UNDER the watchful eyes of their wives a pair of twins will start one of the biggest Hogmanay celebrations in the region.

Jim and Adam Foster. aged 81, have been selected to light the historic bonfire at Biggar on New Year’s Eve.

The pair have lived in the town since the age of four and have been regular attenders at the event.

“It’s a surprise and a great honour to be chosen for this task and we are the first twins to be asked to do it.” said Jim.

“We want to do it right and my wife Isabel and Adam’s wife Catherine will be close by making sure that we don’t make any mistakes.” Jim, a former janitor at the primary school in Biggar, understands the importance of the occasion which will be broadcast around the world via the internet.

The fire will be lit at the Corn Exchange in the High Street on Wednesday around 9.30pm.

“I have been here for most of the bonfires over the years and remember a time when we used to have two of them on Hogmanay,” he said. “But there’s been just one now for a long time and it’s always a great occasion.

“It’s also an impressive sight to see the torchlight procession through the town.” Jim, who still works four days a week at McDonald’s, will make his way to the bonfire on foot from his home but Adam has not been in the best of health and will take a taxi.

“This event is always well organised by the Cornets with the help of the Young Farmers and I am looking forward to it,” said Jim.

Biggar’s Hogmanay bonfire dates back to pagan times when fire was worshipped and believed to ward off evil spirits for the new year.

It was kept going during the war years by a group who burned a candle in a tin at the bonfire site.

To view the bonfire online check out the website biggarwebcam.co.uk.