Who was the greatest Scottish hero?

[NickB]

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Still feeling very grim as this cold approaches the end of its tenth day, but balancing on a delicate cocktail of Sudafed, Lemsip, ibuprofen, Strepsils, Tunes, Soothers, expectorant cough med, salt water gargle, fisherman's friends and Victory V I am going to teeter heroically and Scottishly off down the T&T for the bells. Don't think it will be a long night this year but I've not spent one in bed yet.

A very Happy and Prosperous New Year to one and all when it comes!

- NickB

[longshanks]

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heroically and Scottishly off down the T&T for the bells.
- NickB

That's quite interesting. Traditionally one is in one's own home for "the bells". Its only very recently (since 2000) that the TnT has remained open. Previously it closed at 11.45 on New Year's Eve and rapidly emptied as we all rushed home (much to the dismay of visiters).

Anyone any suggestions as to why this old tradition has now gone?

Shankers

[NickB]

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Anyone any suggestions as to why this old tradition has now gone?

I agree, it is a bit odd not being at home for the bells. In Drumlithie (Skite of Sunset Song fame) from whence we came to Seil the pub always shut at eleven thirty and everyone saw the bells in at home. They then repaired immediately the new year toast been swallowed to the old weaving steeple where everyone met, drammed, chatted and rang the steeple bell for up to an hour before breaking up into smaller groups for visiting. We were always one of the first at the Steeple as it was less than thirty feet away if we exited via the living room window.

Seil is a more scattered community, and the willingness of people to tramp long distances often in foul weather to visit has I suspect diminished. There is still a desire to see people and party a bit at Hogmanay, and the T&T seems to be filling this need. Of course, the big events in our cities (and even in Oban now) mean that people have become accustomed to the idea of gathering together outside their homes for the bells as well.

Of course a lot of people weren't in the pub, and quite a few people did leave in time to be home for the bells this year - more, I think, than last year, so I certainly don't think the tradition of seeing in the bells at home is dead.

Anyway, a Guid New Year to ane and all wherever you saw it in.

- N

[reality_check]

Rudolf Hess (now that should get you thinking).