The Tailor-Made Guide to The Enchanted Fairies of Scotland and Where to Find Them
- Barry Pickard
- Sep 25, 2024
- 11 min read
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Contents
Have you ever wondered where you can find fairies in Scotland? Imagine walking through the misty glens, the scent of heather in the air, and the distant sound of a babbling brook. The ancient, mystical lands of Scotland have raised many legends and stories of magic and monsters. The landscape and the people themselves seem to encourage and foster these fascinating tales. One creature that seems to transcend every area of Scotland are the fairy folk. Often known as the Still Folk, the Wee Folk, or, in Gaelic, the Sìthe, fairies have captured the imagination, with fables and anecdotes being captured in the writings of such Scottish literary luminaries as Walter Scott, J. M. Barrie, and Robert Burns.
But where can you find these enchanting, supernatural, and sometimes mischievous spirits? Well, I can’t guarantee you any sightings, but I can certainly point you in the direction of some sites historically associated with the fairy folk, as well as some more contemporary locations that are fun to visit. Along the way, I’ll share stunning photos and personal stories to bring these magical places to life.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if searching for the enchanted fairies of Scotland appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating these fairy locations, or indeed, a general tour of this mystical land.
Do Fairies Exist?
Scotland’s enchanting landscapes are steeped in fairy lore, with tales that have captivated imaginations for centuries. From the medieval period to modern times, fairies have been an integral part of the folklore of Scotland, often referred to as the “fair folk” or “good people” to avoid offending these mystical beings.
In medieval Scotland fairies were believed to inhabit a parallel world, often interacting with humans in both benevolent and malevolent ways. The famous 13th century ballad “Thomas the Rhymer” was the first Scottish written acount of fairies, and tells of a man who encounters the Queen of Elfland, highlighting the deep-rooted belief in a magical realm just beyond our own. These stories and the existance of fairies served as explanations for the inexplicable, offering comfort and meaning in a world filled with uncertainties. The fairy queen is an enduring character in Scottish legend, is often refered to as Nicneven or Hecate.
Another of the earliest recorded fairy encounters involved Bessie Dunlop, an Ayrshire woman tried for witchcraft in 1576. She claimed her healing powers came from a fairy named Thome Reid, who introduced her to the fairy queen. Such tales were common, with fairies often depicted as guardians of nature, responsible for the well-being of livestock and crops. However, the witch-craze that swept Medieval Europe, began to twist the respected figure of the fairy into a demonised characted.
As Scotland modernized, belief in fairies waned, but their legacy endures. Today, places like Fairy Glen and the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye continue to draw visitors, eager to experience the magic of the fairy folklore of Scotland. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the tales of Scotland’s fairies offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Good or Bad Fairies?
Fairies were not just whimsical creatures; they were powerful beings capable of influencing everyday life. They could bless or curse, heal or harm, depending on how they were treated. The Seelie Court, composed of benevolent fairies, contrasted sharply with the Unseelie Court, whose members were known for their malevolent deeds. This duality reflected the unpredictable nature of life itself.
Faeries or Fairies?
The terms “faeries” and “fairies” both refer to magical beings, but “faeries” often evokes an older, more mystical vibe, rooted in the traditional folklore of Scotland and ancient tales. On the other hand, “fairies” is the modern spelling, commonly used in contemporary stories and popular culture. While “faeries” might bring to mind ethereal, enchanting creatures from age-old legends, “fairies” are the whimsical, winged beings we see in children’s books and movies today.
The Enchanted Fairies of Scotland and Where to Find Them
Fairy Flag (Dunvegan Castle)
Dunvegan Castle is the seat of the MacLeod of MacLeod, chief of the Clan MacLeod and can be found on the Isle of Skye. It is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the stronghold of the chiefs of the clan for more than 800 years.
The Fairy Flag, which resides in Dunvegan Castle, is treasured by the MacLeod clan, and has been used as a talisman during many of their battles. The legend behind the flag tells of how one of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod married a fairy; however, after twenty years she was forced to leave him and return to fairyland, but gave him the flag, promising that if it was waved in times of danger and distress, help would be given on three occasions. The flag has been successfully used in battle twice already – wonder if it will ever have to be used again?
