The crowd mills about outside the Tron Kirk. It is a cold, clear, frosty night, but you are kept warm by your anticipation.

It is December 31st – Hogmanay – in Edinburgh and the clock is making its maddingly slow way towards midnight. Nobody speaks to his neighbour unless he is in the same group.

The clock begins its song. On the first bong there is pure joy. Your neighbour, whom you have never seen before hugs you and thrusts a bottle into your hand. Now there is no ‘them and us’, Scot or Sassenach, no world dichotomy.

It’s a New Year.

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    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    I love the local history and background in your story, Allan.
    Admittedly I am curious- what are you so proudly holding in your hands in your avatar?

    Thompson Emate
    Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
    1 year ago

    Wow! This is a lovely story, Allan. A beautiful reminder of New Year’s eve and all the hopes.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    1 year ago

    You did a great job of capturing the optimism for a new year! The anticipation, the hope for a better new year; and kicking the new year off with a bang!

    Preston Randall
    Preston Randall(@preston-randall)
    1 year ago

    I really enjoyed this, and yet it also made me sad that we wait all year for an opportunity to shed our prejudices, fears and cultural inhibitions. Yes, it’s hopeful, but also instructive, perhaps.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    1 year ago

    The title of your story says it all, Allan! The ending, so full of hope. Another well written, heaped in history, gem.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Hello, Allan. Thanks for the new word “Hogmanay.” It is an enjoyable read. I loved the imagery of the New years eve that full of hope for better new year. Well done, Allan. 

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Allan Neil
    1 year ago

    As a Filipino, it is a new word for me. You are welcome, Allan.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Allan Neil
    1 year ago

    hahahaha. 🙂 You know about halohalo, Allan? What about Balut?

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Allan Neil
    1 year ago

    Kainin mo yan sa Pilipinas??? – Yes. hehehe. It is delicious with spicy vinegar. Haggis looks so yummy?

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Allan Neil
    1 year ago

    That’s intriguing. Better not to find out. hehehehe.

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