Biggar and Carnwath Hogmanay Bonfires 2023/2024

Some communities in Lanarkshire have their own unique ways of seeing out the old year and bringing in the new. In Biggar, a centuries-old tradition of lighting a huge bonfire, built on the town's main thoroughfare and outside the Corn Exchange, begins with a torchlight procession that is lead by the town's own pipe band, with the first torch being carried by the town's oldest resident. It is viewed by thousands of town residents and visitors who come from all over Scotland and the UK to see it, to the soundtrack of traditional music. When the pubs close soon after the bonfire is lit, many people come onto the streets to sing and dance, as they await the clock turning midnight. Some stay into the wee small hours to see the bonfire almost reduced to smoking ash. This ancient Pagan tradition of warding off evil spirits within the town has occurred every year for hundreds of years, having only been cancelled on for three known occasions, one due to a gale on Hogmanay (so it was held the following night) and the others due to Covid-19. Not even World War II prevented the occasion, when residents held small candles in a tin during the blackout period. In latter years, the bonfire has had to comply with safety restrictions, so it is smaller than it used to be, partly due to the discovery of an old gas main that is nearby. Meanwhile, the neighbouring village of Carnwath also holds its own bonfire ritual every year. Although it is a much smaller event, enthusiastic village residents attend the event and celebrate Hogmanay in their own way. Photos taken by Shire Radio volunteers.