Come to the quaint town of Queensferry and experience one of Edinburgh's most peculiar traditions dating back to the 12th Century—the Burry Man. This old Scottish custom is a delightful spectacle for both adults and children alike. On the second Friday of August, during the local Ferry Fair, a native of the town dons a suit crafted from burrs, adorned with vibrant flowers and ferns, and wanders the village streets, captivating onlookers with this unique tradition.
Costume
At one glance, the costume might seem out of this world, or you might think that someone punished the poor bloke for something. However, locals will tell you differently—to be selected for the demanding commitment is a privilege. The Burryman collects his covering of burrs, ferns, and flowers with the help of his family, gathering approximately 11,000 burrs to create panels wrapped around his body.
The process takes about half an hour, with the Burryman wearing several layers of clothing for protection. His outfit includes a balaclava covered in burrs, a flower-adorned bowler hat, and boots, with a sash around his waist made from a folded Royal Standard of Scotland. He walks awkwardly due to the stickiness of the burrs, supported by attendants, who guide him through the town.
Procession
The Burryman undertakes a seven-mile journey, lasting over nine hours, through South Queensferry along the Firth of Forth estuary. He is adorned with burrs before making stops, starting at the Staghead Hotel and proceeding to the former Provost's house on Villa Road, visiting every public house in town. At each stop, he is offered whisky, sipped through a straw, by locals. By day's end, he is exhausted. Tradition suggests that offering whisky and money to the Burryman brings good luck to the town while discontinuing the custom invites bad luck.
History of BurryMan
The tradition of the Burryman, an annual procession in Queensferry, has ancient origins lost to history. Dating back to at least the last Battle of Falkirk in 1746, the Burryman, clad in flannels covered with burrs, parades through the town accompanied by attendants. At each door, inhabitants greet him with shouts and donations, contributing to a fund for the town's youth to enjoy at the annual fair. This quirky tradition, with its whimsical attire and communal spirit, remains a cherished part of Queensferry's cultural heritage.
