We do have some traditional fire rituals that take place in January up this end of the country. For instance the Burning of the Clavie, a fire festival at Burghead which greets the New Year. It is now celebrated on on 11th January. When the Julian calendar was reformed in Britain and the new Gregorian calendar was introduced people rioted, demanding back their 11 days - but not in Burghead. Brochers decided to have the best of both worlds, by celebrating New Year twice - on 1st January and the 11th January.
Therefore, every 11th January the flaming Clavie (a barrel full of staves) is carried round the town followed by a large crowd until it is set into a sturdy frame on the Doorie Hill on the ramparts of the ancient fort. After refuelling it's allowed to burn out and fall down the hill. Whilst the embers still smoulder the more intrepid onlookers gather them. Possession of a piece of the Clavie is said to bring good luck for the coming year and pieces are sent around the world to exiled 'Brochers'.
The year I took the children to this it was extremely windy and very impressive. It takes some courage to carry that flaming barrell around the town.
One I haven't been to yet but would love to be present at, is Up Helly Aa, the celebration of the Viking heritage on Shetland with a torch-light procession of Viking warriors known as the Jarl Squad lead by the Guizer Jarl, the Viking Chief, and culminating in the burning of a replica of a Viking longboat. Much quaffing of strong ale and merrymaking follow throughout the night.
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