Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland Tales and Traditions Collected Entirely from Oral Sources

Collected from the remote glens and islands of Scotland between 1861 and 1891, this volume offers a rare glimpse into the living folklore of the Highlands. The compiler, a parish minister, recorded each tale straight from the mouths of the people who kept them, preserving their exact words without editorial gloss. The result is a trustworthy snapshot of a culture where myth and daily life intertwine.

The stories range from eerie accounts of witchcraft and the unsettling power of the “second sight” to playful encounters with mischievous fairies and solemn rites of protection. Listeners will hear the vivid imagery of mist‑shrouded hills, the hush of whispered spells, and the practical wisdom that guided generations. Together they reveal the stark beauty, humor, and deep‑rooted belief that shaped Highland communities, making the collection as fascinating to scholars as it is enchanting to anyone curious about Scotland’s hidden world.