This ceremony which commences at the stroke of midnight
on Hogmanay (December the 31st), is believed to date back to pagan times.
It's aim has been to drive out the "deil" and ward of evil spirits that
might blight the prosperity or wellbeing of the town and its inhabitants.
Up until the 18th century a fire festival was also performed annually at
Cairnhill, near the village of Newtonhill only 5 miles away.
The fireballs, which are made by the swingers, comprise every kind of combustible and oily waste, held together in a case of wire netting varying in size of a football to one twice as big and weighing up to 20 pounds. These are attached to the end of skilfully wielded ropes and make an impressive sight as over 60 swingers , (who must all reside in the Burgh) march up and down the street from the Mercat Cross to the Police Station, swinging them round their heads to speed the Old Year on its way and to herald in the New.
This celebration of the coming of the New Year has become a very
popular gathering, so much so that in the interests of safety
safety barriers are erected to separate the swingers and pipe
bands, and control the thousands that come to spectate. But the
spectacle and atmosphere are still second to none.
