Why this man covered his body with 13,000 sticky plant heads

By Elizabeth Hunter via SWNS

A man has been covered in 13,000 sticky plant heads to parade through town in a 900-year-old tradition to ward off evil spirits.

Council worker Andrew Taylor, 37, has played the role of the "Burryman" for the last 13 years in South Queensferry's annual parade - meant to ward off evil spirits.

Andrew has been covered from head to toe in "burrs" - the sticky flowerheads of burdock plants in a nearly hour-long process to prepare for the parade.

"It takes about 45 to 50 minutes to get ready," said Andrew.

"There's around 13,000 to 14,000 burrs, give or take, but I haven't counted them individually."

Traditionally, the Burryman will collect his burrs himself, before attaching them to panels and wrapping them around his body - wearing several thick layers of clothing and balaclavas to protect himself from their hooks.

Only men born in South Queensferry in Scotland can take on the role of the Burryman - with one Burryman taking on the role for 25 years in a row.

The parade will see Andrew march seven miles through South Queensferry stopping off at each pub on the route - with each pub traditionally providing the Burryman with a free drink of whisky and a straw to drink through.

Andrew said: "I really love the tradition.

"It’s a tradition from Queensferry, which means a lot to me and I really enjoy doing it.

"I'll definitely be having a few whiskies today - I don't know how many though!"

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