If your time-travelling heart longs for a New Year’s celebration steeped in history, community, and a splash of whisky, set your coordinates for Old Calendar Hogmanay. Held on January 12th, this Scottish festival offers a delightful twist on the traditional New Year, thanks to a quirk of calendar reform that’s as fascinating as it is festive.
Think of it as Hogmanay with a dash of déjà vu—where the spirit of celebration defies time itself.
What Is Old Calendar Hogmanay?
Old Calendar Hogmanay harks back to a time when Scotland followed the Julian Calendar, which was replaced by the Gregorian Calendar in 1752. The switch caused the calendar to jump forward by 11 days, but not everyone was eager to embrace the change. Some communities, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, continued to celebrate traditional holidays according to the old calendar.
Thus, Old Calendar Hogmanay became a beloved second chance to ring in the New Year, blending ancient customs with modern revelry. Today, it’s a lively mix of bonfires, first-footing (welcoming the first guest of the year for luck), and good old Scottish cheer.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Explore a Scottish Village Frozen in Time
Begin your journey in one of Scotland’s picturesque Highland or Island communities, where Old Calendar Hogmanay is still observed. Villages like South Uist in the Outer Hebrides or Lochaline in Argyll are perfect destinations for a cultural deep dive.
Stroll through the village and soak in the wintry charm of stone cottages, rugged landscapes, and the occasional burst of pipes from a local ceilidh band preparing for the evening festivities. Stop by a local inn for a bowl of cock-a-leekie soup and a dram of whisky to warm your spirits.
Day 2: Celebrate Hogmanay—Again!
As evening falls, the community gathers for a grand Old Calendar Hogmanay bonfire. The flames light up the night sky, symbolising renewal and warding off evil spirits. Listen to tales of folklore and local legends while keeping an ear out for the ringing of bells and bursts of song.
Next comes first-footing, a charming tradition where the first visitor to cross your threshold after midnight is thought to bring luck. Ideally, your first-footer is a tall, dark-haired man carrying symbolic gifts like coal (for warmth), shortbread (for sustenance), or whisky (for… well, good times).
End your night at a ceilidh, where you can dance the Gay Gordons and the Strip the Willow alongside locals who know how to keep a party going.
Why Old Calendar Hogmanay Matters
Old Calendar Hogmanay is more than just an excuse for another party—it’s a celebration of resilience and cultural identity. By holding onto their Julian Calendar traditions, Scottish communities preserved a slice of their heritage while adapting to changing times.
The festival also underscores Scotland’s deep connection to the cycles of nature, the warmth of community, and the timeless joy of ringing in a new year—whenever that might fall.
Travel Tips for Old Calendar Hogmanay
- Bundle Up: January in Scotland is frosty, so pack warm layers, waterproof boots, and a scarf to fend off the Highland chill.
- Bring a Gift: If you’re planning to go first-footing, arrive with a small token like whisky or coal to honour tradition.
- Learn the Lingo: Brush up on your Gaelic or Scots phrases—“Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!” (Happy New Year!) is a good place to start.
What’s on the Menu?
Old Calendar Hogmanay feasts are a testament to Scotland’s hearty culinary traditions. Look for:
- Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties: A classic dish of spiced sheep’s offal, turnips, and potatoes.
- Black Bun: A rich, spiced fruitcake encased in pastry, traditionally served during Hogmanay.
- Shortbread: Buttery and crumbly, this treat is a must-have for the season.
Pair your meal with a glass of uisge beatha (whisky) from a nearby distillery for an authentic taste of Scotland.
Fun Trivia About Old Calendar Hogmanay
- Did you know? Scotland officially adopted the Gregorian Calendar in 1752, but some remote communities resisted the change for decades.
- Odd but true: First-footing traditions often specified that the first visitor should be dark-haired, as fair-haired strangers were historically associated with Viking raiders.
- Legacy: The festival’s bonfires echo older pagan solstice rituals, symbolising light, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil.
Want to Know More?
Books
- The Celtic Wheel of the Year by Tess Ward. A guide to seasonal festivals with insights into Scotland’s traditions.
- Scotland’s Year: Celebrations, Customs, and Rituals by Robin Laing. A detailed exploration of Scottish festivities.
Articles
- “Hogmanay Through the Ages” in Scottish Heritage Magazine.
- “Old Calendar Hogmanay: A Tale of Two New Years” by the Folklore Society.
Web Resources
- Visit Scotland: www.visitscotland.com
- The Scottish History Society: www.scottishhistorysociety.org
The Final Word
Old Calendar Hogmanay is a magical blend of ancient traditions and modern revelry, offering a second chance to embrace the joy and optimism of a new year. Whether you’re dancing by the fire, sharing a whisky with friends, or listening to the echoes of history in a Highland village, this festival promises warmth, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime.
So, grab your warmest tartan, pack your dancing shoes, and get ready to celebrate Hogmanay all over again—you’re in for a night to remember.
Have you danced at a ceilidh, witnessed a fiery bonfire, or first-footed your way into someone’s home? Share your stories—we’ll toast your adventures with a dram of Scotland’s finest!
