A significant change is coming to South Queensferry's annual Burryman procession, a tradition that takes place every August. After 15 years in the role, 43-year-old Andrew Taylor will hand over the mantle to 30-year-old Cameron Forrester next year.
The Burryman, a local volunteer, is covered in thousands of burdock seedheads and walks a seven-mile route around the town for up to 10 hours. Accompanied by two attendants, the Burryman pauses at approximately 20 stops to collect charitable donations and accepts whisky through a straw.
Cameron Forrester, born in South Queensferry, has been involved with the procession since he was nine, previously carrying collecting tins. He served as the bell-ringer for the final time this year, a role that invites householders to offer refreshments and donations in exchange for a burr from the costume as a token of good luck.
The role is physically demanding, leaving the Burryman exhausted, scratched, and sometimes bloodied. The custom's origins are unknown, with references dating back to the 17th century, but its importance today lies in its role as a living community event sustained by local participation.