Everybody has their own preferred way of celebrating Hogmanay, whether it's a quiet evening at home or heading out with friends or family.
If you're after something a bit more extravagant, however, and have the money to spend, you may be interested in renting out an entire Scottish castle.
Rothes Glen is luxury castle nestled in the heart of Speyside, with stunning views towards the Cairngorms. The area is famous for its whisky, and the castle's history is closely tied to the spirit.
The property was built by the Dunbar Dunbar family in 1893, and was designed by the famous whisky architect Charles Chree Doig. Doig is famous for introducing the pagoda design to Scotch whisky distilleries.
Later, during World War Two, Rothes Glen was commandeered by the Army, after which the family decided to sell the property in 1946. After this, it was converted into a successful hotel that remained popular all the way through to 1998, at which point it became a private home once more.
Nowadays, Rothes Glen can be booked out for exclusive private use, sleeping up to 28 guests across 14 en-suite rooms. Its listing on Celtic Castles states: "Whether it's opulence or comfort, luxury feasting or outdoor adventure you are looking for, Rothes Glen is the ideal place to enjoy the very best Scottish hospitality in the heart of whisky country."
The property has undergone "extensive refurbishments to the highest specifications", and looking inside it exudes luxury. Walking in the main entrance, guests will first be greeted with the "opulent" hall that includes an Italian mosaic floor, a crystal chandelier, and a stain-glass lay-light.
Moving through to the reception rooms, each one is bursting with character. There is an impressive selection of antiques and oil paintings to admire.
Among the other impressive rooms are a library, a large snooker room, a tasting room, and even a whisky vault. There is a recently refurbished kitchen, a "grand" dining room, breakfast room, and outdoor terraces where food can also be eaten.
In the middle of the house, there is a sizeable courtyard that comes with an abundance of seating and heaters, as well as a game larder, stores for shooting, fishing and outdoor games, and heated dog kennels for those who bring their four-legged friends along.
Meanwhile, all 14 of the en-suite king-size bedrooms have been fully refurbished and are all "marvellously generous in size". Every bedroom is unique and reflects the character of the castle.
The listing continues: "All of the furniture and furnishings have been sourced from local antique shops, auction houses and the very best local businesses. Each bedroom has a large bathroom with under-floor heating, heated towel rail, huge shower and large bath with delicious white fluffy robes.
"There are ten grand bedrooms on the first floor, and a further four on the second floor, with an accessible bedroom suite on the ground floor, if required."
Climbing the staircase to the top of the Rothes Glen tower, guests will be guided to the new 'whisky observatory'. In here, wood panels imitate the inside of a whisky washback, and it is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the "stunning views" with a dram.
The castle is fully staffed by a "friendly local team" who will ensure guests' needs are met throughout their stay. The in-house cook can prepare "delicious breakfasts, lunches, teas and dinners, using the very best locally sourced fresh produce".
Celtic Castles adds: "Damian Riley-Smith, who owns Rothes Glen, is also the founder and owner of Whisky Magazine and has used his wealth of experience and extensive whisky contacts to ensure all the whisky cabinets are stocked with one of the best selections of whisky and other spirits in Speyside. The team can source unique tours, whisky and food-pairing tastings, access to closed distilleries and whisky personalities, blenders, ambassadors and distillery managers and book tailored whisky experiences, such as tastings and dinners with leading experts."
There are also a number of activities that guests can partake in, such as shooting on local estates, fishing on the River Spey, and 4x4 safari adventures. They also have access to the formal private gardens, which include a terrace rose garden, a mosaic topiary garden, and extensive lawns.
More information can be found here.
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