Damned in the 18th century by austere Presbyterians as "an abominable heathenish practice", Burghead's Burning the Clavie still survives in the 21st century. Relying on the old Julian calendar, it's a New Year's Eve celebration that happens on 11 January.
Headed by the elected "King Clavie", villagers take it in turn to hoist a burning half-barrel of wood and tar clockwise around Burghead's streets, dropping off "smouldering faggots" for good luck at doorways. Proceeding to ancient Doorie Hill, the barrel is placed in the Clavie Stone (built in 1809) and, with more fuel added, it lights the hillside with a beacon of fire.
There is one exception to the 11 January rule: if the 11th is a Sunday, then Burning the Clavie takes place on 10 January.
There is one exception to the 11 January rule: if the 11th is a Sunday, then Burning the Clavie takes place on 10 January.