GALLERY: Crowds gather to watch the Burning of the Clavie 2025

Burghead welcomes New Year 11 days late with the Burning of the Clavie

People living in Moray have finally celebrated the New Year  - 11 days late – with the traditional ‘burning of the Clavie’.

GALLERY: Crowds gather to watch the Burning of the Clavie 2025

Our photographer Jason Hedges took pictures as Burghead celebrates their ancient tradition - the Burning of the Clavie.

The Burning of the Clavie

Did you know? -The traditional Burning of the Clavie takes place in Burghead, Moray. -The festival dates back to 400AD, when the village was the capital of the ancient Pictish kingdom -The event takes place annually, as the townspeople of Burghead celebrate New Year twice – on January 1 and then again 10 days later. -The Burning of the Clavie is a celebration of the ancient Scots Hogmanay, which fell on January 11 before the Gregorian calendar w…