Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Scotsnet

Welcome to Scotsnet - discuss all aspects of life in Scotland, including relocating, schools and local areas.

Original poster

Urgent! What is first footing?

26 replies

RoganJosh · 31/12/2016 23:42

Having just moved to Scotland I'm reading about first footing. I thought it was just your dad walking in with a lump of coal, but now I'm worried it's going to be a stream of people knocking on the door. It's not, is it?

What normally happens and what are we meant to do in response?!

OP posts:
Jbck · 31/12/2016 23:43

You cant refuse a first footer entry Grin

Original poster
RoganJosh · 31/12/2016 23:45

But what do we dooo with them?! Grin

OP posts:
JohnLapsleyParlabane · 31/12/2016 23:45

Give them alcohol!

Joz157 · 31/12/2016 23:46

As far as I know from my gran, she would send me out of the front door and I would walk round to the back picking up some coal, bread and money to bring in the house. It really the first person to come in to your house on new years day. Over the years I've had different ppl to first foot me but they didn't seem to give me a wonderful year.

ferriswheel · 31/12/2016 23:46

ERM...basically ply each first footer with a big drink and be outrageously hospitable.

Boogers · 31/12/2016 23:47

I thought it was the first person over the threshold after midnight has to bring a lump of coal in with them. Not sure what you do with either them or the coal if you don't have a coal fire.

Original poster
RoganJosh · 31/12/2016 23:48
OP posts:
LadyTrevelyan · 31/12/2016 23:55

Lump of coal, some bread and a penny.

Much drinkXmas Confused.

SergeantJynErso · 31/12/2016 23:56

I'm a northerner down south and make DH first foot every year. We haven't got any coal (or usual substitute gel fire liquid). I'm sending him out with money, Christmas cake and batteries Blushin place of fuel. He thinks it's all bonkers, but does it to humour me

LadyTrevelyan · 31/12/2016 23:57

Out the door 1158, back in MIDNIGHT!

TheBiscuitStrikesBack · 31/12/2016 23:58

I've lived in Scotland forever and have never, EVER, had a random appear as a first foot.

Original poster
RoganJosh · 01/01/2017 00:24

Panic over. I think we escaped the flood of thirsty hoards. We went out to watch fireworks at midnight, (through the side door so no one knew which house we'd come from) said Happy New Year to a couple of sweet 18 yr old boys/men and that was that.
Our house is also a bit tidier. Bonus.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 01/01/2017 00:27

We don't get first footers and don't go to anyone's door at the bells. Unless it's prearranged I don't think anyone will come to your door unannounced

bloodymaria · 01/01/2017 00:29

Bless you OP! Happy new year! Were you worried it was a bit like guising?

Original poster
RoganJosh · 01/01/2017 00:36

I did suddenly wonder if it was, yes! Grin

OP posts:
LetitiaCropleysCookbook · 01/01/2017 00:36

Were you worried it was a bit like guising?

What's guising?

Happy NY!

Catzpyjamas · 01/01/2017 00:40

Guising is the Scottish name for trick or treating.
Happy New Year! Lang may yer lum reek. Smile

Original poster
RoganJosh · 01/01/2017 00:46

Same to you? If that's not rude to hope your lum reeks lang.

My phone autocorrected to 'your mum reeks' which cannot be good.

OP posts:
StealthPolarBear · 01/01/2017 00:50

I think technically it should be stranger. But it was always my dad. The first new year dh spent with us he did it, he'd never heard of it and I think he thought we were just having him on.

Catzpyjamas · 01/01/2017 00:52

No, it's not rude. The reply my granny would have given is "Wi' ither folks coal! "
Translation: Long may your chimney smoke (long may you have fuel for your fire)

I do hope your mother does not reek!

SleepEatPlayWork · 01/01/2017 00:52

I always do this shite these traditions. We've just opened our "good things that have happened this year" jar for the first time in 3 years. 10 things in it. Living life on the edge and not doing first footing this year

derxa · 01/01/2017 00:54

Just go and visit!!!

JustWoman · 01/01/2017 01:21

We've just opened our "good things that have happened this year" jar for the first time in 3 years. 10 things in it.

I love this idea, do you mind if I copy? I have a journal thing and think it would be great to stick the bits of paper in at the end of the year.

I'm sorry that your jar has been empty the last few years and hope that it's full to the brim at the end of 2017 Flowers

SleepEatPlayWork · 01/01/2017 10:52

Course not, hope you have more luck than me! I put something new in our empty jar last night!!

MiladyThesaurus · 01/01/2017 10:54

We always used to first foot the neighbours when we were kids. Armed with coal, food and drink. My mum always made me go first because I've got dark hair!

Swipe left for the next trending thread