What is the New Year's Eve tradition of being the first visitor called in Scotland?

The Scottish New Year's Eve tradition of being the first visitor is called first-footing.

A first-footer is the first person to enter a household after midnight on New Year's Day. Scottish custom has traditionally treated this visitor as an omen for the household's fortunes during the coming year. The visitor may bring symbolic gifts such as coal for warmth, shortbread for food, salt, or whisky for hospitality.

In some versions of the tradition, a tall, dark-haired man is considered especially lucky as the first visitor. The details are not universal, however, and families and regions have adapted the practice in different ways. The visitor is generally expected to cross the threshold after midnight rather than arrive before the new year begins.

First-footing is closely associated with Hogmanay, Scotland's New Year's celebration, but it is distinct from the name of any particular street party or city event. The custom has also influenced New Year's practices in parts of northern England and other communities with Scottish connections.