Tour Scotland Video 2016 Hogmanay Torchlight Procession Newburgh Fife



Tour Scotland video of the 2016 Hogmanay Torchlight Procession on New Year's Eve visit to Newburgh Fife, Scotland. This is a traditional event run by the Caledonian Friendly Lodge of Oddfellows to raise funds for the community. By tradition, the procession is headed by the newest apprentice, who always sits on a horse facing backwards, and without a saddle. He is led by the Oddfellows Outside Guard, traditionally wearing a Coat of Many Colours. As well as a host of colourful characters in fancy dress, the parade includes a brass band. The Oddfellows started off as a friendly society and was founded in 1827 by visitors from Dundee, who came up the River Tay on the paddle steamer for their holidays. Star of the show is the newest member of the secret society, known as the apprentice. Dressed in white robes, the young man, whose identity is kept secret until the New Year’s Eve event, rides a Clydesdale horse bareback and facing backwards. He is flanked by other members walking the High Street in historical costume, robes and masks and bearing staffs and torches. The parade starts at The Steeple at 7pm and works its way along the High Street, with a few drams taken along the way.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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