Ne'erday is the traditional Scottish name for the first day of the New Year, January 1.
The word is a Scots form of “New Year's Day.” It refers specifically to January 1, while Hogmanay refers primarily to the Scottish New Year's Eve celebration and its associated customs. The distinction matters because the two names are often treated as interchangeable by visitors.
Ne'erday customs have included visiting relatives and friends, exchanging good wishes, and sharing food and drink. In parts of Scotland, first-footing continued after midnight and into Ne'erday: the first person to enter a household was traditionally expected to bring symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, or whisky.
Modern observance varies by region and family. January 1 is a public holiday in Scotland, and January 2 is also commonly recognized as a holiday. The term remains a useful example of Scots vocabulary connected with the country's distinctive winter calendar.