A man has been keeping a mysterious ancient tradition dating back 400 years alive, in which he dresses up in an unusual costume.
Andrew Taylor wears the traditional "Burryman" outfit, covering himself in plant burrs, and walks a nine-mile route South of Queensferry as part of the town's fair week.
Along his walk, he will stop around 20 times to receive whisky and collect money for local charities.
Taylor is assisted on his walk by men on either side who hold up his arms on poles while bell-ringers shout "hip, hip hooray, it's the Burryman's day".
On Friday, Taylor will become the Burryman for the 14th time in his life.
He took up the role after taking over from his predecessor, who ensured he had the right mindset for the local tradition.
It is believed to date back around 400 years, with numerous theories on the origin of the Burryman's character.
PA | Mysterious ancient tradition dating back 400 years kept alive by local man
Taylor, who works as an environmental warden for Edinburgh council, said he had been taught that the Burryman represented a scapegoat for the town that would take away any bad luck.
He explained that a cooler day makes his long walk easier.
Taylor said: "Over the 13 years I've been doing it, we've encountered every bit of weather you can imagine.
"The weather's never defeated us, put it that way."
He said that he is happy to continue being the Burryman for many years to come, saying it is one of very few similar local traditions associated with Scottish towns and villages.
Taylor said: "The most amazing thing about it is, I don't think anybody can say for certain why the Burryman started. We've all got our different stories.
"It's got that lovely mystery about it, I really think that's what makes it what it is."
Last year, Taylor had to make 20 pit stops on his journey.
Wikimedia Commons
|When he is not the Burryman, Taylor works at Edinburgh Council
These included visiting the homes of important local people as well as receiving a dram of whisky and donations.
The Edinburgh Museum previously said: "It's a privilege for any person to hold the role of the Burryman, as it is being part of the team dressing him each year."
The Ferry Fair website said the role of Burryman requires a "stout man or robust lad" as "weakly persons" may faint under the heat and fatigue of the impressive burr suit.