Seen any poor-oots lately?

Researchers at Napier University undertaking a UNESCO supported project to record examples of ‘intangible cultural heritage’ are looking for information about customs still practiced today relating to weddings, romance and coortin. Linda Gunn of the project explains, ‘Brides wear something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and we still have ‘Hen Nights’, but what specifically Scottish customs and traditions are still being practised?  What’s supposed to bring good luck and bad to a marriage? Do different trades or industries still do unmentionable things to a lad about to get wed before the big day? Is there till any chance of a poor-oot for the bairns? If you know we’d like to hear from you.’

The academics are hoping that people from around Scotland will send them information for a new online record of the customs, traditions, sayings, beliefs, superstitions and celebrations being carried out in Scotland today.

More information about the project including contact details are at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Scotland web site.