Hogmanay celebrations (2004/5)
31st December: Hogmanay daytime
Scottish Parliament
Up until the Union between Scotland and England in 1707, Scotland had its own parliament. 290 years later we voted to have more self government (devolution). Earlier this year, the new parliament building was formally opened: a few years late and way above the original budget. Oops. So we went along to see what you get for your money! The free self guided tour, being canny Scots, was the one we went on. The main debating chamber is pretty neat, and surprisingly tranquil/relaxing. Then visited Starbucks: tall, grande, vente or Scottie size?
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| Scottish Parliament | Debating Chamber | Debating Chamber | Some eejit - ME! |
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| Video: hi res (710kb), lo res (70kb) | Doug in a Mug | Neil in a Mug |
31st December: Hogmanay night time
Princes Street
A bottle of champagne popped to help start preparing for the night's festivities. And a change into more Scottish attire! Doug had brought up his kilt (guys - highly recommended, the girls love them. I must get one!), and I put on the Scotland rugby top and Saltire flag.
Quick visit to collect Mike and Leanne from their new flat and then off to Princes Street with 100, 000 other excited revellers. When we got there Blondie was already doing her set, so we watched on the big screens, and chatted to those around. And we lost Mike and Leanne almost immediately - a common occurrence on the street.
Then a countdown to midnight: on the bells the sky lit up with fireworks launched from the castle and surrounding hills. Watch the videos - they're greeeeeaaaaat! HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!
It is traditional to sing Auld Lang Syne and the greet everyone on the street. Shake the guys hands, and snog the girls (important to get the order right there!). So who were we to defy tradition. Wheeeeeeeeeee! Some two hours later we headed back to party at Mike and Leanne's to discover the party had been and gone! Lightweights!!! Got home at 3:15 and crashed!
Happy New Year everyone!!!!
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| Doug | Neil | Neil | Castle - the backdrop for the fireworks |
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| 100,000 revellers on Princes St | Reveller | Blondie sings | Blondie and revellers |
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| Happy New Year! | Happy New Year fireworks | Happy New Year | Fireworks video: high res (1.1mb), lo res (125kb) |
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| Fireworks video: high res (1.5mb), lo res (230kb) | Merry video (56kb) | Doug with woman of the night | Doug still with same woman of the night |
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| Still Doug | Another one! | Leanne | Night night |
© Neil R Jamieson, MA 2001-4)
All text and photographs are original and protected under copyright law