91Èȱ¬

For the first time, 91Èȱ¬ One Scotland's Hogmanay Live show will be available across the world.

Nobody does Hogmanay like the Scots and now Scots, and people from all nationalities across the UK and around the world, can tune in to celebrate with Scotland.

Hogmanay Live 2009 goes out on 91Èȱ¬ One Scotland on Thursday 31 December, 11.45pm-12.45am.

It will also be available live on 91Èȱ¬ Red Button for digital TV viewers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales and on 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer for seven days after transmission.

Worldwide audiences will be able to watch the programme streamed live on-demand for 24 hours through the website, bbc.co.uk/hogmanay.

This year, Jackie Bird and Phil Cunningham will be inviting everybody to come in and join in the celebrations:

Jackie Bird said: "We always say Scotland puts on the best Hogmanay party in the world and now we can prove it. 

"People always get homesick at this time of year when they're out of the country – I know I used to, so what better way to get a taste of home than by clicking on to our party."

The website is live and people from around the UK and the rest of the world are encouraged to send in their messages, before 31 December, which may be read out during the programme.

Phil added: "I can't think of a better way to spend Hogmanay. I look forward to it every year and I just love being in a room with such great musicians and great friends having a fantastic party.

"We have a line-up that will really do us proud when the world tunes in on the night."

Some the of best traditional and contemporary singers and musicians join legendary ambassadors of Scottish music Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain as 91Èȱ¬ Scotland first-foots the nation and promises to bring in the new year with a bang.

Pearl and the Puppets bring their unique brand of acoustic/indie that won rave reviews at T In The Park this year. They will be performing their popular track Because I Do, as well as some tracks from their hugely-anticipated album to be released early in 2010.

Scots Singer of the Year 2008/9 Emily Smith has firmly established herself as a leading light in the Scottish folk scene and guarantees to deliver a spellbinding performance.

Seth Lakeman, described as the hard-working pin up of British indie folk music, is performing live with his powerful foot- stomping sound. Seth is a festival favourite and his third and latest album is Poor Man's Heaven.

There is a "all-star" houseband – featuring John McCusker, Michael McGoldrick, Ross Hamilton and James McIntosh – who promise to take the roof off and get everybody at home up on their feet.

Just before midnight, the programme will go live to Edinburgh to wait for the bells and watch the spectacular firework show bring in 2010.

And the night ends with all the artists singing Auld Lang Syne together and then a special new song.

NR3