“Allow us to step into the evening and pursue that flighty temptress, journey.”
―Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
There’s a sure magic that envelops the Scottish Highlands—a mix of mist-shrouded mountains, enchanting lakes and fables whispered by means of generations. In June, my dad and I launched into a pleasant tromp by means of Scotland’s Wild Highlands & Islands with Pure Habitat Adventures, a journey that promised not simply magnificent landscapes but in addition a deep dive into the wealthy folklore that permeates this historic land.
All Aboard the Hogwarts Categorical: The Jacobite Steam Prepare
“Something off the trolley, dears?” —Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
No journey to Scotland could be full with out a wholesome dose of magic. Steam poured throughout the platform as Dad and I boarded the Jacobite, the real-life Hogwarts Categorical. We fortunately sipped on butterbeer earlier than grabbing Bertie Bott’s Each Taste Beans from the trolley and admiring my Chocolate Frog Card—Bowman Wright of Godric’s Hole, credited with the invention of the Golden Snitch.
The surroundings unfolded like pages from a ebook because the prepare chugged over the famed Glenfinnan Viaduct and handed the island that served as Dumbledore’s remaining resting place. After disembarking, we found Haggard Alley—a bustling Harry Potter store tucked away down a wee alley in Mallaig. The enchantment continued in Edinburgh, the place we explored the colourful retailers of Victoria Avenue, the inspiration behind Diagon Alley (my favourite was the emerald-green bookstore that impressed Flourish and Blotts!). We even visited The Elephant Home, the café the place J.Ok. Rowling penned the early books, and lunched at The Witchery, a gothic candle-lit restaurant on the entrance of Edinburgh Fort.
Strolling Amongst Fairies: Trails and Tales
“An space of garden proper in entrance of the fortress had been reworked right into a type of grotto stuffed with fairy lights – which means a whole lot of precise residing fairies had been sitting within the rosebushes.” —Harry Potter and the Goblet of Hearth
The Fairy Path at Coul Home
Surrounded by blooming azaleas, Dad and I wandered alongside the Fairy Path at Coul Home. Every twist and switch revealed surprises—tiny fairy doorways on the base of bushes, rings of mushrooms and the sensation that unseen eyes had been watching. It was a delicate reminder of the Celtic perception that fairies inhabit the pure world round us.
Fairy Lore on the Isle of Skye
On the Isle of Skye, the crystal-clear waters of the Fairy Swimming pools beckon. The swimming pools’ vibrant blues and greens appeared otherworldly, and native lore says they’re the place fairies bathe beneath the moonlight. The close by Fairy Glen is a miniature panorama of grassy, cone-shaped hills and mossy ponds. Legend has it that the realm is a portal to the fairy realm. The Quiraing maintains a mystical attract as the house of fairies and dragons who thrust back invaders. The flat plateau often called The Desk is the place fairies are mentioned to convene. It’s warned that those that disturb them beneath a full moon could face dire penalties.
Animal Helpers
The crodh sith, or “fairy cattle,” are mentioned to stay within the sea and freshwater lochs on Scotland’s west coast and are recognized for his or her distinctive milk and butter. Whereas we didn’t spot any, we noticed loads of pink Highland cattle, affectionately dubbed Heilan coos! Two greeted me at Luskentyre Seaside on the Isle of Harris, roaming on the cliffs above tide swimming pools stuffed with starfish.
In Celtic mythology, pink deer had been thought of fairy cattle, believed to be milked by fairies atop mountaintops. Recognizing stags on distant mountains, we felt a brush with the paranormal.
