By far the biggest holiday in Scotland, New Year's Eve, traditionally known as Hogmanay, has a long, rich heritage here - with much of the lore stemming back to the days of the Vikings. Hogmanay is believed to have received it's name from the original pagan celebration of the winter solstice. Later, due to the church's ban on Christmas, it was typical for Scots to work on Christmas day. Thus, giving gifts in Scotland is reserved for the New Year when family and friends gather for a party and to exchange presents. Magical fireworks displays and torchlight processions take place in many cities throughout Scotland.
Certain Hogmanay superstitions still hold as well. Before midnight on the 31st, the house is cleaned and all debts are cleared. Immediately after midnight it is traditional to sing Scotsman Robert Burns' "For Auld Lang Syne". And "first footing" (that is, the "first foot" in the house after midnight) is still common in Scotland. To ensure good luck for the house, the first foot in the door should be male, dark and should bring the traditional gifts of whiskey and shortbread.
It may also be worth remembering that January 2nd is a holiday in Scotland - typically a day of recovery from a week of merry indulgence!