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)
7 months 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)
7 months 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)
7 months 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)
7 months 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)
7 months 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)
7 months 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
7 months 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
7 months ago

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

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Allan Neil
7 months 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
7 months ago

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

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