Forests Crammed with Folklore
Strolling by means of historic woods with our information from Bushes for Life, a nonprofit working to revive the Caledonian forest, we encountered fairy hills—small mounds mentioned to be entrances to the fairy world. Consuming or consuming whereas in fairyland is a fast means to lifelong entrapment—you need to abstain from meals whereas visiting should you want to return dwelling. Nonetheless, one ought to at all times settle for fairy meals supplied to us in our world, or danger offending the fairies’ hospitality. In folklore, the aged Scottish girl Nanzy knew to graciously settle for rolls of fairy butter, and a Devon ploughman fortunately drank cider gifted as a reward for mending a fairy’s damaged baking peel. Here’s a story our information by means of the forest instructed:
“Two males had been herding cattle close to a fairy knoll. The primary man had a correct thirst and wished for a glass of buttermilk. Simply at that time, a hunkered girl in inexperienced appeared, providing buttermilk. The primary man, rising suspicious, refused the drink, however the second man fortunately took the buttermilk to quench his thirst. A yr and a day later, the chap that refused the buttermilk dropped useless for no explicit motive. For those who decline a present, then all of it involves you. In a tradition the place you had been residing off the land a pair hundred years in the past, all the things was a present, whether or not it got here from nature or the fairies or the cattle that you simply milked. It was one thing to be valued and never wasted.”
Useful Brownies
When visiting the thatched blackhouse to study crofting life within the Outer Hebrides, it was simple to think about a brownie within the smokey haze, sweeping away the ashes from the peat fireplace or tidying the tartan blankets on the field beds. Brownies are benevolent family spirits in Scottish folklore, recognized for serving to with chores and bringing success to households. These small, hard-working beings typically dwell in quiet corners of houses, barns and hearths, popping out at evening to wash, mend or help with farming duties. In return, they count on solely small choices, similar to a bowl of milk, cream or bread.
The Fairy Queen & Princesses
Strolling by means of huge buttercup meadows and the emerald hills of Glen Shiel, I felt transported into the realm of the Fairy Queen. Scotland’s Fairy Queen, typically related to Queen Mab or the winter goddess Nicneven, is claimed to preside over magical beings similar to elves, brownies, and pixies, dwelling in hidden realms like fairy mounds or forests shrouded in thriller. She is depicted as each enchanting and fearsome, able to immense kindness to those that respect the pure world however fast to punish those that trespass or disturb her area.
The Fairy Queen is often linked to tales of people being lured into her world, the place time flows otherwise. A notable legend includes Thomas the Rhymer, a Thirteenth-century Scottish poet who was mentioned to have been taken by the Fairy Queen to her kingdom, the place he gained the present of prophecy earlier than returning to the mortal realm.
Scottish lore additionally consists of references to fairy princesses, typically daughters of the Fairy Queen. These figures embody grace and thriller, generally forming romantic relationships with people however finally sure to their magical heritage. This features a fairy princess who fell in love with a chieftain of Clan MacLeod, ensuing within the creation of the Fairy Flag, a treasured relic mentioned to own magical powers instances in instances of nice want that may nonetheless be discovered at Dunvegan Fort on the Isle of Skye.
I used to be notably thrilled to later go to the Scottish Nationwide Gallery in Edinburgh to see “The Quarrel of Oberon and Titania” and “The Reconciliation of Oberon and Titania” by Sir Joseph Noel Paton, spotlighting the King and Queen of the Fairies from my favourite play, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Evening’s Dream, bringing the fairy lore full circle.
Giants: Legends Carved in Stone
“Giants are a really outdated breed, yeh see. They’re not as intelligent as they as soon as had been, however they’re nonetheless highly effective.”
—Hagrid, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Summer season Solstice on the Callanish Standing Stones
Timing is all the things. Arriving on the Callanish Standing Stones on the Summer season Solstice felt serendipitous. Tents dotted the close by campsites, and merrymakers with flower crowns and drums gathered for festivities. We approached the traditional stone circle on the Isle of Lewis, a ritual web site because the Bronze Age. Some say the 5,000-year-old megaliths had been giants turned to stone for refusing to transform to Christianity. Standing amongst them and inserting my palms on the graceful surfaces, it’s simple to see why the location has impressed tales like these in “Outlander.” The power was palpable, a mixture of historical past and thriller beneath the lingering twilight of the solstice.
The Outdated Man of Storr
This towering rock formation stands sentinel over Skye’s rugged panorama. Some say it’s the remnant of a defeated large, turned to stone in battle. Others whisper of pleasant brownies and mischievous fairies that when roamed these hills. As we walked, the tales appeared to seep from the very rocks beneath our toes.
