Hogmanay Boys

Synopsis

Hogmanay Boys describes the experience of a family in South Uist and looks at the intersection between past and present cultures.  On the one hand there are the Hogmanay Boys who dress up going from house to house for money and sweets, the bard (Seonaidh), the matchmaking of an older man and a younger woman, and the singing of the rosary. Juxtaposed with this, however, there is the airman Peter who talks of London, flares of warfare found on the beaches and Effie who, despite being engaged to crofter Tomas Ruadh wants to travel the world and listen to jazz.  The narrative is infused with fairytale and Gaelic song, but the war and the modern world constantly interferes with the local community. It leaves the audience with the sense that the world is changing...for good or ill.