The title refers to the song played on New Year's Eve and at farewell occasions based upon an 18th century Scottish poem and tune. The tune became culturally linked to Guy Lombardo and The Royal Canadians by playing it at New Year's Eve festivities from the 1940's to the 1970's.
The famous New York publisher Patty and Cathy visit, Bennett Blake, is a sly reference to Bennett Cerf, 1960s celebrity, bon vivant and president of Random House Publishing. He was perhaps best known for being a regular panelist on the long-running TV series What's My Line? (1950).
When J. R. Castle arrives at Martin's house to both pursue the task originally assigned to Kenneth Lane, his entry at the front door reveals a view of Manhattan skyscrapers. The Lane family home has a real NYC address, 9 Remsen Street, on a waterfront cul-de-sac in Brooklyn Heights, and the view over Castle's shoulder is that of the building at 60 South Street, near the Wall Street Ferry.
Ross, played by Paul O'Keefe, gets limited air time in this particular show, but his role is an important one; he provides the recap of the previous episode.