Kilt Rock
Native legends added layers of enchantment to Kilt Rock and its waterfall that plunges into the ocean. The story of giants Fingal and Fiona residing peacefully close to Kilt Rock took a dramatic flip when Irish large Fion McCool arrived unannounced. The legends don’t reveal what occurred subsequent, leaving us to ponder the mysteries that the ocean would possibly nonetheless maintain.
The Creation of the Cuillins
Our hikes between the pink and black cuillins of Glen Sligachan on the Isle of Skye had been nothing wanting spectacular. Based on folklore, these mountains had been shaped when the Solar threw her spear into the bottom, making a blister that burst and spewed molten rock. Strolling previous these sleeping giants as skylarks sang towards the piercing blue sky, amongst vegetation with witchy names—bell heather, sundew, butterwort, and noticed heath orchids—we felt related to the traditional parts that formed this land.
Of Selkies, Kelpies and Maritime Mysteries
“The slim path had opened up out of the blue onto the sting of a terrific black lake. Perched atop a excessive mountain on the opposite facet, its home windows glowing within the starry sky, was an unlimited fortress with many turrets and towers.”
—Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
The Selkies of Loch Duich
Visiting Eilean Donan Fort felt like stepping right into a storybook. Strategically perched on an island the place three sea lochs meet, the fortress has stood guard because the Thirteenth century. We watched as a bride crossed the bridge to fulfill her groom sporting a tartan kilt, a scene that would simply have performed out a whole lot of years in the past. Eilean Donan overlooks Loch Duich, the situation of one other darker love story. Three brothers stole the seal skins of three seal maidens, aspiring to make them their wives. The youngest brother, moved by compassion, returned his maiden’s pores and skin. In gratitude, her father allowed him to go to her each ninth evening. The opposite brothers weren’t so lucky—the center brother misplaced his spouse when she reclaimed her pores and skin, and the eldest tragically burned his spouse alongside along with her seal pores and skin in a misguided try to preserve her.
The Otter King and Hidden Treasure
We discovered a few dratsie, or otter king, believed to be buried on Eilean Donan. Accompanied by seven black otters, the otter king may grant needs if captured. Folklore says that his silver coat is hidden someplace on the island, and whoever finds it positive factors immortality and invincibility. Whereas otters are widespread right here, we left the treasure undisturbed.
Kelpies: Form-Shifting Spirits of Scotland’s Waters
Donning expedition fits and life jackets, we launched into an exhilarating RIB boat cruise in Moray Firth. This space is dwelling to the world’s most northerly inhabitants of bottlenose dolphins, together with harbor porpoises and seals basking on the rocks. However I used to be certain to maintain my eyes out for different, extra magical inhabitants. Kelpies, among the many most charming figures in Scottish folklore, are legendary water spirits mentioned to hang-out the lochs and rivers of Scotland, which frequently take the type of lovely, smooth horses with shiny black or white coats. Admire from afar, so that they don’t drag you beneath!
Storm Kelpies within the Enchanted Isles
Cruising across the Shiant Isles was a spotlight of our journey. Scottish Gaelic for “enchanted isles” and residential to a whole lot of 1000’s of seabirds—together with a quarter-million puffins—the Shiant Isles felt like stepping right into a Nationwide Geographic documentary. We had the particular privilege of touchdown on an remoted shore, the place a guillemot nest with eggs tucked into the cliffs caught our eye. The channel between the Shiant Isles and Lewis is thought in Gaelic as Struth nam Concern Gorma, or “the Stream of the Blue Males.” Often known as storm kelpies, these blue legendary creatures increase highly effective storms to capsize ships. The waves picked up as we ventured out, short-beaked widespread dolphins leaping out of the water, however we had been granted secure passage by means of to our return journey—a rainbow arched throughout the sky throughout sundown as we cruised into Tarbert’s port.
Nessie: The Elusive Guardian of Loch Ness
No Scottish journey is full with out searching for Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness Monster. After exploring the ruins of Urquhart Fort, perched dramatically above the loch, we boarded a high-speed RIB boat. The wind whipped our faces as we scanned the depths for any signal of the elusive creature. Whereas Nessie remained hidden, we noticed nesting ospreys and eagles hovering overhead. The sheer expanse of Loch Ness, with its mysterious black water, made us perceive why so many consider within the monster’s existence.
