The Burning of the Clavie is one of Moray’s most historic institutions, and organisers have vowed not to let adverse weather get in the way of this year’s celebration.
The ritual is expected to coincide with 57mph blasts of wind on Wednesday evening.
But Clavie King, Dan Ralph, says the hardy Clavie Crew has overcome gales of twice that force in the past to ensure that the burning barrel reaches its destination atop Doorie Hill.
And he explained that having wind blowing in one direction actually made the vessel’s passage through the village easier to manage safely.
Mr Ralph said: “There is a fairly strong westerly wind forecast, but that will mean the flames are all blowing in one direction and we won’t have to worry about them going all over the place.
“A good stiff breeze isn’t really anything that concerns us, we aren’t fainthearted.
“And we are expecting the same crowds as ever, this is something that means a lot to many people in Burghead.”
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.
The Clavie is then allowed to burn out on Doorie Hill, after being held aloft through Burghead.
Staves, which are believed to bestow good luck for the coming year, are then bestowed on those fortunate enough to collect a piece.
Blackened embers are packaged up and sent to expat Brochers around the world each year.
Following the parade the village will host an evening of revelries celebrating the event.
