Home   News   Article

PICTURES: Hundreds turn out to celebrate New Year at Bignold Park bonfire in Wick





A piper silhouetted against the flames. Picture: Alan Hendry
A piper silhouetted against the flames. Picture: Alan Hendry

A crowd of up to 400 welcomed in 2023 at the traditional Hogmanay bonfire in Wick's Bignold Park.

It was described as a "joyful" occasion and an example of "the community coming together".

The bonfire returned to its usual format after being hit by Covid restrictions over the past two years. People of all ages gathered to enjoy the friendly atmosphere amid the warm glow of the flames.

Twenty members of Wick RBLS Pipe Band turned out and they played five sets. The weather was chilly but calm and dry.

Organiser Mervyn Hill and his team of helpers had built the bonfire on Hogmanay morning, using donated materials ranging from wooden pallets to Christmas trees.

"It has been a fantastic night, beautiful weather, a lovely crowd at it, and the pipe band played well," Mervyn said. "Everybody is happy and joyful and it's good to see that it's back on."

He hopes that children attending the bonfire will been keen to ensure the tradition continues as they grow older. "As long as I'm fit, I'll be keeping it going," he said.

Bonfire organiser Mervyn Hill was offering non-alcoholic ginger wine.
Bonfire organiser Mervyn Hill was offering non-alcoholic ginger wine.

Mervyn, who runs Wick’s Nethercliffe Hotel along with his wife Helen, has followed in the footsteps of his late father-in-law, local historian Iain Sutherland, as bonfire organiser.

"I think Iain will be lying smiling," Mervyn added. "He would be happy. It's a good night."

Mervyn estimated the crowd at between 300 and 400.

He was offering drinks of non-alcoholic ginger wine, while Helen handed out shortbread.

Among the gathering was Alex McDonald, chairman of Wick's gala committee.

Alex said: "The tradition has been well supported, especially considering there is also a street party taking place.

"Even when I was a teenager I used to come up to the bonfire, and it was always supported by the Pulteney people, but now it seems to be everyone rather than just one side of the town.

"To see so many people here is just fantastic."

From left: Evelyn and Michael Tait with Helen Hill at the New Year bonfire. Picture: Alan Hendry
From left: Evelyn and Michael Tait with Helen Hill at the New Year bonfire. Picture: Alan Hendry

Wick community councillor Allan Bruce said: "It's a great family event. There are young and old here tonight."

Michael Tait said: "This is what brings Pulteneytown together. You wouldn't get this anywhere else."

Alan Farquhar added: "It's the community coming together, and that's what it needs, especially in the current situation that we find ourselves in. And a dram helps!"

The last full-scale Bignold Park bonfire had taken place on Hogmanay 2019.

The bonfire getting going shortly after the stroke of midnight. Picture: Alan Hendry
The bonfire getting going shortly after the stroke of midnight. Picture: Alan Hendry
The bonfire captured in a phone pic. Picture: Alan Hendry
The bonfire captured in a phone pic. Picture: Alan Hendry
Pipers silhouetted against the flames. Picture: Alan Hendry
Pipers silhouetted against the flames. Picture: Alan Hendry
People were able to warm themselves against the heat of the New Year blaze. Picture: Alan Hendry
People were able to warm themselves against the heat of the New Year blaze. Picture: Alan Hendry
Members of Wick RBLS Pipe Band performing one of their sets. Picture: Alan Hendry
Members of Wick RBLS Pipe Band performing one of their sets. Picture: Alan Hendry
There were traditional pipe tunes as people gathered around the bonfire. Picture: Alan Hendry
There were traditional pipe tunes as people gathered around the bonfire. Picture: Alan Hendry
A few pets came along to the bonfire too. Picture: Alan Hendry
A few pets came along to the bonfire too. Picture: Alan Hendry
Friends and acquaintances gathered around the bonfire to wish each other a Happy New Year. Picture: Alan Hendry
Friends and acquaintances gathered around the bonfire to wish each other a Happy New Year. Picture: Alan Hendry
A piper silhouetted against the fire at Bignold Park. Picture: Alan Hendry
A piper silhouetted against the fire at Bignold Park. Picture: Alan Hendry
Crowds stayed around the fire even as the flames began to die down. Picture: Alan Hendry
Crowds stayed around the fire even as the flames began to die down. Picture: Alan Hendry

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More