Little Book of Christmas and Hogmanay - Scotland''s Festive Traditions

A lively celebration of Scottish Christmas and New Year traditions, blending history, folklore, recipes, stories, and festive customs.

From Celtic druids and Viking Yule to the outright banning of Christmas for 400 years, The Broons, first footing and the Loony Dook, this is a joyous miscellany that showcases the creative, elaborate and sometimes downright bizarre aspects of Scottish Christmas and New Year, from the ancient past to the more recent present. It includes different local traditions, from those practised in the Borders all the way to the islands of Orkney and Shetland, as well as the nationwide pastimes enjoyed by everyone.

The book is packed with tradition, lore and legend, as well as poems, stories, carols, recipes, history, jokes and fun facts Illustrated throughout with line drawings and black and white photographs.

Best enjoyed in front of an open fire with a glass of whisky and a black bun.

About the author

Anna Marshall is an arts administrator, events organiser, publicist and fundraiser. She has been working with Alexander McCall Smith for 13 years, giving her an intimate knowledge of the 44 Scotland Street series. She lives on a farm in the Scottish Borders, farming sheep and cows and publishing recipes on the farm's website.

Product details

• Authors: Anna Marshall, Marshall Anna
• Publisher: BIRLINN LIMITED
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.12.2025
• EAN: 9781780279602
• ISBN: 978-1-78027-960-2
• No. of pages: 144
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; Christmas, HISTORY / General, Scotland, HISTORY / Social History, Social & cultural history, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Customs & Traditions, Holidays & seasonal interest, Social and cultural history, Cultural studies: customs and traditions, Gift and novelty books / items, Ceremonies, festivals, gatherings, events