Biggar Lanarkshire Scotland




'Biggar Fountain'

DATE 1878

ARCHITECT John Rhind

PHOTOGRAPHERD. Sutherland (top)D. W. Hood (bottom)

OTHER INFORMATION

Ornate Victorian gothic drinking fountain with crown head, designed by John Rhind in 1878, commemorates Walter Biggar, one of the founders of the herring trade with the Baltic. The inscription on the Biggar fountain reads 'Presented to the town of Banff in Memory of Walter Biggar Esq. And Mrs. Anne Duff, his wife. 1878.' Biblical inscriptions on the East and West panels



Biggar,Kirk

Main st Biggar

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Biggar


The Bigger bonfire dates back to the pagan times when fire was worshipped and believed to ward of evil spirits for the New Year.

It has continued at Biggar for hundreds of years and, as far as we are aware, there is no other town in the world that celebrates the coming of the New Year like Biggar.

Even during the wars the tradition was kept alive by a group who burned a candle in a tin at the bonfire site, so as not to attract enemy bombers.

Dancing and music was introduced several years ago and has proved most successful (no use having a big fire wi' nowt tae dae!) .

Some have tried to stop it. On two occasions in the early 40s, after complaints from disgruntled locals, a compromise was reached ,just to have a small fire. This was duly erected, but an hour before it was supposed to be lit, the local stalwarts brought around cart after cart of coal and wood and piled up making it the best fire in years.

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