Don't miss Hogmanay !

Hogmanay

Hogmanay is the New Year in Scotland

  Thousands of people take to the streets in Edinburgh to see in the New Year. It is one of the largest street celebrations, very similar to the Time Square’s New Year celebration in New-York

In Edinburgh it has become a huge festival which lasts four days  (29 December - 1st January).
Minutes before the start of new year, a lone piper plays, then the bells chime at the turn of midnight, there are lots of kissing, and everyone sings Auld Lang Syne.

  One of the customs for Hogmanay is "First footing", which refers to the first “male, tall, dark stranger”  who sets foot in the house. Blond strangers are not welcome as they are associated with the violent blond-haired Viking who invaded Scotland. The visitor will bring presents : a lump of coal, shortbread, salt to ensure you luck for the new year.

If you like jogging, you can join the One O'Clock Run in Edinburgh and run down the Royal Mile with your 2008 branded T-shirt as a souvenir for a nice chilly New-Year jog from Edinburgh castle to Holyrood Palace. It will cost £7.50 but you get the souvenir T-shirt !
If you get the nerve to do it, try the Loony Dunk : You have a swim in the River Forth and have your photo with the well-known River Forth Bridge in the background. It helps if you are a  little loony (=mad) because the waters are freezing cold !

  For more information and a quiz