BIGGAR’S traditional Hogmanay bonfire returns this year.

Preparations for the highly-anticipated event began earlier this month.

And Alan Michie has been chosen to light the bonfire on Monday.

He told the Peeblesshire News: “I am very chuffed to have been chosen this year.

“It is a tremendous honour. I was shocked when I was told by the Biggar Cornet at the end of November.”

Born in Edinburgh in 1930, Alan began his working life in a gents’ outfitters as an apprentice tailor’s cutter until 1949 when he was called up for national service in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers – seeing service in Hong Kong.

On his return to Scotland, he found work at knitwear company Munrospun in Edinburgh, before joining the the Saxony Handloom Company in Biggar in 1968 then textile manufacturers Calzeat in the town.

He has been married to Margaret for 62 years, has a daughter called Gail and is a well-known face in the community, being a member of the Probus Club, U3A, chairman of the Royal British Legion Biggar Branch and honorary president of the Biggar Bowling Club.

Alan added: “The Hogmanay Bonfire is always a great event and I will be proud to light it.

“Biggar is only a small town and I have been stopped in the street many times by people saying ‘congratulations’.”

The Bonfire will be lit at 9.30pm on December 31. For more information, visit: biggarbonfire.org.uk