Organisers are hotly anticipating this Saturday’s Burning of the Clavie celebration in Burghead, as the village marks the new year with a spectacle thought to date back to Pictish times.
Revellers will descend on Burghead for the traditional fire ritual, in which a burning barrel of embers is paraded through the village to the ancient fort on Doorie Hill known as The Douro.
The clavie is then allowed to burn out, dispersing embers which are believed to bestow good luck for the coming year on those lucky enough to collect a piece.
The Burning of the Clavie customarily takes place every January 11 – the date the New Year was marked prior to the changing of the calendar in Britain in the 1750s.
But as the 11th falls on a Sunday this year, the ceremony will be held on Saturday evening.
It is believed the tradition originated around 400AD, when the village was the capital of the old Pictish kingdom.
A group of locals known as the Clavie Crew are responsible for parading the flaming vessel through the village.
They will be led by Clavie King Dan Ralph, who has overseen the festivities since 1988.
Mr Ralph said: “Last year we had a record attendance and this year we could even beat that.
“Though it’s encouraging to see people enjoying what we do, what matters more to us is that we’re carrying on tradition from our ancestors.
“We’ve kept it just the same as it always was, the only thing that varies is the weather and we can’t do anything about that.
“Its continuation is out of question,” he added.
“It will always go on.”
Following the parade the village will host an evening of revelries celebrating the event.
Last year’s Burning of the Clavie welcomed visitors from France and the ancient custom has gained a reputation for attracting onlookers from far and wide.
The Press and Journal would be interested to hear from anyone venturing from afar to take part in the celebrations. Call 01343 554230.