The Archivist's Corner by Carolyn Emerick

Scotland’s Haunted Castles

5/16/2015

Scotland is a nation rich in folkloric tradition. Both the highlands and the lowlands preserved distinct cultural folk tradition with influences from Gaelic, Anglo-Saxon, and Norse influences. These cultures, along with the unique landscape and climate of this hilly northern country, fused to give Scottish folklore a unique flavor. Stories of ghosts and spirits are one common feature of Scottish lore.

And old photocrom print of Dunskey Castle, circa 1890-1900.

Fairy Lore from the Isle of Skye

5/15/2015

For many hundreds of years Skye remained an island isolated from the rest of Scotland. It did not exist in a complete vacuum, as it was settled by both Celts and Norse, and probably by the Picts before them. There were always comings and goings by way of ships and boats from the mainland and abroad. Due to this sea access, Skye became a Viking hot spot, like so many of the other Scottish Isles.

Its isolation became more pronounced toward the Industrial Revolution. As mechanized farming equipment, rail roads, and eventually motorways became the norm across mainland Britain, residents of Skye continued using traditional farming methods and modes of transport. It is no wonder, then, that fairy lore lingered on after it had begun to erode elsewhere.

Fairies by Edwin Austin Abbey

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Scotland’s Haunted Castles

Fairy Lore from the Isle of Skye

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Open the Timecapsule

Scotland’s Haunted Castles

Fairy Lore from the Isle of Skye

Archives

Categories

Do you believe European heritage should be preserved? Please support this ongoing work!

Bitcoin tips can be sent to:

Do you believe European heritage should be preserved?
Please support this ongoing work!