Amy Irons (Image: BBC Scotland / Alan Peebles)
By Jon Donnis
Amy Irons will host Scotland's Hogmanay celebrations for the first time on BBC One Scotland and the BBC Scotland Channel, leading a night of music, laughter, and reflection to welcome 2025. The evening begins at 9 p.m. with Des Clarke's Not Quite End of Year show, featuring celebrity guests, comedy, and performances by Marti Pellow, Skipinnish, and Rianne Downey. At 11:30 p.m., Amy Irons takes over with more music, including a heartfelt rendition of Auld Lang Syne by Georgia Cécile and Skipinnish, alongside interviews with special guests reflecting on 2024. The countdown to midnight will feature the Lone Piper, the firing of Mons Meg, and a stunning fireworks display over Edinburgh, accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, ensuring a memorable start to the New Year.
How does it feel to take on the role of hosting BBC Scotland's Hogmanay show for the very first time?
It feels absolutely incredible. It's probably one of the most iconic programmes on television in Scotland, so to be handed the baton and be presenting this year is just beyond my wildest dreams. I'm thrilled!
What does it mean to you personally?
Personally, it just feels like a huge milestone. As someone who probably comes across very confidently on camera, I have terrible imposter syndrome. I am my own worst critic. To actually be doing this, it's almost like I've proved myself wrong in a way. It sounds cheesy but I'm quite proud of myself that I've got to this point, because I never thought I would.
Do you have any memories of watching Hogmanay as a kid?
I have so many memories of watching Jackie Bird on the screen during Hogmanay. I remember we'd be in my granny and granddad's living room, crowded round their telly. There'd be party poppers, the adults would have a glass of fizz, and we'd all be glued to the screen, waiting for the countdown. At midnight, we'd be dancing around the living room to traditional Scottish music.
It's funny because, over the years, whether I was a kid in my grandparents' living room, away with friends at a cabin or lodge, or just spending a quieter year at home, the one constant has always been BBC Scotland's Hogmanay show. It's huge!
Will your family be tuning in this year? And do you think they would have any words of encouragement or advice for you?
Yes, they definitely will be tuning in! My dad watches and listens to everything I do. One of my friends texted me saying she'll be watching me from New York. So, I've got friends and family who are looking forward to it from all over the world!
Their advice to me is always the same: just be myself and enjoy the moment.
Do you have any personal traditions that you always do to mark the new year or resolutions?
To be honest, every New Year, I always say I'm going to make these big, grand plans, but they never actually happen—I'm terrible at it! I don't really make resolutions. I just want to enjoy the moment. I'm really excited to be seeing out 2024 with the Hogmanay show and starting 2025 presenting Reporting Scotland: News at Seven. In 2025 I want to keep working hard, not stress too much about what the future holds, and embrace opportunities as they come.
Is there a key piece of advice or a life lesson from this year that you'll be carrying with you into 2025?
I think it's that patience is everything. Patience and hard work will always pay off. The Hogmanay show has been the biggest thing I've ever done in my life. And I think yes, I'm very lucky, but then I also look back and I know that I've spent a decade working very hard. And I'm glad that I've been patient. I've put in the graft!
So, my life lesson is this: if you're patient and you work hard, the rewards will come, and you'll get to where you want to be. In a society where instant gratification is the norm, it can be difficult to stay motivated and keep the faith. But it's worth it to keep grafting.
That's what I'll take with me into 2025, keep going, because this year proved that persistence pays off.
And looking back over 2024, do you have a favourite moment or highlight that stands out?
Hogmanay has to be it. I've probably had the busiest year of my career. I've done a lot in radio, sport, news and entertainment. So I've had the busiest year of my career easily. But despite everything, the one thing that truly stands out is getting to do Hogmanay.
I waited until day 365 out of 365 for my highlight, but it was so worth the wait!
Can you describe the Hogmanay 2024 show in three words?
Energetic, entertaining, and togetherness!
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