The Burning of the Clavie 2025: Everything You Need to Know

If your New Year celebrations feel like they’ve barely settled into the background, then January 11th in Burghead, Scotland, offers an irresistible opportunity to rekindle the revelry—literally.

The Burning of the Clavie is a fiery spectacle steeped in history, symbolism, and more than a touch of drama. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or a first-timer wondering what all the fuss is about, here’s everything you need to know about this unique event.

What is the Burning of the Clavie?

The Burning of the Clavie is a traditional Scottish fire festival held every year on the 11th of January in Burghead, a picturesque village on Scotland’s Moray Firth coast. But this isn’t just a random date; the 11th of January marks the Old New Year, preserved from the days when Britain followed the Julian calendar. 

The celebration harks back to the time before Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752. The shift, which required the removal of 11 days from the calendar, caused no small amount of confusion—and even protests—in its day. Some communities—including Burghead—decided to keep the older date for their celebrations.

Burghead's decision to keep celebrating Old New Year reflects the villagers’ defiance against enforced change and their desire to preserve a link to the past.

At its core, the event is a cleansing ritual and a celebration of renewal, intended to burn away bad spirits and bring good fortune for the year ahead. The "Clavie" itself is a barrel filled with staves (strong sticks) and tar, mounted on a pole, and carried through the town before being set ablaze.

When and Where

This year’s Burning of the Clavie takes place on Saturday, 11th of January 2025, beginning at 6pm on Granary Street in Burghead. The fiery festivities typically wrap up by around 7:30 pm.

Granary Street (IV30 5UA) is easy to find and becomes the heart of the celebration. Be prepared for a crowd, as locals and visitors gather to take part in this unique tradition.

The Procession and the Fire Ceremony

The event kicks off with a ceremonial lighting of the Clavie. Once it’s set ablaze, the fiery barrel is hoisted onto the shoulders of the Clavie King—a specially selected local—and paraded through the village. Stops are made at various homes and landmarks, where smouldering embers are presented as tokens of good luck.

The procession culminates at Doorie Hill, the remnants of an ancient Pictish fort, where the Clavie is placed on a stone altar and refueled. As the flames roar and the barrel collapses into fiery fragments, spectators can collect pieces of the burnt wood, believed to bring protection, good luck and prosperity for the coming year. 

The Historical Roots

The Burning of the Clavie has been celebrated in some form for centuries, with its origins likely tied to pre-Christian fire rituals, but with a ritual this old its exact origins have sadly been lost over time.

For more on how and why calendar changes caused such upheaval, and how they affected New Year celebrations check out our article ‘Who Invented New Year’s Eve?’ for a fascinating dive into the history of timekeeping.

Tips for Visitors

If you’re planning to head to Burghead and enjoy the Burning of the Clavie, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot on Granary Street. Dress warmly—the coastal January air in Scotland is as bracing as you’d imagine. Comfortable footwear is also a must, as there’s plenty of standing and a bit of walking to follow the procession.

The village is accessible by car, with parking available nearby, though it’s advisable to arrive early as spaces fill up quickly. Public transport options include buses from Elgin, the nearest larger town. Local pubs and cafes are great spots to warm up before or after the event, offering a taste of Scottish hospitality.

Be respectful of local customs and mindful of safety. The Clavie is, after all, a barrel full of burning tar being carried through a crowded street—not your everyday spectacle.

Why Experience the Burning of the Clavie?

There’s something elemental about this event, a powerful combination of history, community spirit, and sheer fiery spectacle. It’s not just a celebration of Burghead’s heritage; it’s a reminder that traditions, however ancient, continue to resonate in the modern world.

Whether you’re collecting a charred ember for good luck or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Burning of the Clavie is a uniquely Scottish experience. If you’ve never been, this could be the year to make the journey north and see for yourself why this fiery ritual has stood the test of time.