The Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony is a popular event which differs from the concerts and fireworks which will be happening all around the country this Hogmanay. Ross Milne helps to organise the fireball spectacular and is very passionate about the special event.
HOW LONG HAS THE STONEHAVEN FIREBALL CEREMONY BEEN RUNNING FOR?
It is over 150 years. We can’t pinpoint exactly the origins, but it is very much pinned to the locals. There is a chap who used to live in the town and he wrote about the ceremony in 1903. It is about burning out the bad before starting the New Year fresh and has its roots in pagan beliefs.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITHIN THE STONEHAVEN FIREBALL ASSOCIATION?
I am the committee chair. It means that I oversee everything but really it is a massive town effort. There are 45 fireball swingers and 10 on the committee who make sure everything happens. November and December is when everything picks up but we are doing bits and pieces throughout the year to organise the event. We have to get permits and insurances so we are doing jobs behind the scenes, but really it is a fairly well-oiled machine.
HOW CAN SOMEONE GET INVOLVED WITH THE PARADE?
We generally say you need an AD39 postcode or you have a strong connection to the town, live in it or have lived in Stonehaven in the past. People start out in the association and helping out marshalling or various jobs before you hopefully get a chance to swing. If people want to volunteer and be a marshal then they can go on our Facebook page or contact us from our website (www.stonehavenfireballs.co.uk).
WHAT HAPPENS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE?
The fireballs are lit just before midnight so that when the clock strikes we are ready to go. From 10pm in the town, there will be a pipeband and crowds gather around the High Street to find a good place.
HOW MANY PEOPLE COME TO THE CEREMONY?
We regularly get 10,000 people. Every year we are surprised by the amount of people we get. Last year, we had visitors from Canada and I was talking to someone who is coming across this year from Austria. I am really proud of that.
HAS THE NUMBER OF VISITORS GROWN OVER THE YEARS?
It has been like that for a number of years but it is definitely busier now compared to when I was a kid. I grew up on the harbour and I remember the parade coming past our front door.
WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY PEOPLE COME TO THE FIREBALL CEREMONY?
I think it is because the event is so unique. The idea of trying to start something like that now would be difficult because of the health and safety aspect. Lots of families come with their kids. Edinburgh is massive but the fireballs is something different.
The Fireball Ceremony starts in Stonehaven at midnight. Visitors are advised to arrive early. Marshal volunteers can contact the committee on www.stonehavenfireballs.co.uk