Fierce winds could not blow centuries of tradition off course when Moray villagers staged a fiery homage to their ancestors last night.
Thousands of people braved stormy conditions to line the streets of Burghead for the Burning of the Clavie ceremony, a New Year celebration rooted in medieval times.
The Clavie, a 100kg barrel filled with wood and tar and mounted on a large post, is as steeped in superstition as it is in creosote.
Villagers believe that receiving blackened staves from the vessel brings luck for the coming year, and pieces are sent to expat Brochers worldwide.
After the flaming vessel was lit at 6pm, there was a minute’s silence in honour of a veteran crew member who died last July – just weeks before his 90th birthday.
Gordon Robertson spent 43 years helping to stage the annual event, and carried the hefty barrel for a spell last January at the age of 89.
As a full moon beamed down on the coastal spot, the Clavie began its journey – sending towers of flame shooting upwards and scattering sparks far into the night sky.
Clavie King, Dan Ralph, led a crew of 20 men who persevered through bitter wind and spells of sleet to ensure the blazing cask reached its destination at the summit of Doorie Hill.
Bustling crowds followed its progression, cheering as the men added more staves split from herring barrels along with creosote to help them burn.
After being hoisted to the hill’s summit, the clavie was hammered into place atop the remnants of an old fort.
The crew sloshed gallons of creosote over it, sending flames bursting into the air and alighting a patch of grass at its base until only cinders remained.
The first lucky ember was bestowed upon the Station Hotel, a custom which dates back decades.
Mandy and Alex Collins travelled from Glasgow yesterday to make sure their three-month-old daughter, Luna Grace, was able to enjoy her first Burning of the Clavie.
Mrs Collins’ mum, Hilary Gloyer, lives in Burghead and she visits every year for the fiery spectacle.
Mrs Collins said she was overjoyed at receiving a lucky stave for the tot.
She added: “As soon as we got over the birth, we were thinking about taking Luna up for this.”
