LARGE crowds enjoyed a fantastic display at the annual Biggar Bonfire Hogmanay celebrations.

With the British Legion Pipe Band in grand form, honorary bonfire lighter Stewart Taylor led this year’s procession up the High Street.

Stewart was accompanied by 2023 Cornet Euan Sanderson and 2023 Fleming Queen Mia Leitch, while there were several guest torch-bearers in attendance alongside members of Biggar Cornets Club.

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The guests, all of whom have shown support for retaining this wonderful tradition, were government cabinet secretary Màiri McAllan, Tweeddale MP David Mundell and councillors Alex Allison, Ralph Baker and Ian McAllan.

The torch procession numbered around 30 and on a very welcome and particularly still winters night this provided a great display for the sizeable crowds who turned out to line the High Street.

While the restrictions on the bonfire size do not please everyone, the lighting and roar as the flames burst into life still provides an eye-catching spectacle and one much appreciated by those present and the many others who logged in to watch the livestream.

The crowds enjoyed the pipe band who played for around a half hour and there followed some ceilidh dancing and then a selection of chart-topping tunes.

As those who travelled to see the bonfire being lit departed to celebrate New Year at home, around 400 were left to bring in the bells at the fire.

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A spokesperson said: “Biggar Bonfire is one of five ‘fire festivals’ in Scotland and is held to ward off evil spirits and to bring good luck. It requires a good deal of organisation and Biggar Community Council and Biggar Cornets Club would like to put on record their thanks for all those who help with the event.

“The administration, the build itself, sourcing of materials, use of equipment and good will is essential and very much appreciated.

“Like all events the costs of running the event are huge and these now fall on the generosity of the community – this year costs rose to around £8,500. Several clubs and many individuals contributed to funding this year’s event and there is a crowd-funding page to raise funds for next year.

“If you enjoyed the event this year and are keen to maintain the event for next year, please donate! Go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/biggar-bonfire-2024”