Credit crunch new year

If you thought 2008 was bad, 2009 is going to be worse..is what many economists are warning.

I thought 'how true!' as I stood on Calton Hill in Edinburgh on Hogmanay night with my friends watching the fireworks display. Traditionally the new year is welcomed in Edinburgh with a lavish display of multicoloured fireworks from 4 sites surrounding the new town. However, last night's affair was muted, only lasting for 2 minutes and I only saw fireworks bursting into the sky from Princes St Gardens and Arthurs Seat.

It was really good weather, despite the fact that the mercury was indicating minus 7 degrees Celcius. It wasn't windy and it was not raining for once as it had wont to be for the last 6 Hogmanays. The skies were clear. Hogmanay celebrations had been cancelled twice in the last 6 years due to bad weather, which is historically significant in itself.

So here's my New Year message. Hope you have a fun year despite the credit crunch and long may your new year resolution last, if you have one, that is.

Happy New Year everyone!