Old Weird ScotlandDecember 29th is the feast day of minor Scottish saint, Onan, who, despite his name, isn't the patron saint of anything in particular...
Today is the 75th anniversary of "OPERATION HAGGIS", a special mission flown by Number 30 Squadron of the Royal Australian Airforce.
On 28th December 1950, the RAAF flew 585km from Iwakuni, Japan to Suwon-si, South Korea with 180lbs (80kg) of haggis so the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders could have a "proper Hogmanay" in the first year of the Korean War.
In 1599, the Elgin Kirk Session were *very clear* on what NOT to do at Xmas time:
No snowballs
No carols or other singing
No guising (fancy dress)
No crossdressing
No bagpipes or fiddles
No dancing
No football in the streets
No ropeswings
No groups of women haunting the churchyard
No "umcomelie speeches"
Punishment included headshaving, sitting barelegged outside, whipping, cheek branding, and being chained by the neck to a wall.
Maronno WinchesterChristmas advice for ladies, courtesy of the Dundee Courier. (1930-1934)
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In his first hundred years of business in Scotland, Santa Claus delivered to children on Hogmanay (31st Dec), not Christmas Eve.
By the 1960s, he had fully synchronised his visits and Scotland ran on the same timetable as the US and England.
Dating to before 1684, The motto on the arms of the Royal Burgh of Inveraray, Semper Tibi Pendeat Halec, is thought to have originally meant "may the fish sauce always be ready for you".
The 1970s really were the golden age of souvenirs from Scotland.
For the equivalent of £11.99, you can fill your house and nose with sweet peaty nostalgia!
On Good Friday 1882, 147 people in Inverness became severely ill after eating hot cross buns. While not fatal, they all experienced vomiting, tremors, and a dry throat.
An unidentified alkaloid poison was found in the spice mix. The case was never solved.
In the village of Swinton in the Scottish Borders, the local football pitch has a stone mercat cross for a centre circle. Known as the "12th Man of Swinton", the cross was used to the home team's advantage during league matches.
(the village is the namesake of actor Tilda Swinton)
By the age of 1, Siamese cat, "Jane Austen" had climbed 16 peaks (inc. 11 Munros) with her owner Fiona M. Wilkie.
Jane was harnessed on a 12ft lead and took naps in Fiona's rucksack.
