South Queensferry celebrates the Burryman in annual tradition

Every year on the second Friday in August, a man emerges from the Staghead pub in South Queensferry, covered head to toe in flower seeds and ready to walk nine miles while being given whisky by the locals.

Known as Burryman's Day, the ritual dates back around 400 years and is thought to bring good luck.

The current Burryman, Andrew Taylor, has taken the honour of parading the streets for the last 10 years, wearing a homemade costume covered in sticky burrs and a flower garland.

Residents and onlookers line the nine-mile route, giving him whisky through a straw as they shout: "Hip hip hooray, it's the Burryman's day".

Described as "one of Scotland's most intriguing folk traditions still observed", the procession is part of the week-long Ferry Fair.

The exact meaning of the ritual has been lost through the years although it is believed to have been first recorded in the 17th Century.

The Burryman is guided by minders who help him carry flower-covered staffs with a third ringing a bell ahead of the procession.

The outfit he wears is covered in sticky seeds from the burdock plant which was traditionally collected by hand by the Burryman himself - although Mr Taylor admits family, friends and neighbours have helped.

Crowds from the town followed behind the Burryman as part of the celebration with many taking the fallen burrs as good luck.

He also wore a flower garland on his head which will be givenn to someone in the town.

The Ferry Fair website said the role of Burryman requires a "stout man or robust lad" for the role, as "weakly persons" may faint under the heat and fatigue that comes from the impressive burr suit.

Mr Taylor made 20 pit stops on his journey - which includes the homes of important local people - receiving a dram of whisky or cash donation which is given to local charities.

The procession concludes near the Forth Bridge at 18:00.

The Edinburgh Museum said: "It's a privilege for any person to hold the role of the Burryman, as it is being part of the team dressing him each year."