Happy New Year’s from Biggar, Scotland

Happy New Year’s from Biggar, Scotland.

In many countries, December 31 is known as New Year’s Eve; in Scotland, it’s Hogmanay. The celebration involves torchlight processions, bonfires, bagpipes, fireworks, lively street parties, several.

Historians believe that many fascinating Hogmanay customs and traditions have their roots in pagan festivals such as the Norse Winter Solstice, the Viking Yule, and the Gaelic Samhain.

Also!!! Scotland’s influence on New Year's Eve extends across the world as the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, wrote (in 1788) the famous 'Auld Lang Syne' which is sung with such gusto when the clock strikes midnight, wherever you may be.

"Auld Lang Syne," an old Scottish folk song, was written by Robert Burns in 1788, which made Scotland seem like the perfect place to ring in the New Year!

Visiting the Kelpies in Scotland

Visiting the Kelpies - the largest equine sculptures in the world in Falkirk, Scotland. Standing at 100ft tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each, the magical Kelpies are quite a site. The works of art, created by artist Andy Scott, have become iconic on the landscape after being modelled on real-life icons of times gone by — Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron. The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coalships that shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk.

The Kelpies’ name reflects the mythological transforming beasts that possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses; a quality that’s analogous with the transformational change of the area’s landscapes, endurance of its inland waterways and the strength of its communities.