Just outside Edinburgh in South Queensferry, the annual Burryman procession, a distinctive local tradition, takes place each August as part of the Ferry Fair. During the event, a volunteer is covered from head to toe in thousands of hooked burdock seedheads, which cling to the costume much like Velcro. The Burryman then spends approximately 10 hours walking through the town, stopping at around 20 locations to collect charitable donations and accept small offerings of whisky, typically delivered through a straw.

This year’s procession marks a notable transition in the event’s history. After serving as the Burryman for 15 years, 43-year-old Andrew Taylor announced he will step down from the role to allow younger participants to take part. He will hand over the responsibility to 30-year-old Cameron Forrester, a lifelong resident of South Queensferry who has been involved with the procession since childhood. Forrester has been participating as a bell-ringer, and this year marks his last time in that position before assuming the mantle of Burryman.

The Burryman’s role is physically demanding. Wearing the heavy, hooked burdock costume restricts movement significantly—the individual cannot sit down or bend their arms during the procession. By the end of the day, the Burryman is usually exhausted and often scratched or bruised, yet the role is seen as a point of pride and accomplishment.

The origins of the Burryman tradition are unclear, with theories ranging from ancient pagan customs to fertility rites, but its contemporary significance lies chiefly in its function as a community event that strengthens local ties. Participants and residents alike view the Burryman as a symbolic figure linking generations, maintaining continuity over decades.

Forrester’s succession is seen as an important moment in this ongoing tradition. He inherits not only a challenging physical role but also the responsibility of sustaining a uniquely Scottish custom that has been carried on by only a handful of individuals over nearly half a century. The community continues to support the procession with enthusiasm, offering donations and refreshments in exchange for a burr from the costume, considered a token of good luck.