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Burning ambition for Moray fire ritual

The Clavie at Burghead, Moray.
The Clavie at Burghead, Moray.

Organisers are forging ahead with plans for one of Moray’s most historic and fiery annual celebrations.

Burghead’s Burning of the Clavie tradition is thought to date back to 400AD when the coastal village was the capital of the old Pictish kingdom.

Countless revellers have flocked to the tiny port for the fire ritual every January 11 for generations.

The date is when the new year was marked prior to the changing of the calendar in Britain in the 1750s.

During the evening 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 fortunate enough to collect a piece.

Clavie King Dan Ralph, who has overseen proceedings since 1988, said the ceremony’s popularity centred on its strict adherence to time-honoured customs.

Mr Ralph said: “The Burning of the Clavie represents a tangible link with our ancient past, there isn’t a trace of anything modern about it.

“It’s that tradition that people enjoy about it.”

A group of locals known as the Clavie Crew are responsible for parading the flaming vessel through the village.

Mr Ralph said that the barrel for this year’s festivities had been prepared by his son and other members of the crew.

The group has also stocked up on supplies of creosote to keep the fires burning.

“We’re raring to go”, Mr Ralph added.

Following the parade the village will host an evening of revelries celebrating the event.

Heldon and Laich councillor and Burghead resident Chris Tuke said that for villagers the Burning of the Clavie was the most important date on their calendar.

Councillor Tuke said: “This really is the new year celebration for people here, it’s our major event.

“There is always a good crowd whatever the weather or whatever day of the week the 11th lands on.

“Expatriated Burghead folk often return home for the ceremony, and people from far and wide without any connection to the village also visit just to witness it.”