Hogmanay

We had been informed that "Hogmanay" (Scottish New Year) is a big deal for the Scots. Apparently, until the 1960's (officially), celebrating Christmas in Scotland was frowned upon by the National Presbyterian church... instead, people would engage in gift-giving and feasting at the New Year. Thus, many Scottish traditions have sprung up at Hogmanay time and Edinburgh stakes claim to hosting one of the world's largest New Year's celebrations each year.


Thankfully, we saw Edinburgh already so we opted for a quieter version of ringing in the New Year - as we usually do - and we drove the other direction to Falkirk to visit the Callendar House and the Falkirk Wheel (boat lock).

Situated amidst magnificent park and woodland, Callendar House tells stories spanning 600 years of Scottish history. Through wars, rebellions and the industrial revolution, the house has played host to many great historical figures over the centuries, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
We particularly enjoyed the the 1825 kitchen where we were able to sample authentic Georgian food (mince pies) and learn the inner workings of a stately home from a servant's perspective (actress). The Forbes's Falkirk exhibition on the top floor of the house included costumed interpretation on early 19th century printing, clockmaking, and shopkeeping. The little girls particularly enjoyed assembling their own pendulum grandfather clock.

The Falkirk Wheel is described as "the world's first and only rotating boat lift." Quite simply, that's all it is too, aside from a pricy boat ride we opted out of. We did, however, enjoy a nice bowl of soup while watching it do its thing, then we headed back to the cottage where we enjoyed copious amounts of pizza, soda pop (New Year is practically the only time we drink pop) and plenty of snack food. We did enjoy watching the festivities in Edinburgh via the BBC!