The Fairy Glen, on the Black Isle, is an enchanting woodland with stunning waterfalls and pools. Not to be confused with the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye (see it here).
Keeping the Fairies Happy
Children used to dress a pool within the glen to keep the fairies happy.
Coins are pressed into a dead tree, today for wishes or luck. In older, darker tradition these tree coins were an offering to the fairies to ask them not to exchange babies for changelings.
Walking in the Fairy Glen
The atmosphere of the Fairy Glen is joyful and light. It’s easy to imagine fairies dancing and flying and giggling over the pools and streams. There are nice clear paths and bridges through it all, making it a wonderful place to walk.
Also see: The Clootie Well on the Black Isle
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The Mermaid and the Bear
Isobell needs to escape. She has to. Her life depends on it.
She has a plan and it’s a well thought-out, well observed plan, to flee her privileged life in London and the cruel man who would marry her, and ruin her, and make a fresh start in Scotland.
She dreams of faery castles, surrounded by ancient woodlands and misty lochs… and maybe even romance, in the dark and haunted eyes of a mysterious Laird.
Despite the superstitious nature of the time and place, her dreams seem to be coming true, as she finds friendship and warmth, love and safety. And the chance for a new beginning…
Until the past catches up with her.
Set in the late sixteenth century, at the height of the Scottish witchcraft accusations, The Mermaid and the Bear is a story of triumph over evil, hope through adversity, faith in humankind and – above all – love.
See the press release here
“A delight from end to end.” Undiscovered Scotland
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
That really is a beautiful and magical place, I’ve never heard of the tradition of pressing coins into trees. Fascinating 🙂
It’s unfortunate when you see it in a live tree.
It can’t be good for it.
No, I think it kills them over time.
That’s sad…
So lovely and tranquil, Ailish. Thanks for taking us there!
Glad you like 🙂
Dunoon has Morag’s Fairy Glen. It’s long and very narrow, with very close trees and shaggy green moss everywhere. The burn is narrow and swift, with a deep pool full of money you could never get. I was there in 1970, when the government changed to decimal currency, so I know there are some good coins down there. High above sits the Glenmorag hotel, the nicest one in town at the time, I don’t know about now.
I didn’t know about this one. It sounds wonderful!
Mythical creatures fit so well with the landscape as seen in your pictures.
Yes 🙂
Fantastic, Ailish! Your description and explanation are wonderful… magical even. 🙂
It is a magical place 🙂
That sounds incredible! How sad that people once believed fairies would snatch their children, though.
Yes, what a frightening thing to believe.
Another place to add to my list of future travel destinations.
It is a lovely placce.