Contributed by Marilyn McPhie If you have ever been to Scotland, you know that legends and lore are everywhere to be seen and heard. They are as ubiquitous as the taste of haggis or the skirl of the bagpipes. It seems that every church, every crossroads, every ancient tree – and certainly every stone has …
Contributed by Marilyn McPhie In Scotland many centuries ago, there was a king. He sat on his fine throne in his fine castle, surrounded by riches beyond compare, and he was content – even proud. But one day there came a challenge. An English lord, with lands and warriors and gold of his own, sent …
Contributed by Marilyn McPhie There was once a young Scottish lairdie who was known to have a heart of gold. Everyone said so. It was because he could not bear to see people in trouble without trying to help them in some way. He was as kind and good-natured a lad as could be found …
Contributed by Marilyn McPhie This old tale is taken from one of the 350 ballads recorded by James Child in the 19th century. Once long, long ago on a pleasant summer morn, the Earl of Mar’s daughter was walking with her maids in the garden. The girl looked around at the green grass, the …
— contributed by Marilyn McPhie Many, many years ago the people who lived near a loch by the River Spey were plagued with a terrible water horse. He was most often seen in the spring, when he seemed to be grazing along with the cattle who were by the loch. All who saw the water …
— contributed by Marilyn McPhie Long ago there was a farm known as Ferne Den. It took its name from the Den, or the Glen, filled with ferns that lay all around the farm. Anyone visiting the farm had to pass through the glen. And that was a problem, because in the glen there lived …
Many, many years ago there was a Highland Ball at Alness in Ross-shire. Visiting the area from England was a young nobleman. At first, he sat against the wall, for the Scottish dances were not familiar to him. However, finally he heard something he knew – a slow waltz – and at the same time …
Contributed by Marilyn McPhie Many years ago in the highlands of Scotland there was a piper — Billy McLeod. I doubt you’ve heard of him. He was not famous, but just a pretty good piper, not the best, but not the worst either. But that was his art and his occupation, too. He played anywhere folks …
There was once a woman who had three daughters. One day the eldest said, “Mother, bake me a bannock and roast me a collop, for I must seek my fortune.” Her mother provided the food, and the lass went to visit a local witch for advice on where to find her fortune. The witch told …
Many years ago, there was a lad named Jack who lived in a small cottage with his mother. I’m not sure how many years ago this happened, but as you will see, you would probably want to know.) Jack worked as a shepherd for a rich laird who was as stingy a man as ever …
