The Burning of the Clavie: Fiery New Year Tradition Steeped in Mystery
Every year, on the 11th of January, the small village of Burghead on the Moray Firth coast becomes the center of one of Scotland’s most unique and ancient celebrations: The Burning of the Clavie: Fiery New Year Tradition Steeped in Mystery. This remarkable fire festival, celebrated for centuries, continues to captivate both locals and visitors alike. Steeped in traditions that trace back to ancient times, The Burning of the Clavie: Fiery New Year Tradition Steeped in Mystery is more than just a modern-day event—it’s a deep connection to the past, to the rituals that have endured through the ages.
The History of the Burning of the Clavie: Pre-Christian Roots
The Burning of the Clavie: Fiery New Year Tradition Steeped in Mystery
The origins of the Burning of the Clavie are shrouded in mystery. It is widely believed that the celebration with roots in pre-Christian fire rituals. These ancient customs, possibly practiced by the Picts and other early inhabitants of the region, involved the use of fire as a tool for purification and protection. While the exact origins have been lost over time, it is clear that the festival is a living testament to the spiritual power of fire. A force used for healing, cleansing, and renewal.
The village of Burghead itself holds a special place in Scottish history, with remnants of an ancient Pictish fort. The Burning of the Clavie could easily trace its origins back to these early inhabitants, whose belief in the power of fire to ward off evil and bring good fortune was a cornerstone of their culture.
Why January 11th? The Old New Year and Calendar Change
The Burning of the Clavie takes place every year on the 11th of January. This corresponds to the Old New Year—a date preserved from the time before Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752. The switch from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar caused much confusion, with 11 days being removed from the calendar. As a result, some communities, including Burghead, chose to maintain their celebrations according to the older Julian date.
This decision to celebrate on the 11th of January reflects the community’s defiance against the enforced change. Their desire to preserve a connection to their past. It’s a celebration of heritage, continuity, and the resilience of tradition, keeping the spirit of the Old New Year alive for generations to come.
The Event Night: A Fiery Procession Through the Streets
The Burning of the Clavie: Fiery New Year Tradition Steeped in Mystery
On the night of the event, Burghead’s Granary Street (IV30 5UA) becomes the beating heart of the celebration. The festivities begin at 6 pm, and while the event wraps up by around 7:30 pm. The experience lingers long after the flames have died down. If you plan to attend, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. The village fills with locals and visitors eager to take part in this one-of-a-kind experience.
The ceremony kicks off with the lighting of the Clavie, a barrel filled with staves (strong wooden sticks) and tar. Once set ablaze, the Clavie is hoisted onto the shoulders of the “Clavie Kings,” a specially selected locals, who leads the procession through the village.
The fiery barrel is carried through the streets, stopping at various homes and landmarks along the way. At each stop, smouldering embers from the Clavie are presented as tokens of good luck. These are believed to bring prosperity and protection for the coming year.
The procession culminates at Doorie Hill, the site within the ancient Pictish fort. It is here where the Clavie is placed on a stone altar and refueled.
As the flames roar higher, the grass of the hillside catches fire! The crowd roar with delight.
The Clavie eventually collapses into fiery fragments.Spectatorsgather pieces of the burnt wood. This is believed to carry good luck, protection, and prosperity for the year ahead.
This final act of collecting the charredremnants of the Clavie is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the event.
My Theory: The Need Fire Connection
In my personal belief, the Burning of the Clavie is deeply connected to the ancient custom of the “need fire.”
This tradition, once common throughout the Highlands. It involved lighting a new fire to protect the community from disease, poor harvests, or other misfortunes. The need fire was created in times of crisis, when the village faced calamity and all household fires would be extinguished.
People would then gather to create a new fire, believed to possess special protective powers. This new flame was carried back to each home to relight the hearths and bring healing to the people.
To me, the Burning of the Clavie is a modern reflection of this ancient practice.It symbolises the community’s ongoing belief in fire’s ability to cleanse, protect, and renew. As the flames of the Clavie flicker through the streets of Burghead, they are a reminder of the need fire’s power. An enduring ancient strength of tradition.
Ancestral Ties to Burghead: A Personal Connection
The Burning of the Clavie holds even deeper meaning for me, as my great-great-grandfather, George Gordon, was born in Burghead. George was born in the mid 1800s and worked as an engine driver.
My connection to this village makes the event all the more poignant. It’s a way for me to honour my roots and reconnect with my ancestors. I can be part of a tradition that has endured for generations.
As the Clavie is carried through the streets, I feel a deep sense of connection with my great-great-grandfather. I wonder if he once carriedThe Clavie?
Practical Tips for Attending
If you’re planning to experience the Burning of the Clavie in person, here’s what you need to know:
When and Where: The event takes place on 11th January, beginning at 6 pm on Granary Street (IV30 5UA) in Burghead. The fiery festivities typically wrap up around 7:30 pm. (I heard that if the 11th lands on a Sunday, the Burning of the Clavie may move to the Saturday to ensure enough to enjoy the revelries of the New Year celebrations – double check the date each year)
Dress Warmly: The coastal January air in Scotland can be bracing, so make sure to wear warm clothing. Comfortable footwear is also a must, as there will be plenty of standing and some walking to follow the procession. We attended the Burning of the Clavie in 2025 and it was -8 degrees celsius.
Arrive Early: Granary Street can get crowded, so arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing the procession. Parking is available nearby, though it fills up quickly, so be sure to come early if you’re driving. Public transport options include buses from Elgin, the nearest larger town. The hill beside Doorie Hill will be absolutely packed.
Community Cafe: Before the event, you can warm up at the local Community Hall, where there’s often a great community cafe offering hot drinks and food to fuel your spirits. (Homemade soup, burgers, hot dogs, tea and coffee all for a reasonable price).
As you enjoy the spectacle, remember to be respectful of local customs and stay mindful of safety.
After all, the Clavie is a barrel full of burning tar carried through a crowded street—not your everyday spectacle!
Conclusion: A Tradition That Lives On
The Burning of the Clavie is a celebration of renewal, protection, and community. It’s a powerful symbol of the connection between past and present, and for me, it’s a living link to my ancestors. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Burning of the Clavie offers a rare chance to witness a tradition that has stood the test of time, burning brightly through centuries of change.
On the 11th of January, join the people of Burghead as they honour the Old New Year, the Pictish roots of their land, and the enduring power of fire to protect and renew.
The Clavie will burn brightly once again, and its flames will carry with them a promise of good fortune and protection for the year ahead.
If you’re captivated by the fiery spectacle of the Burning of the Clavie, you’ll want to explore another iconic Scottish fire festival, the Fireball Festival in Stonehaven. Here the fiery traditions light up the streets in a thrilling celebration another Wee Wild Adventure we enjoyed!
