Did you know?
-The traditional Burning of the Clavie takes place in Burghead, Moray.
-The festival dates back to 400AD, when the village was the capital of the ancient Pictish kingdom
-The event takes place annually, as the townspeople of Burghead celebrate New Year twice – on January 1 and then again 10 days later.
-The Burning of the Clavie is a celebration of the ancient Scots Hogmanay, which fell on January 11 before the Gregorian calendar was introduced in Britain in the 18th century.
-The event involves lighting a 100kg barrel of tar which is then carried around the town. Tradition dictates that members of the ‘Clavie Crew’ must be natives of the town.
-The Clavie is then taken up Dorie Hill before being allowed to burn out and tumble down the hill.
-Locals then gather around the smoking remains as it is supposed to bring good luck for the year ahead.
-The Burning of the Clavie is held on 11 January each year, except when the 11th is a Sunday, in which case it takes place on the 10th.
Main photo: VisitScotland.