With beautifully clear roads (unlike most of the country) it was a dream getting to Glenfinnan this New Year.  The most spectacular landscape unfolded as we traversed Glencoe, crowds of deer down from the mountainsides waving us along. Passing under the wee rail bridge over the road to the isles, it was akin to climbing through the back of the wardrobe to Narnia.  No white witch awaited us, but the kilted Highlander at top of the monument looked a bit chilly.

As 2009 drew to a close, the sunset painted the mountains pink, and cast a rosy glow over our newly installed snowman.  As we wandered down to the hotel to say cheerio to the year with the neighbours, we couldn't quite believe the sky.  The moon was so full and bright you could see for miles.  Just as well, really, as the light fair helped with our 4am sledging competition - only after some cracking company, fantastic fiddling and rollicking recitations!

Feeling slightly 'tired and emotional', what were we to do the next day with the prospect of the traditional Glenfinnan New Year Dook? That's right, Billy - pull the duvet over your head. Shame on you.  After all, the ice was only a few inches thick on the loch...
 
But such mad traditions made us think about other Scottish New Year oddities.  Sadly, many of them seem to be gradually disappearing. It's been a while since Billy's been asked to stand outside the door on Hogmanay so the house can welcome a tall, dark, handsome man after the strike of midnight (though he still has the right profile!).  And what of the piece of coal and black bun? And the complexities about cleaning, opening and closing back and front doors, reading the ashes, replacing hearth rugs, first footing? And one that trips many up - when to cross arms during Auld Lang Syne! Read more at www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hogmanay

It's a wee minefield, but certainly one that gets us all starry eyed and nostalgic for the auld days.

Well, Happy New Year all, and 'lang may yer lum reek'!