Here we are, teetering on the cusp of another New Year, and hoping things will only get better after a miserable year-and-a-half.
Most of us will be bringing in 2022 at home for a second successive year with Aberdeen Hogmanay events again cancelled amid the Omicron spread.
Bustling hordes will soon drink their fill and plunge headlong into 2022 before waking up to make ill-judged New Year’s resolutions in a flurry of optimism.
The turn of the year is a crossroads; a chance to change tack, make new plans and to do all the things that we’ve left undone for far too long.
But before that happens we need to have the fridge well stocked for Hogmanay.
It’s given us the perfect excuse to trawl DC Thomson’s extensive archives to look back at Hogmanay booze and grub runs through the decades in the Granite City.
So charge your glasses and join us for a trip down memory lane!
Hogmanay rush
Wines and spirits supervisor at Asda’s Bridge of Dee store in Aberdeen, Craig Farquhar, relaxes after the Hogmanay rush in 1992.
There were still enough boxes of Tennent’s Lager to keep the masses happy for any late surge along with the bottle of plonk Craig was holding for the photo.
Let’s hope Craig’s staff discount was well-used to toast 1993 in style!
Leave the car at home!
“Leave the car at home…and catch the Evening Express Hogmanay Bus.”
That was the message from Grampian Transport’s Jim MacDonald and Wendy Sutherland before Hogmanay back in 1981.
At the time attitudes were relaxed to say the least and research showed that nearly two thirds of young male drivers admitted drink driving on a weekly basis.
Thankfully things have now changed.
Drinks and nibbles
It’s always a good idea to have some drinks and tipples on hand at Hogmanay!
There was nothing more fun than watching all your family and friends letting their hair down and bringing in the new year with a couple of drams.
Patricia and Jennifer Ritchie stock up at Tesco before Hogmanay 1994.
Those were the days!
Trolley ride
While Omicron cases have been increasing, fewer people have wanted to brave the outdoors and the shops in case they catch the virus.
However, back in December 1995, retailers were in high demand as Aberdonians went wild in the aisles before Hogmanay to get ready for the bells.
Tracey and Kenny Low stock up at Tesco ahead of the big day.
Check out the iconic blue and white stripe bags!
Fine wine
While it might not be possible to spend New Year’s Eve with a host of people this year, that doesn’t mean it can’t be memorable.
This looks like a real live version of Supermarket Sweep!
Barry Davidson stocks up for Hogmanay at Sainsbury’s back in 1998 although we’re not too sure how he managed to fit any more into his bustling trolley.
Fair play though Sir!
Happy new year!
If you weren’t sure of your plans over Hogmanay, you could rest assured that you could enjoy the evening in the city centre with plenty of revelry.
Here was the scene for the Millennium celebrations back in 2000.
Sadly it’s not to be this year for all of us but that shouldn’t stop you from celebrating in style wherever you will be seeing in 2022.
Cheers!
You might also enjoy:
Half a century of Christmas TV – is it better or worse now?
Keeping the flame alive: How burning passion put Stonehaven Fireballs on global stage
Die Hard: Is iconic action hero John McClane really from Scotland?
