Scotland are the Hogmanay world champions

Scotland's world famous capital, Edinburgh, from Calton Hill

Scotland was, is and always will be, with the grace of God, the greatest nation in the world when it comes to bringing in the New Year. And you'd have to be very churlish to dispute with that.

While Edinburgh will understandably be top of the global league when it comes to ringing in the bells, lets not just not forget, but celebrate the contribution that every village, town and other city brings to Scotland's stunning success at this time of the year.

I've just come back from Scotland's newest city, Perth. The atmosphere in town was one of excitement. With the bagpipes dominating the city in combination with the Scottish sunshine and the inevitable soaking up of the beautiful and tranquil views of the crisp of Scotland's longest river, who couldn't feel a sense of excitement about tonight? You'd have to be a bitter and stubborn individual not to feel anything.

Scotland's newest city, Perth, earlier today

Hogmanay is Scots for the final day of the year. It is a time of happiness, hope and forward looking reflection to the future. And even if you aren't in Scotland tonight, regardless of who you are or where you are from, Scotland will never be far away from you. Auld Lang Syne, quite probably Robert Burns' most famous poem ever, will be recited in every last home, street and party. The poem is symbolic about everything that is good about New Year, Scotland and the Scottish people.

Tonight tens of thousands of people around the world will be firing up a stunning atmosphere in the Scottish capital and thousands more will be lining the streets of Glasgow and Aberdeen with more celebrations taking place all over the nation. And it would be very terrible of me not to mention the traditional and much loved fireball ceremony in Stonehaven.

I couldn't be ever more grateful for being Scottish. Its one of the most beautiful blessings in my life.

Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!