John to suit up for role as Burry Man

Published on Tuesday 10 August 2010 12:04

A GRAPHIC designer whose day job is working for Hibs is set to appear as "the Burry Man" as part of an annual celebration in South Queensferry.

John Nicol, 36, will be dressed from head to toe in "burrs", seed pods from the burdock plant, as part of a local tradition held on the second Friday of every August since 1687.

It will be the 12th year in a row that Mr Nicol has carried out the 11-hour task, wearing a suit made from more than 11,000 burrs.

Organisers say the exact origin and meaning of the event are unknown, but say it is thought to celebrate man's relationship with the natural world.

Mr Nicol first became the Burry Man in 1999 and works for Hibs as the club's graphic designer and brand manager. He lives in Leith.

The flannel costume is completely covered with the hooked fruits of Arctium lappa and Arctium minus, which the Burry Man must collect himself.

Residents offer him gifts in the hope that it will bring them luck.

The event takes place on Friday, setting off from the Stag's Head in Queensferry at 8.45am and ending back at the pub around 6pm.