Right you lot. I am sorry that I am otherwise engaged tonight and will not be able to join you in the draughty barn of a place gorgeous castle that is Balmoral but in order to preserve Scotland's reputation for hospitality, I will nip up before it gets dark and leave Black Bun, Shortbread and Dundee cake along with Scotch Broth and copies of the Steak Pie, and Veggie Sausage and Mushroom Pie, which I am making this afternoon for tomorrow. Specially for Galen I will also leave some miniature Haggis, Neeps and Tatties Pies. Sorry, I have finished the last of this summer's raspberries, so no Cranachan but how about oatcakes and cheese or apple crumble? I have also booked the Red Hot Chilli Pipers for your entertainment after the bells. They are headlining in Inverness tonight so won't have too far to come.
Now a word of caution. There will of course be many fireworks displays, civic and private, just after midnight but you may not be aware that there will also be big displays with light shows in Stirling, Stonehaven and Inverness starting at 8.14pm till 8.30pm. Best to plan your route carefully to avoid these hot spots. I think there is also a big display in Edinburgh in the evening as well as the usual fireworks at the castle at 0.01. Personally, I think the best place to be at midnight would be the dining room or roof of the ROSL in Princes Street but too late to book it now.
Newist I do not need a flying machine because I have found that if I just go outside, bend knees slightly then press down hard with the heels, I can take off effortlessly and either glide along admiring the scenery, or by pointing my arms in front (like superman) fly at jet speed. I often pop over to Barra or Lanzarote like this - no fuel required just BELIEF. My one and only 'ball gown' is midnight blue, long and floaty, with a sequin encrusted, short jacket. I'll drop that off too if it is of any use.