We're in the mood for spooky tales, campfire ghost stories, and a hot pumpkin pasty. Did you know Scotland has a rich history of monster folklore? Well, now you do. Most have heard of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, but that's the tip of the iceberg. There are the shapeshifting Kelpies, the mysterious island Selkies, and the Wulver, a shetland werewolf. If you're looking for a hair-raising story, you'll find one in Scotland.
Kelpies:
In Scottish tradition, Kelpies are shapeshifting water spirits that live in the lochs around the Scottish Highlands. Falkirk Canal is home to the famous metal Kelpie sculptures (pictured right), which we enjoy visiting on many of our Scotland tours; they are the largest equine sculptures in the world. The story goes that Kelpies would transform into beautiful horses, come to shore, and lure people back into the loch, where they’d transform into a sea monster and eat their victims. Creepy!
The stories of Kelpies date back centuries in Scotland and were even referenced in a the famous Robert Burns poem “Address to the Devil” in 1786. To learn more about the history of Kelpies, click here.
Selkies:
Selkies are also known as “seal people,” and the story goes that while they’re in the water they look like normal seals, but when they come to shore they can shed their seal skin and transform into a human. There are many Selkie stories about humans stealing Selkie seal skins, leaving a selkie trapped as a human, or Selkies bewitching fisherman to marry them and so forth. There have been books, movies, and songs written about Scottish Selkies. Click here to read more about the Selkie.
The Wulver:
The Shetland Islands, which lie off the far north coast in Scotland, are home to The Wulver, a centuries-old creature who has the head of a wolf and the body of a man. Unlike the classic werewolf, The Wulver was known for being docile and friendly, even helping lost travelers find their way home. Learn more about the Wulver here.
Loch Ness Monster:
The legendary Loch Ness Monster, fondly known as “Nessie”, is thought to reside in Loch Ness, Scotland. Reports of a monster in that loch date back to ancient times with stone carvings depicting a large sea creature with flippers. Monster hunters have spent decades looking for Nessie with no luck, and the monster is now believed to be a myth. Read more about Nessie here.
The Banshees:
According to Kilts-n-stuff.com “Banshees [are] seen as small fairies, clad in white, with long flowing silver brushed hair. Banshees forewarn of death; if you hear one, supposedly, someone in your family will die. And, if you see one, your end is immediate.”