Folklore of the Outer Hebrides

The year ahead

Told of the Outer Hebrides, but not tied to a day of the year.

Folklore from the old calendars

Browny’s stone Lore and belief Outer Hebrides, ShetlandMartin wrote that until lately every family of any substance in Shetland had been haunted by a spirit called Browny, who did all kinds of work and was given offerings in return.
Calming the Sea at St Kilda No longer kept Outer HebridesLong before Franklin suggested pouring oil on stormy water, Martin's Account of the Western Islands described the steward of St Kilda, who lived on Pabbay, calming the sea his own way.
Charming away the milk Lore and belief Highlands, Inner Hebrides, Outer HebridesMartin found it a received opinion in the Western Isles and the neighbouring mainland that a woman could, by a charm, draw the increase of her neighbour's cow's milk to herself.
The Bowl on St Andrew’s Well Lore and belief Outer HebridesOn the Isle of Lewis the outcome of a sickness was read at St Andrew's Well.
The Wells of St Kilda No longer kept Outer HebridesSt Kilda had springs of its own with special powers.
Wind stones of the Western Isles No longer kept Inner Hebrides, Outer HebridesMartin described a chapel of St Columba on the isle of Fladda-Chuan with a round blue stone on its altar that was always moist.