Pictures of the Past – 1979 Clavie sees Brochers embrace Pictish roots
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AHEAD of 2024's Clavie, we have uncovered photographs of the ritual from 1979.
The 45-year-old pictures show Clavie King Jimmy McKenzie and crew retracing the ancient steps of their Pictish forebears, and enjoying a quick dram.
Among the guests turning out to welcome the new year was then-Moray and Nairn MP Winnie Ewing, who passed away last year.
Taken from the Northern Scot – published Saturday, January 13, 1979
BURGHEAD recalled its pagan past on Thursday when it staged its age-old and world-famous fire festival – the Burning of the Clavie.
True to form, an icy wind swept in off the sea, chilling the 400-500 onlookers to the bone as they followed the burning barrel through the town.
Tradition has it that the Burning of the Clavie originated in the mists of ancient history as an annual banishment of evil spirits from the town.
It is a custom in which the Brochers take a great pride and one for which their enthusiasm never wanes.
With tireless Clavie King Jimmy McKenzie and his nine-man "crew" leading the way, with the blazing barrel held aloft, the procession wound its way through the streets to its destination the Doorie Hill – selected long ago as the Clavie's final resting place, presumably on the grounds that any evil spirits not already frightened out of their wits by the strange goings-on would make for higher ground for safety.
Householders along the route eagerly accepted smouldering staves from the Clavie which the King and his men offered. These bits of burnt stick are much valued since the belief is that they will bring the possessor luck for the ensuing year.
Jimmy McKenzie, a retired baker, has been Clavie King for 32 years. It is a singular honour among Brochers and one which is carried out with reverence and in the best traditions.
INTERRUPTIONS
Similarly, it would take a lot more then the biting chill of Thursday evening to deter the Clavie worshippers – perish the thought. Only the First World War and later Hitler have interrupted the Burghead ceremony within living memory.
It was on his return from active service in 1946 that Jimmy McKenzie - who will be 68 today (Saturday) – was offered the job.
“There were four of us who had been in the Clavie crew before the war and I think I was asked to be King because I was oldest.”
Before starting off on the pilgrimage to the Doorie, Jimmy "entertained" his crew at his home at 21 Granary Street.
"Just a dram to warm us up before we go," as he put it.
By the time the procession reached the Doorie any spirits which had fled there as a final refuge were really in trouble, for their only remaining escape route had been blocked by the crowds jostling for position to see the tar-filled Clavie fed more fire before being allowed to expire.
