Local retailer promotes first-footing with free lumps of coal
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LIDL stores in Wick and Thurso are among those offering free lumps of coal to customers in a bid to bring back the age-old tradition of first-footing.
Local shoppers are being given the chance to pick up a couple of pieces of coal in either of the two Caithness shops from Saturday until Tuesday, December 31, on a first-come, first-served basis.
A recent YouGov survey revealed that only 19 per cent of Highlanders planned to go first-footing this Hogmanay, while 23 per cent of residents have never taken part in the national tradition.
And half of those surveyed favour bubbly or other spirits over the traditional gift of whisky.
To promote the return of first-footing across the Highlands and Islands, Lidl is giving away a couple of lumps of free coal – a traditional Hogmanay gift. This is the fourth year in a row that the company has run this offer.
The ritual of visiting friends, family and neighbours after the bells to be the first person over the threshold has been a long-standing tradition in Scotland. The custom typically sees Scots bring a gift including coal, whisky or black bun.
As well as bringing back first-footing, the retailer has teamed up with Scotland’s national chef to encourage Scots to try traditional Scottish black bun this Hogmanay, as the statistics showed that half the population of the region had never tried it.
Ross Millar, Lidl regional director of Scotland, said: “First-footing is a fantastic Scottish custom – it's all about celebrating Hogmanay with your family, friends and neighbours and sharing traditional gifts to help kick start the new year.
“At Lidl, we’re big on Scottish heritage and all that our wee country has to offer including our age-old Hogmanay celebrations so we hope to play a part in upholding these important traditions.”
