The Burryman

On a summer wander away from Biggleswade, Nat investigates one of the UK's strangest seasonal folk customs, the Burryman of Queensferry. For centuries a man covered from head to ankle in spiky burdock seedheads has walked along the banks of the Firth of Forth, bringing luck and banishing evil from the town. Uniquely Scottish, looking like a man covered in bees or a bear walking on his hind legs, scaring young children, but fascinating them all the same, the Burryman is a striking vision indeed.

But as Nat joined the Burryman procession in 2024 she became intrigued by the origins of this custom, and what it means now to the community of Queensferry and beyond.

With insights from the Burryman himself, his attendants and the team behind the procession and Queensferry's Ferry Fair, Nat pieces together the history of the Burryman and how he is inspiring folk from all around the world.

 

Special thanks to Andrew (the Burryman,) his attendants Andrew and Duncan, and team, Claire, Erin, Doc and Paul for their time and expertise in this episode.

Thank you to Wayne Gilbert of Eerie Edinburgh for reading the article form the Dunfermline Press.

Thank you to the Blue Moon Pickers for their live folk music which is included in this episode.

And a huge thank you to Daniel Patrick Quinn for allowing me to use his wonderful track The Burryman (featuring Duncan Grahl,)

 

Find out more about the Burryman and this episode on the show blog weridinthewade.blog

Email Nat: [e-mail]

 

Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig

Theme music by Tess Savigear

All additional music and sound effects from Epidemic Sound