As New Year’s Day approaches, many Scots will be preparing to indulge in a traditional steak pie – but how did the practice come about?
Scotland has earned worldwide recognition as one of the premier destinations for welcoming in the new year. The country boasts numerous customs and traditions surrounding Hogmanay, making it a magnet for tourists eager to celebrate the bells.
From the cannon blast echoing from Edinburgh Castle at the stroke of midnight to the capital’s legendary street party, Scotland has firmly established its reputation during the festive period.
When it comes to cuisine, one cornerstone of New Year in Scotland is steak pie. The dish is something countless Scots enjoy on January 1. For many households, it remains a comforting ritual passed down through generations across towns, villages and cities throughout Scotland.
But what’s the story behind this filling meal, and why has it become the traditional choice? In a previous interview with The Herald, Bruce McColl, the member services manager for the Scottish Craft Butchers Association, shared his insights.
Scots are mad for a steak pie on New Year’s Day(Image: Getty)
He explained: “One theory holds that steak pie became the national dish at New Years because January 1 wasn’t generally taken as a holiday so families were too busy to cook.
“They would buy steak pies to feed their families instead, this continues to this day as people want a delicious meal after the previous night’s celebrations. So it was essentially one of the first ready meals.”
Providing further insight into this tradition, Mr McColl added: “The other train of thought is that people would have it as their main meal on Hogmanay before they started to drink. It’s a good meal to be made in advance so a lot of people have it as their main meal before the bells.”
Offering another explanation, Mr McColl said: “Another theory is that because it is a big meal you can keep warm and serve to visitors throughout the day, as people come to the house.”
As the Record highlighted previously, many believe tucking into steak pie on January 1 started as a remedy for the Hogmanay hangover.
While this might hold true in some cases, similar to Mr McColl’s view, it is more likely that the tradition began after New Year’s Day became a Scottish public holiday only in recent decades.
Before this, Scots didn’t have the luxury of time to prepare an elaborate feast to mark the year’s first day.
Instead, they would often simply pick up a substantial pie from their local butcher.
Whatever the reason, steak pie fits Scotland’s New Year traditions perfectly.
It helps absorb alcohol and fills the stomach.
It also provides a meal that is quick, simple, and substantial enough to satisfy first footers.
Overall, the custom shows little sign of fading.