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
On the way to Dunvegan, make sure to stop at the Giant Angus MacAskill Museum and find out about Scotland’s very own real-life giant – indeed, Angus MacAskill is actually the world’s tallest-ever true giant (non-pathalogical)!
Fairy Bridge, Stein
It was at the Fairy Bridge, just off the road to Stein (a ten-minute drive from Dunvegan Castle, just after you leave the A850 road), where the legend of the MacLeod’s Fairy Flag states that the fairy bade farewell to the clan chief. Pull over and check out this well preserved bygone bridge.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Carry on to Stein and enjoy a meal or drink at the Stein Inn. Skye’s oldest inn dates back to 1790.
Fairy Houses of Chapelton
The Chapelton Trail is a 4.5km walk taking in ancient roads, a magical forest and a babbling burn. The highlight though is the enchanted fairy village near Elsick House. Check out the fairy houses to see if there is anybody in!
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Enjoy a coffee and something tempting at Teacake, the café on Hume Square in Chapelton.
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Read on to walk a fairy trail, chase Puck, and run away from Jock o' Bennachie!
Fairy Trail at The Loft
As well as having excellent glamping ‘wigwams’, The Loft, near Forres, has also created a little Fairy Trail. We recently stayed at their excellent facilities and enjoyed their little magical walk. You can make a wish in The Wishing Tree, create spells at The Witches Cauldron, and play in The Giants Play Ground!
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Collect a map and activity sheet at Reception (£1.50 per sheet) and go and explore.
Read on to find out which fairy location tops the list.
Puck's Glen, Dunoon
An other-worldly trail winds along a Victorian walkway up the dramatic rocky gorge that is said to be home to mischievous spirits. Pass several waterfalls beneath the towering Douglas firs, while keeping an eye open for the elusive Puck!
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The trail includes firm but uneven gravel paths, several steep slopes and long flights of rough steps. The trail is 1 ¾ miles / 2.8 km long, and you should allow 1 hour to walk it.
Bennachie
Bennachie is one of northeast Scotland's most recognisable landmarks. From its highest summit of Oxen Craig at 528 metres to Millstone Hill and its most popular peak, Mither Tap, history abounds in this ancient landscape.
It is said that two young ploughmen came upon a group of Fairies dancing and singing on the slopes of Bennachie. Entranced at the sight, one of the young lads became transfixed and simply could not tear himself away. His companion however quickly left the scene assuming that his friend would follow on later. However, the transfixed ploughman failed to appear and was not seen again for an entire year and a day. It seems the enchanted ploughman had been stood on the same spot all that time!
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
While hiking up to the Mither Tap, look out, not only for the prehistoric hill fort walls that surround the summit, but also for Jock o’ Bennachie, the reputed giant that stalks the hill!
Read on to discover an ancient stone circle, fairy bathtime, and a fairy kingdom!
Fairy Houses at Glassel Stone Circle
The ancient Glassel Stone Circle is an oval setting of five granite pillars, which were erected around 4,000 years ago, just outside of the modern-day village of Banchory. The stones are relatively short compared to other stone circles, with the tallest being a fraction under a meter in height. So, it is perhaps not surprising that other small structures can be found in the trees around the circle. How appropriate that there are fairy houses in such a mysterious location!
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
If Glassel Stone Circle catches your imagination, then discover some of Aberdeenshire’s other stone circles in one of our previous travel blog posts.
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Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle
The Fairy Pools are a natural waterfall phenomenon in Glen Brittle on the Isle of Skye. It seems that there are no particular fairy stories attached to the waterfalls, but the vivid blues and greens of the pools certainly suggest an unnatural origin. It may turn out that fairies don’t actually frequent the pools, but there are stories of selkies being attracted to the area. These mythological creatures, disguised as large seals during the day, would come to the beach at the foot of Glen Brittle where they would shed their skins and change into human form for the night, to bathe in the pools under the light of a full moon!
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The walk to the pools uses the same route there and back. The complete return distance to the first main waterfall and pool is 2.4km, with the average time to complete the walk being 40 minutes (with no stops). Most people will spend some time working their way up the river from the first waterfall exploring the different pools.
