Funny how a Scottish song could travel round the world and commemorate the passing of one year into the next in different time zones and cultures.

Scottish values of hospitality and friendship combined together into a custom known as first footing.

After midnight on the last day of the year, folks used to go out and visit their friends, bringing a gift of a lump of coal. This was to bring them warmth for the coming year.

And the guest was treated to a wee dram of whisky and shortbread, to comfort him in the cold of the night and on into the coming year.

The best, most luckiest visitor to be the first foot over your doorstep was a tall, dark, handsome man.

A bonny dream.

May your coming year be full, too.