Burn the Auld Year Out!

Each year in Biggar, the last night of December is marked by people gathering round a bonfire in the High Street to "Burn the Auld Year Out". This fire to celebrate the end of the year probably had it's origins in a pagan event marking the shortest mid-winter day. The bonfire has been lit in this area for thousands of years - the festival dates back to pre-Christian times. Even during the blackout regulations of World War II, a few local people gathered to burn a fire at the bottom of a tin can! Now, on the last night of every year the traffic on the main Edinburgh to Carlisle road that runs through the Historic Burgh is diverted during the celebration.

Gala Day!

This is the day every summer when a Fleming Queen is crowned in Biggar. The "reign" of the Fleming Queen during Gala Week is a historic tradition in Biggar. Ever since Mary Queen of Scots named Mary Fleming (her cousin and lady-in-waiting) "Queen for a Day" in 1563, a local girl has been selected to be the Fleming Queen.

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Scotland From The Air
Colin Baxter

Here is a remarkable collection of aerial photographs by renowned photographer Colin Baxter. They explore the length and breadth of this rich and diverse land across the intricate jigsaw of cities, towns and villages; farms, fields and forests; and over bens, glens and lochs - an eagle's view of Scotland as never seen before.[col. illus. hardback]

200-002-01 Normally £12.95 Our Price £10.00