Queensferry Burry Man

Where: Queensferry, Lothian - starting & ending at The Stags Head on the High Street
When: 2nd Friday in August
Time: From 8.45 -all day

 

There is no-one else like the Burry Man – a man encased completely in a costume composed of thousands of burdock heads, wearing a flowery bowler hat. He has two attendants who help him through the long day, and uses staves to support his arms and stop them sticking to his body. He walks the streets of the town for hours, covering about 7 miles in what is believed to be a luck-bringing custom. Whisky is regularly offered to him on his rounds (also for luck) and because his face is also covered with burrs attached to a knitted balaclava, he drinks it through a straw.

The Burry man is associated with the local Ferry Fair which takes place the following day with parades, concerts, fancy dress, bands and the crowning of the Ferry Queen. Depending on the season apparently it can be challenging finding enough burrs – luckily sufficient are always found to preserve the Burry Man’s modesty!

Helpful Hints

In 2024 the Burry Man will be out-and-about on Friday 9th August- check the Facebook link for all the details near the time.

Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theburryman/

Click here to find out more including the route with approximate timings : http://www.ferryfair.co.uk/

Many thanks to Geoff Doel for providing the 3 photos of 2012!

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