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.



Anna Marshall is a freelance publicist based near Edinburgh. She is the author of the 44 Scotland Street Cookbook, inspired by Alexander McCall Smith's bestselling series.



'The perfect stocking filler... this engaging, charming, Caledonia-focussed little book will educate a little, but most importantly will bring a helping of festive cheer to every member of the family'



'This sweet little illustrated book, which remembers traditions past and present celebrated throughout Scotland – from Celtic druids to first footing - is sure to spark conversation as well as nostalgia as its reader shares nuggets from within its pages'



'a beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable little hardback book that is guaranteed to brighten up the festive season of anyone in, or from, or connected to Scotland. It is, in essence, a nicely-illustrated collection of snippets about a large number and wide variety of Scottish festive traditions'



'This excellent little book might well fill a corner of a stocking on Christmas eve'



'A feast of facts'



'A fantastic book exploring the many traditions we have in Scotland and the history behind them'