— 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 there […]
Long, long ago – when the Scotland was invaded by Viking forces, there was a young Norse warrior named Breakan who fell in love with a local beauty. When the couple told the maiden’s father of their desire to marry, he was not happy to think of a union between his only child and the […]
In ancient times, Duncan Campbell, the laird of Inverawe, sat in his castle in the western isles of Scotland. One dark night, there was a loud pounding at the gate, and when Campbell opened it, he saw a stranger who begged him for asylum. The man was disheveled and his clothes were torn and smeared […]
