A Hogmanay event with a difference will once again take to the streets of Stromness this December, with two sides of the town getting ready to do battle once again!
The Yule Log competition sees those from opposite ends of the town – the Northenders and the Soothenders – take part in a large-scale tug of war, attempting to pull a large log through the old stone streets to their respective goals.
The game was traditionally played on Christmas Eve in Stromness until 1937, when the cutting down of a tree in the town for the event was outlawed by the Town Council.
The game was brought back to life in 2017 as part of the Per Mare celebrations, marking 200 years since Stromness come a Burgh of Barony. It has now been confirmed that this unique contest will continue in 2018 with support from Event Scotland’s Winter Festival Fund.
More than 200 folk took part last year, with more lining the streets to watch. The Soothenders claimed bragging rights for the year but the Northenders have every intention of reigning supreme this time around!
Final arrangements are now being put in place for the event, which will feature the introduction of a junior Yule Log for the first time, as part of Scotland’s Year of Young People. It will begin at 2.30pm on Hogmanay, with the main competition set to start at 4pm. There will also be musical entertainment at the pierhead throughout and a fireworks display at the end, bringing something special to Stromness on New Year’s Eve.
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