Guardians of the Forest: Druids, Historic Bushes & Festive Traditions
“The corridor seemed spectacular. Festoons of holly and mistletoe hung throughout the partitions, and at least twelve towering Christmas bushes stood across the room, some glowing with tiny icicles, some glittering with a whole lot of candles.”
—Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Paddling previous patches of historic Caledonian forest alongside the Beauly River.
We ventured into the remnants of the traditional Caledonian Forest, a panorama that when coated a lot of Scotland. Only one% of this unique pinewood forest stays. Conservationists from Bushes for Life, a charity working to rewild the Scottish Highlands, guided us by means of groves of Scots pine, oak, holly and rowan—bushes steeped in festive folklore.
Scots Pine: Scotland’s Nationwide Tree
Druids lit bonfires of Scots pine on the winter solstice to have a good time the solar’s return. Glades had been embellished with lights, stars and glossy objects, the forerunners of our fashionable Christmas bushes. The solitary Scots pine on the high of Doon Hill in Aberfoyle, Scotland, is a legendary tree that some consider marks the doorway to the Fairy Queen’s underground palace. Some say to make a want by the tree or to run round it seven instances to make the fairies seem. The Scots pine additionally serves as a plant badge for a number of clans, together with the MacGregors, who wore the badge defiantly when tartans had been outlawed after the Jacobite Rise up.
The Sacred Oak & Mistletoe
The Druids revered oak bushes, typically conducting rituals in oak groves. In reality, the phrase Druid could derive from a Celtic phrase which means “knower of the oak tree.” Mistletoe, the Druids’ most potent and magical plant, often grew on oak bushes. The ritual of oak and mistletoe was a Celtic non secular ceremony carried out by the Druids to enact the plant’s miraculous properties as a treatment for sickness and an antidote for poisons. Scottish folks nonetheless dangle mistletoe of their homes to make sure good well being within the new yr.
Holly & Rowan: A Spell of Safety
Holly, with its spiny leaves and vibrant pink berries, holds a particular place in Scottish folklore as an emblem of safety and resilience. It was typically planted close to houses to thrust back evil spirits, witches, and dangerous luck, as its sharp leaves had been believed to repel malevolent forces. For the Celts, holly was sacred to the winter solstice, representing renewal and the enduring life power through the darkest days of the yr. Harry Potter’s wand is fabricated from holly wooden as a result of it symbolizes safety and resilience, which aligns completely with Harry’s character and his future to struggle towards Voldemort. The tree was additionally related to the Holly King, a determine in historic lore who dominated over the darker half of the yr, battling the Oak King on the solstices for dominance over nature. In an everlasting custom, Scots embellish doorways, home windows and mantels with holly through the holidays.
Rowan bushes, with their brilliant pink berries, had been additionally believed to thrust back evil. Folks planted them close to houses and carried sprigs to guard towards witchcraft. Druids used the bark and berries to dye ceremonial clothes, and immediately, rowan berry jelly stays a Scottish delicacy. Many Scottish households nonetheless burn a twig from a rowan tree through the Christmas season to clear away battle.
Rewilding for the Future
Restoring the Caledonian Forest not solely revives the panorama but in addition gives habitat for wildlife like pink deer, pine martens and the uncommon Scottish wildcat. It’s a residing tapestry of historical past and hope, and Nat Hab Philanthropy is proud to contribute to this restoration initiative.
The Unicorn: Image of Scotland
“At this time he had managed to seize two unicorn foals. Not like full-grown unicorns, they had been pure gold…“Simpler ter spot than the adults,” Hagrid instructed the category. “They flip silver once they’re abou’ two years outdated, an’ they develop horns at aroun’ 4. Don’ go pure white until they’re full grown, ’spherical about seven.” —Hagrid, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Hearth
All through our journey, the unicorn appeared as a recurring image in carvings, statues and heraldic designs. It’s the nationwide animal of Scotland—becoming in a land so wealthy with myths and legends.
In Celtic mythology, the unicorn was thought of a creature of energy and therapeutic, capable of purify poisoned water with its horn and give protection to those that sought it. Throughout the reign of King James VI of Scotland, the unicorn was included into the royal coat of arms, symbolizing Scotland’s independence and indomitable spirit.
