Until 2013, Bird was live from Edinburgh Castle or Princes Street, but the show's producers decided that it should take place in Glasgow permanently.

The programme descended from BBC One's networked carriage of Hogmanay-themed variety specials on New Year's Eve from 1953 to 1985, such as The White Heather Club.

The specials introduced names such as Jimmy Logan, Kenneth McKellar, Andy Stewart and Moira Anderson to a national audience, although faced a mixed reception for their reliance on Scottish stereotypes.

The BBC discontinued the national broadcasts, but continued to air the Hogmanay specials for viewers in Scotland.

Prior to broadcast, critics raised concerns that the BBC were "anglicizing" Hogmanay and downplaying its traditions, while Smillie conversely stated in a promotional interview that she thought Christmas was more important to her than the New Year.

[6] The 2021 programme saw Calman axed from the presenting line-up and replaced by Edith Bowman and Amy Irons.

[citation needed] During Hogmanay Live 2001, one of presenter Jackie Bird's many costume changes included a small gold glittery top.