Scotland finally came into line with the rest of Europe in 1600, by starting the new year on 1 January instead of on 25 March. It is a date that Scots have since taken very fondly to heart.
The King’s Majesty and Lords of his Secret Council, understanding that in all other well governed commonwealths and countries the first day of the year begins yearly upon the first day of January, commonly called New Year’s Day, and that this realm only is different from all others in the count and reckoning of the years, and His Majesty and Council willing that there shall be no discrepancy between His Majesty’s realm and lieges and other neighbouring countries in this particular, but that they shall adjust themselves to the order and custom observed by all other countries, especially seeing the course and season of the year is most proper and answerable thereto, and that the alteration thereof imports no hurt nor prejudice to any party: thereof His Majesty, with advice of the Lords of his Secret Council, statutes and ordains that henceforth, the first day of the year shall begin yearly upon the first day of January, and the present document they intend shall come into force on the first day of January next to come, which shall be the first day of them and six hundredth year of God …
[modified version, see Appendix XII, p. 446]