HOGMANAY IN OUR OWNWAY

Doorstep good wishes and online music planned

Hugs, kisses and handshakes will not be shared in town and village squares at the bells this year.

There will be no fiery spectacles or dancing in the streets.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is reminding Scots not to gather outwith their household on Hogmanay, stressing that it is vital to follow the rules in order to suppress a new strain of Covid-19 – which is thought to be up to 70 per cent more transmissible.

But that doesn’t mean Strath folk are not marking Hogmanay in their own quiet way.

In Muthill, residents are planning to stand on their doorsteps in a return to the days at the start of lockdown when the nation showed its appreciation for healthcare workers with the Clap for Carers.

The village’s Susan Crawford told the Herald: “A lot of new friendships were forged earlier in the year and neighbours got to know each other when we all

stood on our doorsteps for the Clap for Carers. Even just a wave along the street to an older neighbour meant so much to them.

“We got to the stage on a Thursday night where our whole street – Drummond Street – was out and that even extended along Willoughby Street and further afield. Most parts of the village had people clapping on their doorsteps.

“In fact, around five households in Drummond Street have continued to come out with our coffees to chat socially-distanced ever since – I think we are on our 38th week. It has been great to make new bonds.”

Susan continued: “We thought it would be nice to round off this year and bring some more community spirit at the bells.

“It was John O’Donnell’s idea. He suggested the whole village could come out and all stand on our doorsteps again and hopefully some of the musicians among us will give us a socially-distanced tune that the whole village can hear.”

And in Comrie, which usually hosts one of the biggest celebrations with its spectacular Flambeaux Parade, administrators of the village’s Facebook page are taking

John O’ Donnell suggested the whole village could come out and stand on our doorsteps again and hopefully some musicians will give us a tune

Susan Crawford

Hogmanay online by flooding social media with tunes and songs from local musicians and singers on Thursday evening.

Sandra McRitchie, who set up the ‘Comrie Perth shire’ social media page, told the Herald: “We now have over 5000‘ likers’ and followers.

“The posts reach between 30,000 and 50,000 people every month around the world with similar numbers engaging with them. Many visitors to the page are ex-Comrie residents and their families who like to keep up with village life.

“Others are those who have visited or intend to visit the area.

“Public information posts during this difficult time have been well received especially local health board information, and keeping the community council helpline number at the top of the page is a constant reminder we are here.

“We hope that everyone enjoys our alternative online Hogmanay.”;