Ah, Edinburgh at Hogmanay – what a treat! Or at least that’s what I thought when I traveled all the way from Switzerland, armed with my finest waterproof jacket, ready to embrace the Scottish New Year in all its (alleged) glory. Little did I know that the Scots apparently have the meteorological resilience of a damp tissue.

Picture this: It’s December 31st. A light drizzle falls. The occasional breeze rustles through the streets. In Switzerland, we’d call this Tuesday. But in Edinburgh? It’s apparently a full-blown apocalypse! So much so that the entire Hogmanay celebration – street party, concert, fireworks – was cancelled. Why? Because of “weather conditions.” Seriously? Let me clarify: this was not a hurricane, a monsoon, or even a proper storm. In Switzerland, on the Jungfraujoch, we’ve been known to host concerts in snow so thick you can’t see your own boots, let alone a stage. But in Edinburgh? A few gusts of wind, and it’s time to batten down the hatches and call mum.

The irony? At the very same time, the Christmas market—complete with a massive Ferris wheel and a 60-meter-high chain carousel—was operating just fine. While the brave souls who run the rides didn’t seem fazed by the weather, the Hogmanay organizers apparently took one look at the sky and decided it was an apocalyptic event.

Now, in Edinburgh, you can see the whole city in a day. Which, by the way, is exactly what you’ll end up doing if you’ve come for the cancelled festivities. After 8 hours of exploring the Royal Mile and snapping pictures of the castle, you’ll find yourself sitting in your overpriced hotel room, wondering why you didn’t just stay home and watch the New Year’s fireworks from elsewhere on TV.

But wait, there’s more! I was promised a full refund for my Hogmanay tickets. Lovely gesture, right? Except… I haven’t seen a single penny. Maybe the Scots are waiting for fairer weather to process refunds? It seems that while Scotland can’t handle a bit of weather, they’re quite comfortable holding on to other people’s money. Auld Lang Syne, indeed.

Here’s a thought, Edinburgh: If you’re going to invite the world to your doorstep, at least pretend you’re happy to see us. Or is this part of the UK’s new tourism strategy? “Go home; we don’t want you here.” Message received! Fine by me! If you don’t want my money, I’ll spend it in places where tourists are actually welcomed—and where a little rain doesn’t send the entire country into meltdown mode.

For those considering Hogmanay in Edinburgh: Save yourself the hassle. Unless you’re keen on watching locals cower at the first raindrop, there are better places to ring in the New Year. And as for me? I’ll stick to countries where the locals don’t cry for their mums when the weather gets interesting.

Sure, I might still visit London or check out a theme park or two in the UK, but as for the rest of the UK? No, thanks. If I wanted to spend time with people who’d rather hide in a bunker than face a drizzle, I’d organize a family reunion.

(P.S. See the attached photo of the “stormy” conditions that apparently justified canceling an entire citywide celebration. I’ll wait while you laugh.)