Hogmanay street party in Sutherland set to return after two-year absence
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After an absence of two years, the Hogmanay street party in Dornoch is set to make a welcome return – and organisers are now seeking contributions towards the running of the event.
For years, people have flocked from all over to experience a true Scottish Hogmanay in the Sutherland town.
The historic setting of the 15th-century Dornoch Castle Hotel, the Dornoch Cathedral (built in 1224) and the Carnegie Courthouse, has always provided a magnificent venue for illuminated midnight celebrations to usher in the new year.
However, due to Covid, Dornoch's new year festivities have been placed on hold for the past two years.
The last Hogmanay street party in Dornoch took place on December 31, 2019.
This year, organisers have been putting plans in place for its long overdue return. The evening will kick off with the pipe band at 10pm and then at 11.55pm, a lone piper will take to the battlements of the Dornoch Castle Hotel to bring in 2023.
The bells will be followed by a firework display and live music in the square until 1.30am, complimented by food and refreshments.
The organisers of the street party have set a fundraising target of £3000 to cover this year's costs.
Dornoch Distillery are one local business who have done their bit to ensure that the event meets its fundraising targets.
A representative for the distillery said: "We are delighted to have made a donation of £2390 to the Dornoch Hogmanay Street Party fund from the sale of our Hogmanay blended Scotch Whisky.
"As a volunteer led event that is incredibly beneficial to Dornoch, it is essential to donate and support however you can. We have a few bottles left in our Dornoch Shop on Station Square."
The organisers of the street party are now appealing to people from Dornoch and beyond for donations to help with the costs of the event.
A representative for the street party organisers said: "We are delighted to be bringing the famous street party back to Dornoch but we need your help in raising funds so that it can continue as the Dornoch Hogmanay Street Party runs solely on donations.
"All this is planned and implemented with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers and kind donations from people, both locally and further afield. In the past, we have relied on bucket collections, but this year, especially after Covid, as fewer people carry money on them, we are turning to JustGiving in the hopes that people will be as generous electronically as they have been in the past.
"We know that times are tough, that the past two years have been incredibly difficult, and that not everyone can afford to donate, and that's fine. We just hope that you'll be able to join us for the return of the Dornoch Hogmanay Street Party, donation or not."
Donations can be made via the group's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/dornochhogmanay.
