Although customs vary from location to location in Scotland, the tradition of Hogmanay remains unaltered -- the exchanging of gifts on 31st December to bring in a happy and prosperous New Year. Traditionally, a tall, dark stranger 'first foots' your home as soon as the midnight bells have rung, bearing with him a lump of coal. The stranger is made welcome and enters the living room where he places his coal in the hearth. In exchange, he is offered whiskey and a black bun, before being let out of the house by the back door. In some areas, a coin would be given in exchange for either food or coal.
   As a whole, Scotland pays little attention to Christmas in relation to New Year and Hogmanay. Of all these days in the year, Hogmanay stands out first and foremost as the Eve of Scotland's greatest feast. 'First footing' is a very old custom in the Highlands. However, these days there are fewer tall, dark strangers than there were, but this tradition is still very much in evidence, and every New Year's Eve after midnight, the Scots, armed with bottles of warming liquor, 'first foot' people's homes, exchange drinks in friendly companionship, wish them the very best for the New Year, and leave by the back door....
   The origin of the word "Hogmanay' is very much disputed, but it is possible that it is derived from the French alliance -- circa 1560. In 1604 the word "Hogmanay" was very much in evidence. Another plausible definition comes from the Flemish languauge which supplied many Lowland Scottish words. 'Hoog' -- high or great. 'Min' -- love or affection. 'Dag' -- a day. Thus we have Hoodmindag -- Hogmanay -- Day of Great Love.
   The moulds for 'Christmas in Scotland and Hogmanay' were destroyed in February 1988.