Fire still plays an important part of Hogmanay. The Edinburgh fireworks display is usually spectacular

What does "Hogmanay" mean?

Yes, we know it means starting every year with the most disgusting of hangovers, but where does the word itself originate?

The jury is still out on this one, but FirstFoot favours the view that it comes from the Gaelic "oge maidne" which translates as "new morning".

There is no doubt, however, that Hogmanay's origins date back to pagan times and the practice of sun and fire worship in deep mid-winter. The flame and fire are symbolic of many things, including the passing of the light of knowledge from one year to the next and the carrying forward of the light of hope for a better world.

Hence, fire ceremonies including torchlight processions, fireball swinging (don't try this one at home) and the lighting of New Year bonfires still play an important part in Scotland's Hogmanay celebrations.

But not, admittedly, as big a part as alcohol.