"A lot of good memories" - Burning of the Clavie returns after missing out last year
People gathered and cheered as the whisky cask was lit and carried around Burghead.
Last updated 17th Jan 2022
A fiery Burghead tradition returned tonight after it was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Burning of The Clavie was initially going to be called off this year, but after the First Minister lifted restrictions on large events, organisers got the go-ahead to hold it a week later than usually planned.
Hundreds gathered and cheered as the whisky cask was lit and carried around the town.
It was taken up to the top of Doorie Hill where it stood for almost 30 minutes until a member of the Clavie Clan bravely knocked it over.
Pieces of Clavie were passed around, as it's said to bring good luck to those who receive some it.
One of those was Hilary Gloyer who was delighted the event went ahead.
She said: "I was brought up in Burghead, I was away for 35 years and I got sent a bit of the Clavie every year I was away.
"Now I’m back, my family came up last week and of course it was cancelled so they’ll get a bit."
Sonia Pozzi, who lives close to where the Clavie is lit, feels it's just what the community needed.
She said: "It’s a fantastic start to the New Year and puts everyone on a high again.
"Everybody who’s gone home with their bits of Clavie tonight will be delighted.
"It’s going to be a lucky year for us and I think we all need that after what we’ve had."
Family connection
Rosemary Davidson was a volunteer steward at the event and outlined why it's so special for her.
She said: “I’m absolutely delighted it has gone ahead, missed it so much last year, let’s hope this is the future.
"I’ve lived here all my life and my father was the Clavie King before Dan Ralph.
“It’s a very important night for our family.
“It upset most of us not being able to have it last year, however, we kept to rules and hopefully this will help us get back to normal.”
25-year-old Blair Short’s been attending the event all his life, including before he moved to the area two decades ago.
He said: "It’s brilliant and great for the community to have it back.
"It’s a tradition that’s gone on for loads of years.
"It was strange not having it, I’ve been watching it for the last 20 years so not seeing it for one year was a bit odd.
"This is a very quiet one compared to normal. You normally can’t walk half the streets because it’s that full.
"I prefer it to be busy because it’s good for the community, good for the pubs and good for Burghead."
"Most important day in Burghead's year"
The Burning of the Clavie marks the first day of the Julian Calendar, taking place every year January 11th, unless the 11th is a Sunday, in which case it takes place on the 10th.
However it went ahead a week later this year as covid restrictions limited crowds to 500 people last Monday.
Although he was disappointed it couldn't be held last week, John Young was thrilled to see the Clavie make a comeback.
He said:"It’s the most important day of Burghead’s year, that’s including New Year.
"I'm welling up, a lot of good memories."