Schiehallion (Fairy Hill of the Caledonians)
Schiehallion is a 3,553-foot high mountain in Perth & Kinross which is one of the easiest Munros to climb in Scotland. It is said that Schiehallion used to be a favourite resort of the fairy folks, especially once a year, when all the various fairy tribes throughout Glenlyon, Rannoch, Strathtummel, etc. would congregate here. Their annual meeting would be presided over by the beautiful Queen Mab, who would be gorgeously arrayed in her favourite green silk robes, with her abundant crop of beautiful golden-yellow hair waving in long ringlets over her shoulder down to her waist. Maybe it was the wrong time of year, since we seem to have missed the party when we visited the mountain, however, there are a long series of mysterious caves, extending from one side of the mountain to the other, so perhaps the reunion was being held underground?
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The wide and rough footpath offers visitors superb views of the surrounding countryside on a hike to the summit that should take 3-4 hours in total. It takes the form of a broad ridge, with the famous conical appearance only apparent from across Loch Rannoch.
Fairy Houses of Latheronwheel
Latheronwheel harbour was built about 1840, which was at the height of the herring boom, and was even used as a filming location for the 1947 film “The Silver Darlings” (which is the nickname for herring). But the hidden attraction of the village is Fairy Glen which stretches along the Burn of Latheron. Lovingly kept by local volunteers, the attention to detail of these fairy houses is off the scale. Not only that, there are so many houses integrated in the trees, stumps and rocks of this forest. So much so that it is more of a fairy city than a village! Fitting accommodation for these cute fairies.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
On the road down to the harbour from the village, there is a tight bend in the road, where you will see a sign for the Latheronwheel Strath Path. Take this path and a few minutes into the walk, you will find the adorable fairy village.
Fairy Glen, Uig
It seems that the story of the Fairy Flag has been highly influential, since there is one other location on the Isle of Skye associated with the Wee Folk. Castle Ewen, also known as the Fairy Castle, in the Fairy Glen, sits above a fantastic wonderland of lumps and bumps and crazy pinnacles. Though it looks like a fortified tower, Castle Ewen is a natural rock formation. Geologists have one view about this up thrust of rock, but everyone around Uig swears it was created by fairies. Whomever you believe, the undulating glen is certainly an enchanting place and has an energy of its own. Let us know if you felt it too!
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Park near, or just beyond a small lochan (on the right) and explore this amazing landscape.
Conclusion
There is a certain romantic and beguiling quality to Scotland’s countryside, which you can’t quite pin down. Just spending a little time here allows you to easily understand how stories of the Wee Folk could have been spun by the superstitious country folk. Whatever the merits of these stories, these locations are always a joy to visit and explore. And maybe, just maybe, if you catch sight of something out of the corner of you eye, you may be lucky enough to spot these diminutive inhabitants of our magical country! I hope you find your fairies in Scotland.
Further Reading
An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, by Theresa Breslin
The Mammoth Book of Celtic Myths and Legends, by Peter Berresford Ellis
Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales from Burns to Buchan, by Gordon Jarvie
Scottish Fairy Belief: A History, by Lizanne Henderson
Related Blog Posts
If you are interested in finding out more about wide variety of interesting places to visit in Scotland, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
The Tailor-Made Top 21 Most Picturesque Bridges in Scotland That You Should Visit
The Tailor-Made Top Eleven Stunning Scottish Lighthouses You Must Visit
The Tailor-Made Top 11 Myths, Magic & Monsters of Scotland and Where to Find Them
Discover Your Backyard - The Picturesque Fishing Communities of the North East of Scotland
Magical Places to Stay
Scotland has many enchanting hotels which make you feel like you are living a fairy tale. Here are some of my favourites:
Flodigarry Hotel, The Isle of Skye
Melville Castle Hotel, Dalkeith, Edinburgh
Thrumster House Hotel, Thrumster, Wick
Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh
Crossbasket Castle, High Blantyre, Glasgow
Comment below and let us know what is your favourite location associated with fairies.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if searching for the enchanted fairies of Scotland appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating these fairy locations, or indeed, a general tour of this mystical land.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Map of Scotland's Fairy Locations
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