the threshold of a friend's house brings a small gift like salt, a fruit cake, shortbread and a dram of whisky, to ensure goodluck to the householder.

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Another famous Hogmanay custom is singing Auld Lang Syne. Originally a poem by Robert Burns, it is now sung across the world, preferably linking arms with loved ones as you bid the old year farewell. 

Regional traditions include Stonehaven's fireball display, where balls of chicken wire filled with old newspaper, sticks and rags are set alight as the Old Town House bell sounds midnight.

Hogmanay is taken pretty seriously across the country, with - almost - all major Scottish cities holding all-night celebrations before Covid.

But the most well-known are in Edinburgh, whose Hogmanay is one of the largest in the world.