Local Expert
Andy Hayes
Hello! I am a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. When not out having travel adventures (or dreaming of new ones), I am hitting the walking trails near home.…
Hello! I am a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. When not out having travel adventures (or dreaming of new ones), I am hitting the walking trails near home. I am also the Local Expert Guide for Edinburgh here at PlanetEye.
More
All Articles
This past weekend I visited the National Musuem of Scotland - free and always a treat - and headed upstairs to the top floor to see the exhibit Kingdom of the Scots. Talk about impressive!! The exhibition covers everything, including:
- Scotland in Sports (highlight football mostly, of course :P)
- Scottish Economy (from the history of shipbuilding and tartan to today's financial powerhouses)
- Immigration/Migration (remember all the Scots who got £10 flights to Australia and Canada?)
- Politics
- Music and Art (I had no idea how many international musicians were Scottish)
The best part is a long running video that asks Scottish people - including people who are dual citizens - various questions like 'what do you like', 'what don't you like', 'your favourite Scottish words'. It is SUCH a good video, for Scots and visitors alike, that I can't recommend it enough.
If you've not been to the National Museum before, I'll warn you - it's huge - so have a look at the website and choose just a couple of exhibitions to visit. Pop into the shop on your way out - it is small but often has some neat things to see.
Did you spend Hogmanay in Edinburgh?
- If so, how was it?
- If not, are you booking tickets now for next year? :)
I spent Hogmanay at the Queen's Hall, which had a traditional ceilidh complete with a haggis/neeps/tatties serving, whisky (Black Grouse - with hints of charcoal but delicious), and champagne. The best part was you just showed your ticket so you could get each item when you wanted. Want to toast midnight with champagne? Fine. Prefer to have your whisky to ring in the bells? No problem. But the best part was doing the traditional ceilidh dance to Auld Lang Syne at midnight. Jumping around hand-in-hand with friends and strangers alike is a Scottish experience unlike no other and even if you don't know how to do it in seconds you'll realise that it doesn't matter.
The others who went to Princes Street Gardens were blessed with a dry evening - which is saying something given the street parties of recent memory - but it was bitterly cold so I was glad to be inside. However, I've checked and everyone agrees that this year was as good as ever, and the fireworks were brilliant. Cheers from Edinburgh, everyone, and a Happy 2009 to you.
As PlanetEye readers will know, there is no shortage for walking options here in Auld Reekie. We have been impressed with this option though, courtesy of our friends at the Edinburgh Day by Day blog. Check out their Leith, Arthur's Seat, and Innocent Railway walk.
Happy New Year!
How well do you know your Scottish New Year traditions? Consider:
Redding: It is considered bad luck to have an untidy house to welcome in the new year. Cleaning out the house is called 'redding', meaning getting ready for the new year.
Paying off Debts: Scottish tradition says that your debts should be paid off before the new year. Doesn't look too likely this year in the economic climate, does it :)
First Footing: After the stroke of midnight, folk would visit friends and family, the first ones to arrive being the first footers. This included a celebratory drink of whisky.
Taking a Turn: It is tradition at New Year's celebrations for each guest to sing a song, recite a poem, or tell a story.
Now you know how to behave yourself come the new year...
Lang may yer lum reek!
(long may your chimney smoke - typical Scottish Hogmanay toast)
If you're going to be out enjoying the party scene for Hogmanay, keep a few things in mind:
- Bus and train service is limited and many routes stopped for the evening (due to the road closures in the city).
- Taxis are in short supply (i.e. non-existent). Book ahead, even a few days ahead if possible. Keep in mind fares are raised for the night.
- Just because the locals can hold their drink extremely well doesn't mean you need to keep up with their pace. Keep safe!
- Crowds can get a bit unweidly after the fireworks, so just be patient - you'll eventually get where you're going.
Have fun!
Do you have your tickets for the streety party for Hogmanay? If not, you better hurry and get one soon.
Keep in mind the Hogmanay list of events:
29 December: Torchlight procession from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill. This is a really great experience if you've never been to a torchlight procession before. A must-see photo opp for photographers.
30 December: The 'Night Afore Fiesta' - a family-friendly carnival with music and dancing along George Street
31 December: Uhm, yeah, it's the Street Party. Have your ticket yet? :)
Get all the details (including ticket booking information) on the offical Edinburgh Hogmanay website.