Scottish Glaistig Stories
The Scottish Glaistig is one of the more mysterious creatures from Scotland’s folklore. While legends of Selkies are growing in popularity and Kelpie stories are fuelled by enormous artworks, the Glaistig still hides in the shadows. They might be less well-known, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as fascinating.
If you head to the west of Scotland then you’ll soon discover there are countless stories of the Scottish Glaistig to be found! Take a trip through the Highlands and Islands with me and enjoy these legends from Scottish folklore.
What is a Scottish Glaistig?
The Scottish Glaistig is considered one of the wide range of fairy folk in Scottish mythology. These mysterious females wear green like most fairies, but are rarely pleasant to look at. They often associate themselves with farms or castles and while many creatures from Scottish folklore are dangerous beasts, the Glaistig can be helpful to have around.
Glaistigs are known to be fiercely loyal, especially when it comes to herding cattle or guarding children. Sometimes they’re considered the west coast equivalent to the Brownie, keeping places neat and tidy during the night in return for offerings of milk. In other Glaistig stories, they’re seen as a trickster and something that should be guarded against.
Read through the stories below and you’ll have a much better idea of what a Scottish Glaistig is. To save you from being tripped up by the name while reading along, Glaistig is pronounced Glash-Tig!
Glaistig Of Loch Linnhe
A farmer called Shalvach McKelvie had been delivering goods across Loch Linnhe one day when he saw a storm whipping up around him. Every other boat had already set off home and the water was getting choppier by the minute. As he pushed his boat out, a little old lady approached, asking for a lift. McKelvie was happy to oblige, but only if the water wasn’t too rough for her.
“If you’re happy then so am I” she replied.
The big farmer began to row into the stormy waves, but things were getting rougher and he was struggling to handle both oars. His passenger asked him to hand her one and let them fight the storm together. He took one look at the wee, old lady and chuckled, she’d probably be dragged overboard!
The storm was only getting worse though and if he carried on like this then they were doomed! With nothing to lose, he passed an oar to his insistent companion. It turns out he had underestimated this old lady. As she heaved on her oar, the boat began to turn to the side. McKelvie had to put all his strength into matching her strokes to keep them steady.
With every pull the pair picked up speed, almost skimming across the surface of Loch Linnhe. They overtook every other boat and landed with such speed that they skidded up the banks. McKelvie turn in awe to this powerful, old lady and invited her for dinner in thanks for her help. She declined with a curious smile.
The farmer began to walk home, turning at the last moment to catch a glimpse of his new friend diving below the surface of the loch. McKelvie realised, he had been saved by a mysterious Scottish Glaistig.
Glaistig of Dunollie Castle
Before Dunollie Castle in Oban was abandoned for a new mansion, it was known to be visited by a Scottish Glaistig. For all the violence that the castle had seen, this Glaistig was a calming, hard-working presence. She would arrive every evening at dusk before spending the night sweeping and cleaning the castle.
She worked hard, but could be a fickle being. The Glaistig of Dunollie Castle could be incredibly grumpy and to make sure her hosts knew she wasn’t happy, would sprinkle dust in their meals. She wasn’t indiscriminate though, she had a sense of humour so always left the castle fool’s food alone.
When the MacDougall’s left the castle in the 18th century, sightings appear to have stopped. It seems like that was one thing that this grumpy Glaistig couldn’t forgive!
Glaistig of Ardnadrochet
Ardnadrochet is a tiny place on the very eastern edge of Mull, not far from Duart Castle. Here we find a story of the Scottish Glaistig’s heartfelt dedication. This particular spirit was linked with a Lamont family who lived in this corner of the island. In return for just a little bit of milk, she spent her time watching over the cattle and under her care they flourished.
That was until one day raiders from Lorn landed on the Isle of Mull. They were there to lift as many animals as they could before disappearing without a trace, but the Glaistig was watching. She rounded up the Lamont cattle and began to herd them to safety in the mountains. Before long, it became clear that they wouldn’t make it though, the raiders were catching up fast.
The Glaistig was left with only one option. She would rather nobody had the cattle than they were stolen under her watch. Striking each cow one by one, they were all turned into large stone boulders on the hillside. When the Lorn raiders arrived, they were confused to find no cattle to steal, without realising they were sitting on top of them.
In frustration, their leader struck a boulder with his sword and split it in two. That was more than the Glaistig could handle, returning to the Lamont’s home and dying of a broken heart. The family had felt just as fondly towards the Glaistig as she did to their cattle, so she was given a dignified burial on the edge of the Sound of Mull.
A Dangerous Glaistig From Lochaber
There were occasions when a Scottish Glaistig wasn’t helpful or friendly though. In Lochaber, an angry spirit once haunted a river in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Anybody who dared cross the bridge was risking their life, especially after dark. A local blacksmith Big Kennedy had heard the stories, but he wasn’t easily scared.
As he approached the river, a frail looking woman appeared out of nowhere, begging to share his horse. Kennedy agreed, but only if she sat in front rather than behind him. Strong as an ox, he hoisted her up and before she could play any tricks, wrapped his magic sword belt around her. The Glaistig was trapped.
She pleaded with him to let her go but he refused. This was his chance to get a record from the locals! The Glaistig offered him a herd of quality cattle and the finest house in all of Lochaber. Kennedy agreed, but only if she completed her work before the sun came up. Then they would shake hands and be done.
The Glaistig screamed into the darkness, calling all manner of fairy creatures to assist her. Kennedy heard them working through the night and as dawn approached, stoked his new forge, placing an iron in the glowing embers.
As the cattle entered the barn, the Glaistig asked her captor to shake her hand, then she would be on her way. Instead, Kennedy pulled the hot iron from the forge and thrust it into the outreached hand.
She screamed loud enough to shake the freshly built beams. As the Glaistig withered away, she cursed Kennedy. He would grow old before his time and his sons would all die before him. It was a high price to pay for a new house and a herd of cows.
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