The Burryman returns to South Queensferry in annual street parade

Burryman Andrew Taylor parades through the town of South Queensferry

Residents of South Queensferry have gathered to mark the town’s quirky tradition – The Burryman’s Day.

The annual parade features a man covered from head to ankles in burrs – the seedheads of burdock plants that grow locally – in a ritual that’s supposed to bring good luck.

He is guided along the streets of the town on the banks of the Forth for up to nine hours or more with cries of “Hip hip hooray, it’s the Burryman’s Day”.

The historic origins of the parade have been lost to time, but it is thought that the first one was recorded in the 17th century.

Having been the Burryman for nearly a decade, Andrew Taylor was once again playing the role.

He was led from the Stag Head Hotel, the traditional starting point, with guides either side.

A youngster from the town stands in front ringing a bell as The Burryman walks between seven and nine miles. He is not allowed to speak.

Burryman Andrew Taylor gets a nip of whisky using a straw from resident Kathleen Hamblin (Pic: Jane Barlow / PA)

Locals pick burrs in the week leading up to the parade and on Friday one woman had to keep replacing the seeds as they fell from the suit.

Crowds from the town followed behind Mr Taylor as part of the parade on Friday with many taking the fallen burrs as good luck.

Kathleen Hamblin and Yvonne Martin helped start his long day walking the town by giving him a nip of whisky – which he had to drink through a straw to get it through the Burryman suit.

He will make more than 20 ports of call before 6pm – and have a dram of whisky on each occasion.

More information on the parade can be found on the Edinburgh Museums website.