Hogmanay an a that
Well it's that time of year again here in Scotland. It's grey, cold and misty outside. It's hard to describe the feelings that this ritual brings out in people. I believe it's quite a different feeling from Christmas but that may just be me, although someone has just expressed that to me on the phone this morning. People tend to have clear preferences for one of the other. It's the two together that tend to be a bit of a killer in terms of emotions, finances, relationships, energy levels. There is usually much scurrying about in the homes,streets and shops as people get ready to see the old year out and the New Year in with wishes for health, happiness and all to be provided for. e.g.the coal, shortbread and blackbun, not to mention the whisky being to the fore. I started my hogmanay as I do every day with some spiritual readings. The last couple of mornings I have also added a dose of Ian Hamilton from his Stone of Destiny book. Very appropriate reading at this time of year as the action takes place between Xmas and New Year in 1950 Britain which is cold,grey and icy. I recommend the book to you. A short, easy read full of action and inspiring thoughts. Here are a couple to whet your appetite.
" You do not play games with the symbols of your country, whether they be man, stone or trinkets"
"I am a simple Scot and I want my country to take its place in Europe and in the world. We Scots are European, not English, not British."
Of himself and his companions who took the stone Ian Hamilton says " We who took the stone willed our people to defend our country. We were idealists. We were grievously young. I have never changed" I can identify with those words.
The book also contains a quote from King George V1 address to the nation of Christmas Day 1940 - a great quote to see out the old year and welcome the New Year.
"I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, Give me a light that I may tread out into the unknown and the man said to me, Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God, for it is better than a light, and safer than a known way"
A hopeful Hogmanay to you all. For those of you in other countries around the world it would be interesting to know how the last day of the old year is marked or celebrated.
As you know I have spent many years on the continent, and I have to say I have benefited from the goodwill that Scottish people have always received, particularly in business dealings. Unfortunately, our European neighbours are now only too aware that Gordon Brown is Scottish, and my perception has been that this fact has eroded our goodwill on the continent. I think we need more energetically than ever to emphasise the differences between the Scottish attitude towards "integration" and that of our cousins across the border, and by association, across the Atlantic