Hogmanay in Scotland: So what is it anyway?
By rogerdodger
Description: Hogmanay is the name of the massive party on New Year's Eve in Scotland. I celebrated Hogmanay 2007 in Glasgow Scotland. And it was the young women who wore the kilts here, not the men. |
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Hogmanay in Glasgow Scotland 2007
January 22nd 2007, Glasgow, Scotland
Hogmanay is the name given to the massive party in many of the cities of Scotland. The most notable celebrations occur in Edingberg and Glasgow. I happened to be part of the celebration festivities in Glasgow Scotland this year. But it was nothing like I had planned. Let me explain. I had purchased my Hogmanay ticket for twenty American dollars through Euro Hostel. I emailed them and they reserved a ticket for me. As far as I understand this is the only way for tourists to secure a ticket to this outdoor event that was scheduled to take place in St. George's Square. Bands were lined up to play from 7 PM until 1 in the morning. Bands such as the Fratelli's were scheduled to play and afterwards a nice amount of fireworks were scheduled to shoot up in the air. But global warming and massive storms and wind gusts (forget about that coffee I tried to drink outside) cancelled the event. So after changing for the second time to go out to find a bar (the coffee took care of my first set of clothes), I found a bar/restaurant and decided to have some dinner and get drunk of of beer and cider. Hey, it's New Years right? I found a cool couch in front of a large T.V. and ordered some Haggus for dinner. Yes haggus. What is haggus? Well, it is sheep intestine stuffed with barley. I know it sounds gross but I believe in the old saying when in Rome do as the Romans do right? And there was that scene in Highlander (movie with Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert) that makes a cool referance to the unique dish offered only in Scotland. Oddly enough the haggus dish was quite good as it was served with mashed potatoes and gravey. Ok anyways, I got drunk and managed to make some Scottish friends who were quite stoked that I was an American! Hey, that's a new one. More points for Scotland! And they offered me a ticket to a Dance Club down the street where I ushered in the New Years. There was dancing and booze and even a live singer at times. Funny thing was that I felt as though I was at a Catholic schoolgirl dance as many of the Scottish ladies were wearing plaid kilts with super black boots. I know it is rumored to be a guy thing here to wear a kilt and all but from my experience, I saw very few of the young males dressed in kilts. The ladies were the ones to wear the plaid dresses and believe me, they really stole the show.
Accommodation
| Name: |
Euro Hostel |
| Type: |
Hostel |
| Rating: |
Highly Recommended |
| Atmosphere: |
Welcoming |
| Value: |
Good Value |
| Location: |
In the city centre |
Euro Hostel was very nice and accomodating to me. If you are going to stay at any hostel in Glasgow, Euro Hostel is the place to stay. It even has a cool bar scene on the bottom floor. |
Activities
| Name: |
Hogmanay |
| Rating: |
Highly Recommended |
| Fun: |
Great Fun |
| Value: |
Good Value |
| Stamina: |
Moderate |
The spirit of Hogmanay in Scotland never is defeated no matter what. |
Top Tip:
Make friends with the locals. They are very cool.
General Tips:
Visit Buchannen Street. That is where all the action and shops are located.
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| Buchanan Street |
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| Hogmanay Ladies in Kilts |
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| Buchanan Street 2 |
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