Burghead Clavie attracts large numbers
A HAPPY crowd gathered in Burghead on Saturday night to watch the Burning of the Clavie and welcome in the traditional New Year.
The falling of January 11th on a weekend night, coupled with a recent TV programme featuring the event, helped ensure a record number of cars in the village.
Folk had come from far and wide to witness a custom that's been going on for far longer than anyone can remember.
Christina Ewen had travelled up to Moray from Kemnay for the evening with her son Harry (12).
She said: "It's different and quirky and definitely worth seeing.
"You have to wonder how a tradition like this got going in the first place.
"I mean, who first thought of lighting a barrel and carrying it around the village on their heads?"
There was live music as well as swift custom at the bar in the Station Hotel, the Harbour Inn and the Bothy restaurant.
In addition, the Commercial Hotel, which reopened for the festive period, was also doing very good business.
And added to all that a special function was held in the community hall.
Soaking up the friendly atmosphere on Saturday night was Anne Robertson from Cullen with her two sons Graham (10) and John (8).
She said: "It's the first time I've been which is a bit shameful considering I live so close, but I'll definitely be back. I love the tradition."
Also amongst the crowd was Douglas Ross, Moray's recently re-elected MP, who had brought his 10-month-old son Alistair to witness his very first Clavie.
He said: "I always try to come along to Burghead if I can away. It's a special night."
Nobody knows just how long the villagers in Burghead having been carrying out their annual tradition.
However, a reference from 1689 speaks of it already being an "old" custom back then.
In that year the young men of the village were rebuked by the church.
Their misdemeanour was outlined as "having made a burning clavie, paying it superstitious worship, and blessing the boats after the old heathen custom".
FULL STORY AND PICTURES IN THIS FRIDAY'S PRINT EDITION OF THE NORTHERN SCOT
