New Year's Day comes late for Foula island residents Following Julian Calendar Traditions

BBC unveils in its article that a remote Shetland island is celebrating New Year's Day two weeks later than much of the world. 

Foula, which has a population of fewer than 40 people, has not fully adopted the modern Gregorian calendar, instead continuing to observe some customs from the Julian calendar.

As a result, the islanders celebrate Christmas on January 6, instead of December 25, and New Year’s Day on January 13.

"It is how we have always done it," one local shared with BBC Scotland News.

Over four centuries ago, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the calendar in use today to replace the Julian calendar, which had inaccurately calculated the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

While Foula residents don't adhere strictly to the Julian calendar on a daily basis, due to the practicalities of island life like coordinating with ferry and flight schedules, they maintain a difference for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Foula, located about 16 miles from the Shetland mainland, claims to be Britain’s most remote inhabited island. Less than five miles in length, the island is powered by a combination of wind turbines, hydro energy, and solar panels, with backup generators.

It is accessible by ferry from Shetland and also has regular flights from Tingwall Airport, just outside Lerwick.

Foula was also one of the last places in Shetland where the old Norn language, a vestige of Norse heritage, was spoken.

The latest population count for the island stands at 36.

Like many of his fellow islanders, 27-year-old Robert Smith takes on multiple roles. These include ferry crewing, working at the water treatment plant, conducting tours, and even delivering mail when necessary.

"We do anything and everything," he said. "You have got to keep busy. Everyone chips in."

Having spent part of his life on mainland Shetland during his education, he has had the unique experience of celebrating two Christmases and two New Year's Days within a single year, giving him "the best of both worlds."

Regarding Foula's calendar differences, he shared: "I think growing up it felt unique. 

"But our New Year has similarities with first-footing. You go round houses with a drink, stay a while, and catch up. Then maybe home for dinner and then somewhere for a party into the small hours.

"In Foula it's family-focused, it's more intimate, and we are always playing music together. It's something the island is known for. It's a good bonding thing.

"It is how we have always done it."

He started with the guitar, then moved to the mandolin, and is now trying to learn the fiddle, all "just for enjoyment."

He added: "Christmases are similar, most people stay at home in the morning for presents and spending time together. 

"In the past there were maybe different traditions that have slipped away - the men would go out shooting birds to cook."

Population levels can fluctuate, but Mr. Smith described the situation as being in a healthy place at present.

"Most small islands can be older people but we are doing good," he said.

"We have got a lot of children and young people.

"I think Foula has a very relaxed and independent feel, there is no-one breathing down your neck."

For New Year's Day, he said he would follow in the traditions he had learned from his mother and grandmother—doing a bit of something you want to do well in for the rest of the year.

This might include crofting work, gardening, or fishing.

"It's a token effort to bring good fortune," he said.

"I have a croft house I am trying to do up, so I might do some plastering."

Another islander, who wished to remain anonymous, shared: "Yule Day on the 6th works in a fairly similar way to the 25th for most folk.

"The things that are unique are we make an effort to go round every house for music and singing, and a big party.

By Naila Huseynova