Preparations going well for Burghead's Clavie
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PREPARATIONS for the annual burning of the Clavie in Burghead are going well, according to Clavie King Dan Ralph, and won't be affected by any poor weather.
The event, which happens on January 11 every year, takes place at 6pm on Saturday – starting at the Old Manse on Granary Street.
The forecast is for high winds, but that is actually an advantage for the Clavie, Mr Ralph added.
He said: "Preparations are going fine and there is a good breeze of wind, which is fine too.
"We value the wind because it makes it safer – and rain won't affect us."
The barrel – which will be filled with staves and carried around the town – was made on Saturday, with two men taking a day to put it together.
The Clavie itself will be completed on Saturday afternoon before being lit at exactly 6pm.
For those who are attending the Clavie for the first time, whether from Moray or further afield, Mr Ralph explained the origins.
"The Clavie probably has Pictish origins," he said. "It's unique to Burghead now, but many coastal places used to do something similar in the past.
"In the middle of the 1700s we changed to use the Gregorian calendar, but Brochers are resistant to change.
"We kind of ignore Hogmanay and keep our enthusiasm for the Clavie."
A big crowd is expected to turn out to see the burning. While welcoming first time visitors, Dan insisted the Clavie is not burned just for entertainment.
He added: "I have to make clear: we don't burn the Clavie to attract crowds. It's to uphold tradition.
"The crowds are encouraging but secondary. It is not intended to be a tourist spectacle. We do welcome people but that's not why we do it."
For those attending – the advice is not to drive up the middle of the town. Somebody will be on hand to control the traffic, with adequate parking available.
