What is Scotland's traditional New Year's Eve song, often sung worldwide at midnight?

Scotland's traditional New Year's Eve song, often sung worldwide at midnight, is “Auld Lang Syne.”

The words come from a Scots poem by Robert Burns, published in 1788. Burns used older material as well as his own writing, which is why the song has both a literary author and a long folk tradition behind it. Its theme is remembering old friendships and shared experiences.

The tune became internationally familiar through performances and broadcasts by Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians. Their annual New Year's programs helped establish the song as a midnight ritual in North America and beyond.

“Flower of Scotland” and “Scotland the Brave” are also well-known Scottish songs, but they are not the standard New Year's midnight song. “Auld Lang Syne” is the one most directly associated with the occasion.