New Year highlights from BBC Scotland

The BBC in Scotland brings something a little different to the BBC One schedules as we say goodbye to 2023.

The Beeb in Scotland once more do their own thing on New Year with a host of ‘North of the Border’ flavoured programming on BBC One and the BBC Scotland Channel.

Get the Tunes On provides the ultimate party playlist for the build-up to the bells.  Featuring big hits, wee gems, dance bangers, traditional tracks and archive treasures this essential selection of class acts for Hogmanay will include contributions from a range of famous faces. Combining music and comedy this mixed tape will get the party started.

Twenty years on from her triumphant Pop Idol win on ITV, Scottish singing sensation Michelle McManus reflects on her incredible rollercoaster career, revisiting iconic TV talent moments when Scots stars captured the hearts of the nation.

In Michelle McManus: After All This Time this special documentary tells the story of how Baillieston barmaid Michelle became a record-breaking Scots chart-topper with her No.1 smash, All This Time. Michelle also meets global superstar – and former X Factor judge – Robbie Williams, TV presenter pal Kate Thornton and Scots singing sensation Susan Boyle who give their insights into the TV talent show phenomenon.

As well as these key music industry movers and shakers, Michelle spends time with her parents, John and Helen who reflect on their daughter’s enduring success. The programme also checks in with Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice winners, Jai McDowell and Stevie McCrorie, as well as The X Factor’s Shereen Cutkelvin and Nicholas McDonald to find out where they are now following their fling with fame.

A heart-warming spotlight is turned again on the selfless actions of some of Scotland’s unsung heroes with Jackie Bird returning to BBC One Scotland with Scotland’s People 2023: A Thank You.

Jackie Bird, a festive tradition

Michelle McManus looks back

Jackie travels the country to seek out, recognise and thank those who have gone the extra mile to selflessly help others within their communities.  With tributes from the likes of Chris Packham, Gregor Townsend and Scottish Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg, Jackie uncovers inspiring tales of everyday heroism bringing festive cheer – not to mention a few tears – to a host of deserving individuals and communities.

The countdown to the bells sees Amy Irons host Not Quite The End of Year Show with a mix of chat and music on the BBC Scotland channel. Special guests will join Amy to take a look back at Scotland’s highlights of the year from the worlds of music, film, TV and Sport.

Strap in for Queen of the New Year, the Hogmanay sketch show on BBC One Scotland written by and starring Greg Hemphill and Robert Florence alongside a wealth of Scottish comic talent including Louise McCarthy; Gayle Telfer Stevens; Martin McQuinn; Paul McCole; Zara Janjua; Barbara Rafferty and Elizabeth Caproni.

The celebratory sketch show takes on the talking points from 2023 – making us smile, wince and reminisce as we speed towards the bells.   From smoking bans to climate activism via true crime podcasts, King Charles, Sam Smith and Traitors, and with a healthy dose of Hogmanay celebrations along the way, Queen of the New Year is here to poke fun at the news and gossip of the last twelve months.

Edith Bowman leads the charge into 2024 with Hogmanay 2023 with a host of special guests joining her to bring in the new year. The iconic firing of the gun from the Edinburgh Castle ramparts, and the city’s amazing firework display soundtracked by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra will feature as well as music from Skerryvore, the band born out of the Scottish islands who have become a global phenomenon and the fresh but traditionally-infused sounds of the Kinnaris Quintet, influenced by Scottish and Irish folk music. Shereen Cutkelvin also gives a poignant performance of Auld Lang Syne.

As 2024 beckons, the party continues with Iain Spanish Mackay uncovering the enchantment of Scotland’s Festivals, welly boots and all, in Scotland’s Festivals and Cathy MacDonald and Niall Iain Macdonald welcome the New Year live with a host of friends and plenty of dancing at this year’s Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire celebrations.

The revelry extends into the new year, and an exclusive backstage pass to Peat & Diesel’s meteoric rise is granted on the 1st and 2nd of January.