In the village where my wife spent her teens, a week-long festival is held every year. During this period, on Fridays specifically, the Burryman procession takes place from morning until evening. This tradition has been continuously observed since 1687. Although I have missed the opportunity since my first visit to Scotland, because she said it was "not that interesting" back then, wanting me to make sure we didn't miss it this year as an event she witnessed as a child, we agreed to wait for the Burryman at South Queensferry High Street on Friday afternoon.

It is said to be even more special because this marks the final procession of Andrew Taylor, who has served as the Burryman for 15 years, along with his brothers and friends supporting him. Officially, he covers himself in burdock seed pouches and walks slowly through the village from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. This prickly seed bags are believed in folk tradition to gather bad luck. Even in the UK, where Christianity is dominant, Scottish pagan beliefs hold a unique place. While traces of pagan history can be found throughout Scotland, such Burryman events, originally held in many villages, have largely disappeared, leaving only this one in South Queensferry.

Finally, the Burryman appeared on High Street accompanied by two men wearing kilts supporting him, and a large crowd playing bagpipes and instruments. Even though it takes about nine hours and walking slowly is exhausting, combining the effort of carrying thousands of seed bags and drinking whisky with a straw from morning till evening makes this final procession certainly difficult for all. Despite the difficult process and the belief that these seeds gather bad luck, people touched, dropped, and took them without knowing the full meaning behind it.

While waiting outside, the group of three (the Burryman and two helpers) entered the pub where we were sitting to drink whisky once again. It was the moment to bring their 15 year role to a close. Their eyes glistened with tears as one of them handed me a phone through my wife and asked for a picture. These people have dedicated their time each year to bring happiness to all the people in the village. Watching them repeatedly express gratitude while looking at photos taken with the phone they received, I realised how special this moment truly was. I give applause to those who have continued the procession for a long time for the village people and their tradition.