Supermarket Lidl is set to bring back the age-old tradition with free coal for customers in Scotland.
Ahead of Hogmanay, Lidl has announced its plans to revive the Scottish tradition of first-footing after revealing just 14% of Scots plan to take part in the custom this year.
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 bringing along gifts including coal, whisky or Black Bun as a sign of good stead.
With 26% of Scots revealing they have never been first-footing, Lidl is encouraging the nation to take part in the celebration this Hogmanay.
Lidl stores across Scotland will be giving away free coal, a traditional first-footing gift, for the fourth year in a row to help keep households across the country cosy this New Year.
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 stats showed over half the population (53%) have never tried it.
Ross Millar, 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.’
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