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Ballad of Tam Lin
Oh, I forbid you, maidens all
That wear gold on your hair,
To come or go by Carterhaugh,
For young Tam-Lin is there.
There's none that goes by Carterhaugh
But must leave him a wad;
Either gold ring, or green mantles,
Or else their maidenhead.
Now gold rings ye may buy, maidens,
Green mantles ye may spin; Read More »
Ballechin House
Once the focus of a controversial investigation by the SPR (Society for Psychical Research), Ballechin House no longer exists in the form that it was back in 1897, at the peak of the alleged haunting. Read More »
Ballindalloch Castle
Ballindalloch Castle or the ‘Pearl of the North' is the family home of the MacPherson-Grants and has remained in their family since it was built in 1546. It is supposed to be haunted by General James Grant (1722-1806), first British governor of East Florida, veteran of the French war, Indian War and the American War of Independence. Read More »
Ballochmyle Cup and Ring Markings
This cliff face site was rediscovered in the 1980's, and consists of an abundance of cup and ring markings and other more obscure symbols. Read More »
Barpa Langass
Barpa Langass is a Neolithic chambered cairn, which now survives as a jumbled mass of stone overlooking a moonscape of barren peatland. The cairn is roughly 16 feet high, and around 82 feet across. Read More »
The Bean Nighe
The Bean Nighe is an example of the ominous 'Washerwoman at the Ford' rendered in the Highland tradition. The tradition of 'The Washerwomen at the Ford' seems to have its roots in Celtic legend and myth. She appears in the Irish stories and can be identified as the crone aspect of the triple goddess. Read More »
Bell’s Wynd
According to tradition, a house on Bell’s Wynd had supposedly stood empty for twenty one years and no-one was aware that the body of Mrs Guthrie, who had died two decades earlier, was still inside. A locksmith who lived either close by or immediately above the Mrs Guthrie’s decided to break in and see why it was empty. Read More »
Ben Ledi
Ben Ledi rises above the plain of Stirling to the North of Callander, a prominent mountain with superb views over the surrounding countryside. It is not a munro but at 2884 feet has the feel of a much larger mountain, due to a number of false tops and the rewarding panoramic view. Read More »
The Grey Man of Ben Macdhui
Ben Macdhui is the second highest peak in Scotland, a huge mountain with deep corries, situated in the Cairngorms: one of Scotland's finest mountain ranges, and a magnet for walkers, climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Ben Machdhui is also reputed to be haunted by 'something' that is popularly known as the Grey Man or Fear Liath Mhor in Gaelic. Read More »
Bessie Dunlop, The Witch of Dalry
Bessie Dunlop was known as the witch of Dalry (Ayrshire), she was burned at the stake in 1576 although she was seen as a white witch. Her story is interesting because it outlines some of the folk beliefs at the time. Read More »
Big Cat Attack On Horse
There have been recent reports that a Black Puma attacked a horse in Ayrshire. The following article entitled 'Big cat attack on horse puts parents on guard at holiday park' was written by Steven Henry and Julie Anne Barnes for the Daily Mail, 22nd July 2009. Read More »
Blue Stane, St Andrews
The Blue Stane (stone) now largely ignored, was once a Celtic place of power in the landscape around St Andrews. Read More »
Boabhan Sith
The Baobhan Sith is a particularly evil and dangerous female vampire from the highlands of Scotland. They were supposed to prey on unwary travellers in the glens and mountains. The name suggests a form of Banshee.
A common tale is told of 4 young friends who set off on a hunting trip in the glens, benighted the men take refuge in an abandoned Shieldig (small cottage). Read More »
Boleskine House
The house - now a private residence - dates from the 19th century, and is famous for its association with Aleister Crowley, the most notorious magician of all time. Read More »
Bonnybridge UFOs
1989 Bonnybridge, near Shieldhill, Scotland: In a well-witnessed UFO sighting, a fire crew were attending a blaze at Gradrum Moss, when a red object appeared to be hovering in the distance. This came towards the fire engine and then flew off towards the West. A second object then appeared, it was white and hovered above Loch Ellrig at about twenty feet from the witnesses. Read More »
The Brahan Seer
The Brahan Seer is undoubtedly the most famous of all Celtic seers although the reality of the 17th Century Coinneach Odhar Fiosaiche or Kenneth Mackenzie is hidden deep in legend. The roots of these legends may have come from a holy man in the 1600’s, about whom legends have grown with the years. Read More »
British Dragon Gazetteer
No other country on earth has such rich dragon lore as the British Isles. Our tiny little homeland is crawling with legends of these beasts. If you have ever wondered if there is a dragon legend close to where you live, then take a look at the following list. Read More »
Broadford Skye
According to tradition recorded by Alasdair Alpin MacGregor (The Supernatural Highlands, Francis Thompson) a doctor holidaying at an Inn in Broadford on Skye witnessed a strange apparition by the sea. He was walking along the shore when he noticed a glow out to sea the glow came closer and as it did so became the figure of a woman in a cloak carrying a child. Read More »
Brodick Castle
A seat of the Dukes of Hamilton in the 19th century, there has been a fortification on the site of the present castle for over a thousand years. It was an important Viking stronghold, and swapped English and Scottish hands during the Wars of Independence. Oliver Cromwell also left his mark here. Read More »
Brownies
A widespread name for a fairy or supernatural creature, they were small in appearance and wore brown coloured clothing.
Like many mischievous spirits they were thought to be attached to houses or families and could be helpful in menial household tasks. If offended they became malignant and mischievous, creating poltergeist activity and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Read More »
Burning the Clavie
11th January -The Burning the Clavie is a celebration of the Old New Year from the Julian calendar. A large wooden fire brand made from a barrel called the Clavie, is set on fire and then smashed by the Clavie King. Pieces of the Clavie are kept for luck. The festival probably has very ancient origins.
Burrafirth
Two Norse giants lived on the Isle of Unst, which is the most northerly of the Shetland Islands. One giant was called Herman and his rival was Saxi (Saxa). Read More »
Butt of Lewis
A sea monster was reputedly sighted in 1882. Another sea monster was reported in 1895, a few days after a similar creature was seen off Bernera. This creature was supposedly 120' long.
The Caillech Bheur
The Cailleach Bheur was a blue hag, said to frequent parts of the Scottish Highlands. Associated with winter, she was reborn on every All Hallows Eve and returned to bring the winter and the winter snows. She carried a magical staff, which froze the ground with every tap. Read More »
Caisteal na Nighinn Ruaidhe
The 15th century (though possibly 13th century) Caisteal na Nighinn Ruaidhe or ‘Castle of the Red-Haired Maiden' was the reputed seat of the MacFiachar family, having been built by Mungan MacFiachar Read More »
