this is the Clavie which is a long tradition that occurs in Burghead on the 'old' new year eve. it is a big half barrel with tar and wood in it and they carry it around the town and give certain places a new bit of wood/fire to light the fires after they have been cleaned out for the year. They then take it to a hill on and let it burn by throwing diesel over it. (sorry bruce if i have got any of this wrong). all in all it was a very intersting night - would never see it in Australia, too many bushfires would start.