Scotland and mythology go hand in hand, with the stories and legends of this fascinating country inspiring countless writers, poets and artists. From lothario seals to haunted horses rising from the Scottish streams and rivers, mythology here ranges from the scary to the downright strange.
Not usually seen on your average Scotland tours, incorporating Scottish mythology into your trip can inspire and intrigue in equal measure, helping you learn about the culture and history of this fascinating country firsthand. With that in mind, here are 6 mythical places to explore in Scotland.
The Orkney Isles
Scotland boasts around 700 islands, divided into four main groups; Orkney, Shetland, the Outer and the Inner Hebrides. The former, Orkney, was recently voted Scotland’s best island in a Which? survey, and it’s easy to see why; it’s a gorgeous, mystical place to spend time.
While this archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland is well-known, it’s also a place that is shrouded in mystery, especially regarding selkies. Selkies, you say? Allow us to explain…
Selkies – yep, we saw ‘selfies’, too – are Celtic mythical creatures that are capable of therianthropy (the ability of human beings to metamorphose into other animals by means of shapeshifting). Selkies can, specifically, change from human to seals.
Orkney has many tales concerning these shape-shifting race creatures, who are, incidentally, said to be extremely beautiful. The most famous tale tells of a female selkie being coerced into a relationship with a human male.
According to legend, a young farmer once saw one of these mythical creatures in Orkney Isles, stole her magical skin, and kept her prisoner. Only years later did she manage to escape back to the sea, and is said to be still living in Scottish waters around the Orkney Isles to this day.
Folklore suggests that once in human form, the selkie-folk would dance on secluded stretches of moonlit shore, or bask in the sun on an isolated rock. If you do come across one, be sure to express your regret for the evil man who previously locked her up!
Read: 7 Scottish island holidays IDEAL for wildlife and whisky
The Kelpies
From selkies to kelpies…
Located between Falkirk and Grangemouth in the Lowlands of Scotland, The Kelpies are 30-meter horse-heads. The largest equine sculptures in the world, they depict yet another Scottish mythological creature.
However, unlike the kind and gentle selkies, kelpies are seen as evil creatures that haunt Scotland’s rivers and streams. So when you hear thunder, it might just be the kelpies entering the water!
Or so they say…
Nearly every body of water in Scotland has a tale that features a kelpie, including the most famous of all; Loch Ness…
Legend has that a particularly powerful kelpie haunted the forests near Loch Ness. This wicked kelpie had a saddle and bridle which had powers that kept the demon alive. However, without them, it would die.
After years of killing and drowning people, a Highlander who went by the name of James Macgrigor decided to rid the world of this evil monster. Cutting a long story short, the Highlander took the kelpie’s saddle and bridle, thus killing him. Further legend has it that these once demonic items gained holy properties of healing.
These are some of the most famous Scottish mythological creatures and ones which have been replicated in art and sculpture across the county. One to look out for on your trip to Scotland, we think.
Speaking of Loch Ness…
Loch Ness
The most famous of mystical stories in Scotland, the legend of the Loch Ness monster chimes loudly across the world and is now one of the most-told folktales, still boasting the capacity to intrigue, impress and terrify. The tale speaks of a prehistoric monster, allegedly living in Loch Ness, but you already knew that, right?
There have been a shocking number of people who claim to have seen the Loch Ness monster, which resembles Brontosaurus, that dinosaur with a famously long neck.
To understand the sightings in full, we’re quite excited about a new three-part documentary which is set to cover the full story of Scotland’s most famous mythical creature. ‘Monster: The Mystery of Loch Ness‘, will be narrated by Scottish movie star Dougray Scott and features accounts of those who claim to have seen and even hunted the beast. Wow!
Seeking to separate fiction and fakery from fact, the release date should be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, if you want to try and spot Nessie yourself, then a train to Edinburgh before taking a bus ride to Loch Ness is the easiest route.
Fingal’s Cave
Impossibly dramatic, Fingal’s Cave is a stunning geological wonder of volcanic basalt columns clearly standing out from Scottish waters, and is a place brimming with mystery and folklore.
Formed entirely of hexagonally jointed basalt columns, similar to the ones forming the Giant’s Causeway, legend has it that the lava burst that formed Fingal’s Cave was the same one that caused the Giant’s Causeway.
It’s said that these two places are opposite ends of a bridge built by the benevolent Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill. While building the bridge, the Scottish giant Fionn was told that the Irish giant was coming to fight him.
To cut a long story short, there was some cake with some iron in it which resulted in one of the giants running away and smashing the bridge behind him so the other couldn’t follow – to find out which, a trip and tour of Fingal’s Cave is a must.
Culzean Castle
Hearing the sound of pipes is a common occurrence in Scotland; after all the bagpipe is the country’s national instrument. However, hearing the distinctive sound when no one is around is a little alarming.
There are many legends of the ghost pipers of Scotland, and in the Highlands, chilling tales of ghostly apparitions and haunted castles and places are often told.
One of the most enduring legends is that of Culzean Castle – an incredible fortress haunted by ghost pipers. It is believed that a piper, together with his dog, was sent into the castle below the cave. He was to walk the distance from the entrance to the castle to the exit on the hill to prove that the caves weren’t haunted. However, he never came out of the caves. Today, the sound of pipes can occasionally be heard from the caves – could it be the lone piper himself?
There are other tales of ghosts and it is thought there are at least seven ghosts haunting the castle. The ‘Most Haunted‘ team even visited the castle to film an episode with the aim of seeing if they could find out more about the ghosts and the castle’s legendary ghost piper. The results were interesting, to say the least…
Should you be keen to do the same, then consider specialist ghost hunting equipment, like the stuff sold by SpiritShack. You never know what you might discover!
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle is thought to be one of Scotland’s most haunted, and once you hear its history, it’s easy to see why.
During the Napoleonic War, the castle was used to cold captured French prisoners, so you can only imagine the torture, blood spilled, gore and death that have taken place here. In fact, we’d rather not imagine!
Nowadays, and somewhat unsurprisingly, many believe that the castle is haunted, though just who is doing the haunting is up for debate! Some believe the ghosts are those who have been imprisoned and tortured here, while others insist that the ghosts are knights who used to work the area and still carry hold a burning desire for revenge against their masters.
Whatever you believe, it’s hard to deny that the odd noises captured by ghost hunting equipment, the cold corners, and an overall sense of discomfort prevail here… Hmmm, sounds appealing!
The Bottom Line
Well, we can safely say that your Scotland trip is complete! Add these mythical places to your list of wealthy cities, gorgeous mansions, and tourist sites, and you will leave Scotland as an expert. So, pack your bags and off to explore the mystical side of one of the most stunning countries in the world!