Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Heritage > A strange character appears in Edinburgh

A strange character appears in Edinburgh

By Caroline King - August 8, 2019Posted in : Fair, Heritage

Tomorrow (Friday 9th August) will see an unusual character, decorated in flowers, ferns and burrs, wandering the streets of South Queensferry, near Edinburgh.

Queensferry Burryman
South Queensferry’s Burry Man, supported by his two attendants

The Burryman traditionally sees a man, covered from head to toe in sticky green burrs, parading through the town spreading good cheer. But why? Well, no one actually knows for sure!

The custom has been taking place annually since at least the late 17th century and for many years took place on the day before the local Ferry Fair. The Burryman (or Burry Man) is most likely to have been a pagan ritual, connected to the harvest. However, there are other theories about how this strange parade began.

The Burryman traditionally paraded around the town, calling at houses, pubs and businesses, collecting gifts and money (and a dram or two of whisky) as he went. This was probably believed to bring good luck.

The Burryman’s costume is made up of sticky burrs (the sticky flower heads of the burdock plant) and is topped off with a hat made of flowers. The costume is completed with a flag tied around the waist and two staves decorated with flowers. The Burryman holds a stave in each hand as he walks around, helped by two smartly dressed attendants. It’s a tricky and prickly task, but one much respected by the local community.

Today, the current Burryman still goes out (with a bit of help from his family) to collect the burrs from the local countryside, ready for the annual parade. The parade is free to watch and everyone is encouraged to head out and support this unique custom.

When: 9th August 2019
Where: South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland
£: Free to watch

More info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Burryman

Related Posts

  • Blood, guts and cabbages this Halloween
  • Try the bagpipes at Piping Live!

Tagged With: Edinburgh events, Family events, Free events, Scotland

Curiosity of the Week

Woodhenge, Stonehenge’s lesser-known neighbour
Woodhenge - ©English Heritage, Historic England Photo Library

You have heard of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, but have you heard of its lesser known neighbour, Woodhenge? Find out more in our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

HandleBards hit the pedals again to bring you a summer of outdoor theatre
HandleBards A Midsummer Night's Dream ©Rah Petherbridge Photography

The HandleBards are a Shakespearean troupe who tour by bike. And to celebrate their 10th anniversary, they’re climbing back into the saddle…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 · Contrary Life