Edinburgh
Late December 2018 – New Years
Fulfilling a long-held goal of attending Hogmanay in Edinburgh, we returned to Haymarket station in late 2018. Hogmanay is the Scottish term for New Year and there are a number of traditional elements that make a Scottish New Year’s celebration truly exciting and fun. Singing Auld Lang Syne at midnight is particularly heart-warming.
On the 30th of December we attended the Torchlight Procession, which traditionally kicks off the Hogmanay festivities in Edinburgh. Complete with pipes and drums, the procession runs between the top of the Royal Mile and Holyrood Park, and is said to originate from old Viking customs. Whilst interesting and a sight to behold, the crowds were positively heaving, so we only stayed for a short time, leaving once our curiosity was sated.
Our apartment was in the north-west of town, somewhat removed from the festivities and goings-on of bustling Princes Street. Amy, Elle, Sam and I would walk in to town from here each day, along winding streets, and through quiet parks. Given the busyness in Edinburgh, it was quite nice to have our own space away from things – particularly with a fantastic cheesemonger across the road and a great old-school pub nearby – The Bailey.
So, the Ceilidh…
A Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Leigh) itself is basically an Irish or Scottish folk dance. There are numerous traditional dances to perform; The Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow, and The Canadian Barn Dance are some of the more well-known ones. You’re well supported by the band and those around you, and you will dance with almost everyone in the room on any given night – it is brilliant fun and a great way to be well and truly out of your comfort zone. You do need some caution, however, as Danny Buoy put it: “a Ceilidh is a cross between a fight and a dance” – you can and will be injured.
Trust me. If you ever get the chance, go to a Ceilidh.
This particular Ceilidh was underneath Edinburgh Castle, which made for a stunning backdrop. After dancing the night away, the bells were rung at midnight to herald the New Year. The crowd all sang Auld Lang Syne together as a phenomenal fireworks display went on above. I’ve said Edinburgh is magical before, right?
We were treated to gorgeous weather on New Year’s Day, so decided to welcome 2019 with a walk to nearby Leith, a coastal town a few kilometres from Edinburgh. We wandered the town, checked out the waterfront and the Royal Yacht, and stopped for a particularly good afternoon tea at Mimi's Bakehouse – scones and jam, of course. It was a lovely, slow, and relaxed January first.
Hogmanay in Edinburgh was surreal and I’d recommend it to everyone. Dancing beneath the castle was wonderful, good-hearted fun, and the entire city felt electric. Put it on your bucket list.
Filled with joyful, happiness, and hope for the year ahead, we parted ways with Sam, who headed home to Huddersfield. Amy, Elle, and I caught the bus back to Glasgow, which is well and truly feeling like home now.
JC
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
Robert Burns
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