WHO: Clan McIntyre and their friends and family WHEN: 30 December WHERE: The McIntyre's townhouse at the edge of Central SUMMARY: The McIntyres host a Hogmanay celebration to welcome in the new year.
HOGMANAY
Bellamy and Liam have turned their backyard into a small bit of Scotland within Central. The snow has been pushed aside to make way for the tables ladened with traditional party food - both American and Scottish alike -, dance floor, DJ (aka Liam's iPad) for people to take turns choosing the music, and tables scattered around the lawn. Bellamy had the foresight to place heaters for the less hardy Americans party-goers were placed throughout the yard for people to warm themselves. VOLUNTEER 1 asks aloud if one of the McIntyres put in a special request for the extra winter weather as they take full advantage of the heaters. Don't worry - this is a party thrown by the Scots, so there is plenty of booze on hand for the 21+ crowd to keep them warm. Liam does police this a bit, and if you're going to drink you're required to drop your keys off at the bar.
In addition to the heaters, there's a small bonfire cheerfully roaring away near the back of the space. The fire's a traditional part of the celebration, and there's a stack of wood nearby where people can toss into the fire to symbolize cleansing themselves of their transgressions of 2016 and banishing bad things from happening in 2017. VOLUNTEER 2 seems to have a little too many sins to atone for or enjoys indulging their inner pyromanic a little too much and tosses a few extra pieces of wood in than necessary.
Near midnight, Liam gathers everyone near the front door for first-footing. He makes sure he has everyone's attention as he explains how the tradition works - To ensure good luck for the house the first foot should be a dark male, and he should bring with him symbolic pieces of coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and a wee dram of whisky. He also points out that the least lucky scenario would be if a short, red-headed woman walks through the door and asks someone to hold Cat back. VOLUNTEER 3 heckles their host for just wanting the whiskey. Thankfully, VOLUNTEER 4 steps through the door as the clock strikes midnight, bringing a year of good luck for the family. Unfortunately, they don't come with the whiskey and look a little surprised at the sudden attention.
Whiskey is handed out to all after that, and VOLUNTEER 5 discovers that they are not a fan of the drink. VOLUNTEERS 6 & 7 hand out sparklers for all to enjoy. A small fireworks display marks the official end of the night, and people are welcome to continue partying until Bellamy kicks everyone out.