'Huge crowd' celebrates the start of Burghead's New Year at Clavie
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A HUGE crowd enjoyed the start of the New Year in Burghead with the Burning of the Clavie on Thursday night.
Brochers have celebrated the Clavie on January 11 since well before records began.
A burning whisky barrel is carried through the village's streets, with members of the Clavie Crew handing out stakes of wood to bring luck for the new year.
Hundreds of locals and tourists followed the crew round the town's streets and to Doorie Hill – where the barrel is traditionally taken to be burned and ripped apart before parts are handed out.
The weather this year was calm and mostly dry, but a lack of wind added to the challenge for the Clavie Crew.
Clavie King Dan Ralph said: "Wind adds to the safety because you know where everything is going.
"There were a huge number of people with crowds everywhere and everything went well.
"We are delighted with the turnout, although we don't do it to attract crowds. It's about maintaining tradition, but it's nice to know what we do is appreciated.
"A lot of things have been lost in Burghead – the Post Office, pubs are closing, the Church is closed, but the Clavie is a symbol of our lasting community spirit."
The first stake is traditionally given to the Station Hotel, where, for the first time, young Danny Hill was the recipient.
His father David said: "This is our eighth year here and we get it first every year. It's a good privilege – not everybody gets a bit."
The barrel is then carried around the streets and smouldering stakes are handed to locals – including Hilary Gloyer.
The Broch local has received a stake every year for more than six decades – including 40 years when she was living away from the village.
"I now have to send the ones that aren't here a bit, they all have to get a bit of the Clavie," Hilary, who had her grandchildren north from Glasgow, said.
"It does bring us luck – there are pubs and people that always get a bit and I am very lucky that I am one of them.
"This is a Burghead tradition, it's not for show and it's not for money.
"A lot of festivals have made it into a money-making carnival – but we refuse to make it commercial, it's our tradition and it means a lot to us."
Hilary's daughter Mandy recalled receiving a piece of the Clavie while working in London.
"My secretary opened up and said '... there's a bit of burnt wood for you' and I'd just have to say 'I know what that is'," she laughed.
Celebrations went on long after the Clavie had burned out, with an eightsome reel involved nearly 100 people on Grant Street into the late hours.
"It was fine to see that," Dan Ralph added. "It's good for everyone in these times."
