Hundreds gather for traditional Hogmanay bonfire in Wick
The traditional Hogmanay bonfire in Wick's Bignold Park attracted its biggest crowd for many years.
Organiser Mervyn Hill estimated that more than 500 people had gathered around the roaring flames to welcome in 2024.
After the recent wet spell, Mervyn and his helpers were delighted that the weather stayed dry and calm on Sunday night as they kept up the long-established Pulteneytown custom of a bonfire to burn out the old year and welcome in the new one.
It was the only Hogmanay community event in Wick following the cancellation of the street party in the town centre.
Mervyn, who runs Wick’s Nethercliffe Hotel with his wife Helen, has followed in the footsteps of his late father-in-law, local historian Iain Sutherland, as bonfire organiser.
Mervyn was again offering drinks of non-alcoholic ginger wine, while Helen handed out Christmas cake, shortbread and black bun.
"I think it's the biggest crowd I've seen here in many years," Mervyn said. "It's unbelievable and it's a perfect night for it as well.
"We've got young folk, families, we've got a few pipe band members here. The band has been going to it for years.
"The tradition has been going since way back in 1880 and I think it's important for Pulteneytown and Wick. It costs nothing and it's brilliant.
"We need to get young people involved and keep these traditions going in Scotland. There are too many of them dying out."
Mervyn and his team of volunteers build the bonfire on Hogmanay morning, using old wooden pallets and other combustible materials.
Among those who assisted earlier in the day were William Munro and grandchildren Antonio (14), Evonie (10) and seven-year-old Leon Cardosi.
"It's a fantastic community event," William said as the blaze began to take hold just before midnight.
"About 20 or 30 of us turned up to help out this morning – there was no shortage of trucks and no shortage of people willing to help.
"I've been going to this for a number of years. I was in the merchant navy and when I was home at this time of year I always came.
"It's certainly the biggest crowd I've seen here and the weather is just fantastic."
