Ancient custom sets Scots town's Burryman apart, claims local resident
A Man Walks the Burryman's Path: Andrew Taylor in South Queensferry's Traditional Ritual
For over four centuries, the small town of South Queensferry in Scotland has been home to a unique and enigmatic tradition: the Burryman[1][4][5]. On Friday, the man at the centre of this tradition, Andrew Taylor, will don his stifling costume for the 14th time in his life[2].
Taylor, an environmental warden for Edinburgh council, lives in South Queensferry and finds the mystery surrounding the origin of the Burryman tradition to be one of its most appealing aspects[3]. One theory suggests that the Burryman represents a scapegoat figure who symbolically takes away bad luck or misfortune from the town[1][5]. Another theory points towards a celebration of the changing of the seasons and a form of goodwill or fertility rite tied to harvest traditions[1][5]. Despite these interpretations, no definitive explanation exists, which contributes to the ritual’s special character and local pride[1].
Each year, Taylor covers himself head-to-toe in burrs, the seed heads of the burdock plant[2]. The physical challenge of walking nine miles while encased in these prickly plants is no small feat, but Taylor is careful to pace himself, taking about 20 drams of whisky throughout the day[4]. Along the way, he stops around 20 times to receive a dram of whisky or collect a cash donation for local charities[4]. A bell-ringer announces "hip, hip hooray, it's the Burryman's day!" during the walk[1].
Taylor's journey is assisted by men on either side who hold up his arms on poles[1]. As the Burryman, he embodies a strong sense of community spirit, fostering a connection between the residents and the tradition[1]. The Burryman tradition is considered one of the few unique customs still actively maintained in Scottish towns[1].
The feeling of community spirit motivates Taylor and his team during the Burryman tradition[1]. Despite the physical demands and the uncertainty surrounding the tradition's origins, Taylor expresses his desire to continue being the Burryman for years to come[6]. His predecessor as Burryman interviewed him to ensure he had the right attitude to take on the local tradition[7].
In summary, the Burryman tradition has a 400-year history rooted in folklore and seasonal celebration, with uncertain origins but lasting importance as a symbol of community and good fortune in South Queensferry[1][4][5]. This year, as Andrew Taylor steps into the role once more, he will continue to embody the spirit of this unique and cherished tradition.
Taylor, an environmental warden who finds the local tradition of the Burryman fascinating, also enjoys a tranquil home-and-garden lifestyle in South Queensferry, the town where the tradition takes place. The Burryman tradition, one of the few unique customs still actively maintained in Scottish towns, also represents a lifestyle deeply rooted in the community spirit and local pride of the residents.
