In the current issue of Maxim...

[MacMullen]

... there's an article on "The 10 best parties in the world" and on page 124 Hogmanay in Edinburgh is featured. Pictured is a kilted man whirling a ball of fire around his head. The caption reads, "Call it a skirt again, tough guy."
If anyone has seen this, could they identify the tartan? I think it looks pretty sharp. Also anyone know what the deal is with swinging fire around your head?

This is from the FAQ over at Hogmanay.net

What is the symbolism of fire at Hogmanay?

The flame and fire at Hogmanay symbolises many things. The bringing of the light of knowledge from one year to the next, lighting the way into the next uncharted century, putting behind you the darkness past, but carrying forward its sacred flame of hope and enlightenment to a better parish, and in this day, world.

For centuries, fire ceremonies -- torch light processions, fireball swinging and lighting of New Year fires -- played an important part in the Hogmanay celebrations. And they still do.

I thought this one was funny:

What is First Footing?

Traditionally, it has been held that your new year will be a prosperous one if, at the strike of midnight, a "tall, dark stranger" appears at your door with a lump of coal for the fire, or a cake or coin. In exchange, you offered him food, wine or a wee dram of whisky, or the traditional Het Pint, which is a combination of ale, nutmeg and whisky.

It'd be like trick-or-treating. I could go around town and hand out coal and see how many people give me a wee dram.