A Hogmanay Tribute to Scottish Comedy

Hogmanay, the Scots version of New Year's Eve, just can't be complete for me without a touch of Scottish comedy. Harking back to my teens, which I don't do with great frequency, there was always a Scottish comedy show on TV leading up to midnight and "the bells". I'd sit down in front of it with Mum, Dad, Big Sister, and Wee Brother ready for a rare, good laugh.

Comedians who at other times of year could only be seen live on stage would be showcased just for this special night. The hours to midnight would fly by and before I knew it I'd be supping a wee dram, non-alcoholic in my case, and munching on some shortbread while everyone clinked glasses, shouted "cheers", and wiped away the tears that come of remembering all the people whom we'd shared with in the past but had not made it through to the current celebration. We're a sentimental lot, the Scots!

Well, "A guid new year to ye when it comes" and enjoy these wee learnin' links when ye have the time.

• Hogmanay, it's a strange name. Check out the origins of Hogmanay.
• FAQs about Hogmanay and see where the Hogmanay action is at, Scotland side.
• I didn't know there was a Scottish Comedian of the Year award. Quite right too! Take a look and maybe try a wee link to a youtube performance.
• Rikki Fulton was the guy we all watched on Hogmanay. Apparently Scotch and Wry, the program in which he appeared as the Reverend I. M. Jolly, ran in the Hogmanay slot for 15 years. That explains why I actually remember it so well! And, no, he wasn't a bit jolly, which is the whole point!
  
• There are lots of other Scots comedians I could mention, but rather than have you here until midnight, I'll just say a quick word about Molly Weir. She's just a rare we favourite of mine. A bouncy we wuman, who wrote a trilogy which has me riveted every time I read it. Thank you Molly for the laughs and tears. Your words live on.
  

So, break out the shortbread and maybe a wee glass of ginger beer and toast yourself into 2009 at midnight tonight. "Here's to us, there's no-one like us!" Who knows what is ahead. Whatever it is, comedy and a good wee laugh will surely keep us going :-)

I'm taking a blogging break and I'll be back Monday, January 5th, 2009.

Dress like a Scots comedian with a costume from Amazon.com.