Legends additionally tie the unicorn to the sacred and mystical. Tales inform of unicorns dwelling in hidden forests, seen solely to these pure of coronary heart. Some even recommend that unicorns as soon as roamed the Caledonian Forest, their presence a blessing on the traditional woodlands. For hundreds of years, the unicorn has impressed artwork and storytelling, serving as a reminder of Scotland’s enduring connection to the magical and mysterious.
A Farewell Crammed with Music and Magic
“Ah, music,” he mentioned, wiping his eyes. “A magic past all we do right here!”
—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
On our remaining night, we attended a standard Gaelic ceilidh. Greeted by a roaring fireplace, the nice and cozy tones of fiddle music, and the welcoming aroma of home made truffles and whisky, we felt immediately at dwelling. A bagpiper performed as tales and fables had been shared, every visitor invited to contribute. Dad delighted everybody with a cleverly crafted limerick, incomes hearty applause.
As we bid farewell to newfound pals, I spotted that the true magic of Scotland lies not simply in its landscapes or legends, however within the shared experiences that grow to be tales in their very own proper. That evening, I fell asleep dreaming of hidden people, stony giants, silvery steeds and all of the wonders we’d encountered.
All photographs © Emily Goodheart
A Highland Pilgrimage
By my dad, Henry Kautz
Twelve pilgrims gathered, o’er sea and land,
At Coul Home, inn each heat and grand.
From distant shores all of them did roam,
Looking for Scotland’s historic dwelling.
With Simon, sensible and filled with cheer,
Their information by means of Highlands far and close to.
A Scottish sage, with coronary heart so grand,
To guide them by means of this mystic land.
They sailed the darkish and mystic Ness,
The loch of legends, fears to press.
When out of the blue, the waters roared,
Nessie appeared, the nice adored.
However Simon stood with eyes so brilliant,
And bade the creature take her flight.
With mild phrases and historic lore,
The monster fled to depths as soon as extra.
On Hogwarts’ prepare, they took their go away,
O’er glens and viaducts to weave.
At Glenfinnan, the shadows grew,
As Dementors got here, a fearsome crew.
A red-haired lass then raised her wand,
Her Patronus forged, the darkish past.
With silver stag, she drove them again,
The pilgrims secure, on Hogwarts’ monitor.
On Billy’s boat by means of storm they rode,
To Skye’s embrace, the place legends bode.
The waves did crash, the winds did wail,
However Billy’s coronary heart would by no means fail.
With Scotch in hand, their energy renewed,
To face the trials of Skye they queued.
The storm was fierce, but they withstood,
With Highland braveness, stout and good.
They hiked the Cuillins, pink and black,
By way of valleys deep and rugged monitor.
At Outdated Man Storr, they paused to relaxation,
The rock spoke out, the land’s behest.
A blessing from the traditional stone,
A whispered reality, to all was recognized.
With hearts impressed, they journeyed on,
The spirit of the Highlands drawn.
To Shaint Isles, they sailed anew,
The place seabirds soared in skies ‘nere blue.
Simon spoke with Puffin King,
A bond of peace their hearts did carry.
He left his pack, a token grand,
Of friendship cast upon the land.
The King of Puffins referred to as a cheer,
As pilgrims left, their spirits clear.
Throughout Hebrides, they marched so daring,
To Callanish, the stones of outdated.
The stones did hum, the sky did flare,
Transported to a battle uncommon.
At Culloden’s area, they stood as one,
In Jacobite ranks, ‘neath setting solar.
The conflict was fierce, but in a blink,
They discovered themselves again on the brink.
In canoes they paddled, hearts so mild,
To Warwick’s manor, festive evening.
A ceilidh grand, with music and dance,
This poem recited, in joyous trance.
But when bagpipes did wail and drone,
The pilgrims fled, their ears to moan.
Lord Warwick’s tune, although meant for cheer,
Drove all away, from far and close to.
Thus ends the story of pilgrims twelve,
By way of Highland paths and magic delves.
With Simon’s information and braveness true,
They braved the land neath skies ‘nere blue.
