A burning passion for tradition will see thousands descend on the village of Burghead to celebrate the old Scottish New Year, writes Susan Welsh
Across the country, life is getting back to normal after what has possibly been several days of partying to welcome in 2015. While many will be glad it’s all over, the villagers of Burghead in Moray are gearing up to do it all again.
Each year, they celebrate New Year in their own, distinct and very traditional way with the Burning of the Clavie. This celebration, which has ancient roots and is believed to bring good luck for the coming year, sees a blazing Clavie (pronounced clay-vee) – a barrel filled with wood shavings and tar, nailed to a large post – carried through the village by a group of strapping lads, led by the Clavie King, Dan Ralph.
Normally, it’s held on January 11, but as this falls on a Sunday this year, the parade, condemned in the 18th century as “an abominable heathenish practice”, will take place this Saturday, January 10. It’s a magical event that is looked forward to by locals and the several thousand visitors who make their way to the coastal village to line the streets to witness the spectacle which causes the dark winter skies above Burghead to become a fiery blaze of colour.
Clavie King Dan Ralph, 66, the local funeral director and joiner who can trace his Burghead roots back to the 16th century, is once again at the helm. He’s been “king” since 1988, and will be supported by his sons, Danny and Lachie, plus a raft of long-established Burghead families, including Davidson, Stewart, Tolmie, Ross, Ralph and Thain.
“Last year, we had at least 4,000 turn up and expect the same, if not more, this year as it falls on a Saturday. It puts Burghead on the map and we’re delighted to see so many coming along to watch the spectacle, but we’d still do it if nobody turned up, as it’s all to do with tradition.”
The significance of it dates back to the 1750s, when the Julian calendar was reformed in Britain and the new Gregorian calendar was introduced. While others went along with the change of dates, the folk of Burghead decided to stick with the Julian, so celebrate New Year twice – on January 1 and January 11 (or Jan 10 as is the case this year).
“At one time, Clavies were widespread and, depending on weather conditions, you could see them burning along the coast, right up to Ross and Cromarty. All, without exception, changed dates when Pope Gregory introduced the new calendar, but the folk from Burghead were resistant to change, so stuck with the Julian calendar. I suspect if our ancestors hadn’t been so stubborn or determined, the tradition of burning the Clavie might have been gone by now,” said Dan.
“It’s the same crew every year. They’re chosen because their fathers or grandfathers took part; it’s a hereditary honour. Folk of all ages take part and we have a lot of young lads, some as young as 12 eager to get involved. I’ve been the king since 1988, but can still remember vividly being allowed to carry the Clavie for the first time when I was about 15. It was like I’d suddenly entered manhood, a real rite of passage.”
The Clavie, when first filled and lit, starts out weighing around 280lb. Tradition dictates it is nailed to the post using the same nail each time.
“The nail used is smiddy-made and carefully guarded at the end of each year,” said Dan. “No matter what heat is generated in the basket, the nail, which is ancient and was probably used in boatbuilding at one time, doesn’t bend out of shape – unlike myself,” joked Dan.
Tradition also dictates that the Clavie is carried from Old Manse Dyke around the harbour and village in a clockwise direction, a route which has been handed down over the years, and which also follows the route of the sun rising and setting on the village. The ritual will begin on Dunbar Street at exactly 6pm on Saturday, January 10. It’s the responsibility of the king’s supporters to carry the heavy weight, stopping at various houses en route to present a smouldering ember of the Clavie in the doorway, as this is thought to bring the household good luck for the year ahead.
After following the traditional route through the old part of Burghead, the procession then makes its way to a stone altar of an old fort on ancient Doorie Hill. There, the Clavie is set down while the crew work hard adding more and more fuel until the hillside is ablaze with a beacon of fire.
“We will carry out the event no matter what the weather throws at us, but I’m hoping it will stay dry but be a bit windy, with the wind coming from a constant direction rather than being gusty.
Fact box
WHAT: Burning of the Clavie
WHERE: Burghead
WHEN: Saturday, January 10, 2015, at 6pm sharp