Good morning, It's Hogmanay, a time to 'drow the animosities of the past year in hilarity and merriment'. Although this year's celebrations will be a lot more subdued, we all deserve a medal for making it through 2020. It's also fascinating to look into the history of this Scottish tradition. Did you know Hogmanay used to be referred to as 'Night of the Candle'? We've put together a piece on the lost merry customs of a traditional Scottish Hogmanay; it's well worth a read. Thank you for your support this year. The best New Year gift you could give us is subscribing to our website. Help sustain our journalism and have full access to the news important to you, as well as free puzzles and fewer ads. Join us today from just £3. Holyrood refuses legal consent for UK trade deal with EU Back to the news. Yesterday was a significant day in UK politics. The Scottish Parliament voted to refuse consent for Boris Johnson's Brexit trade Bill with the EU, which was passed in the Commons. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged MSPs to vote against a "rotten Brexit that Scotland has rejected all along, and we will say no to a hard Brexit deal that damages our economy, our society and the opportunities of this and future generations". What do you think about the Brexit trade deal? See the full story here. Donald Trump's Scottish resort runs up losses for eighth year in row Donald Trump doesn't only lose elections, it seems. The outgoing US president's inaugural Scottish golf resort has run up losses of more than £1.1 million, marking the eighth consecutive year the property has failed to turn a profit. Mr Trump's Aberdeenshire resort, which he promises would be the 'world's greatest' remains reliant on interest-free loans provided by the 74-year-old himself. Read more about the resort's financial situation, from accounts lodged with Companies House, here. Coronavirus volunteers awarded New Years Honours Covid-19 volunteers, scientists, and politicians are among the Scots named in the New Year Honours list., released last night. Among them was Jamie Kinlochan, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for setting up a helpline for vulnerable people who could not get access to the support they need. See our Scottish highlights from the New Years Honours here. A year like no other Finally, we look back on the biggest stories of 2020 for The Scotsman. It's a journey to look through, and January seems like a lifetime ago, but well worth looking back on this most bizarre year. See our round up here. Happy New Year and thank you for all your support in 2020, Ginny - ginny.sanderson@jpimedia.co.uk |