To 'First Foot' someone means to visit them just after the New Year bells have rung - with the aim of being the very first person of the year to step foot over their doorstep. Years ago first-footers took with them a piece of coal, a piece of black bun and shortbread. Also the all important wee dram – or its equivalent. But nowadays with central heating there are so few houses which still have coal fires the practice of wishing a house warmth in the coming year, no longer seems appropriate.

Our parents’ generation used to clean their homes from top to bottom; the fires were allowed to go out and the old ashes taken out of the house and a new fire set for the coming year. Both back and front doors to the house were opened and the old year was swept out the back door while the new year came in the front door.

There was also a tradition in Edinburgh where revellers gathered at the old Tron Kirk for ‘The Bells’. This died out for a while then resurfaced but it is now a different atmosphere entirely, no longer traditional, just a meeting place for the start of whatever has been planned.

So what old memories are out there?
Why not let us know what you remember, either your own or what happened in your parents’ homes when you were children.

To start you off...
"During the war during the blackout - Scots still managed to get round the restrictions and enjoy a very special time of year. For starters, when we were small the children were put to bed and all the grownups partied in the street. One of the neighbours was a dyed in the wool ‘cheuchter’ who was a genius on the pipes. As the party wore on and he got progressively unsteady his braces were hooked over the gatepost as he slowly slid towards the pavement. His playing never faltered, he never missed a note. A real virtuoso. And while all this was going on the kids, supposedly tucked up in bed, were keeking out from under the drawn blinds!"

Dig deep because we don’t want these old traditions to be forgotten. Send your Hogmanay memories to us via info@edinburghsilversurfers.co.uk