Splendid Scottish Mythical Creatures and Where to See Them

Myths and legends spark our imaginations and pique our curiosity, and none more so than fantastical creatures. Every culture and country has their own set of superb beasties dating back to ancient times, and Scotland is no exception. Some are better known than others, like the loch–dwelling Nessie, and others are far more obscure and mysterious.

Join us as we examine seven splendid Scottish mythical creatures, and where you can see them (if you’re lucky!).

Unicorn

The Unicorn is a magnificent and magical one-horned horse that also stands proudly as the national animal of Scotland! Embraced by the country as a symbol of power and purity, it has appeared on the royal coat of arms since the 12th century. Unicorns possess magical powers within their horn, blood, and mane, and are not easily spotted. However, if you keep your eyes peeled when exploring the cities of Scotland, you may come across a unicorn on your travels! Statues, tapestries, and even ship figureheads are adorned with the image of the beloved creature from Stirling to Dundee.

Kelpie

The Kelpie is a shape-shifting water horse that makes its home in the various lochs and lakes of Scotland. In Scottish folklore, the malevolent kelpie uses its tame horse-like visage or the form of a beautiful human to lure unsuspecting humans into a watery grave. The ploughman poet Robert Burns himself wrote of the kelpies in the poem "Address to the Devil";

When thowes dissolve the snawy hoord

An' float the jinglin icy boord

Then, water-kelpies haunt the foord

By your direction

An' nighted trav'llers are allur'd

To their destruction.

Legend has it that the best place to spot a kelpie is at none other than Loch Ness—the place is just crawling with mythical creatures!

Redcap

The Redcap is a deadly little elfen creature with sharp teeth and claws, who wants nothing more than human blood in which to soak his tiny cap, lest he dies. This particularly nasty mythical murderer hangs out in ruined castles along the Scottish border, where those seeking refuge from ancient battles may stumble into their home—and never return. Trying to seek out a redcap would almost certainly result in death, as it is said they cannot be outrun.

Brownies

The Brownie is a helpful household spirit who emerges when the house’s humans are asleep and begin completing chores such as cooking and cleaning. If you fancy a bit of help with the housework in the wee hours, you can attract these tiny workers by leaving out a gift or offering of milk. Be careful not to offend them by presenting them with clothing, however, as the brownie will disappear and never return.

Wulver

Stalking the Scottish Shetland Islands is a wolf-humanoid creature known as the Wulver. Unlike many creatures in this list, the wulver is kind and coy, and is known to help out humans in need by leaving them fish or helping lost travellers. You can spot this benevolent beastie around the lochs and rivers of the Shetlands sitting on a small rock in deep waters known as the "Wulver's Stane" and spending its days peacefully fishing.

Bean Nighe

Another waterside-dwelling mythical creature is Bean Nighe, the washerwoman who haunts streams, washing the clothes of those about to die. You probably shouldn’t seek out this legendary laundress, as her presence is an omen of death, but if you must catch a glimpse of the stout otherworldy woman dressed in green, she has been seen on the larger islands of Scotland, such as Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides.

Selkies

Selkies or “Seal Folk” are shapeshifters who can switch from seal to human forms simply by shedding their skin. Their myth originated in Orkney and Shetland where tales of selkie-wives were told. A man who sought out a selkie as a wife would steal her seal skin, trapping her on land where she longs to return to the sea. These gentle and beautiful creatures are not dangerous like sirens and often meet depressing ends at the hands of humans. If left in their natural habitat, the soulful, curious eyes of the selkie can be seen bobbing above the surface of the waters of Scotland.

A statue of a selkie.

The magical and mythical creatures that inhabit Scotland’s folklore may exist purely in legend, but their tales make up the detailed tapestry of a rich and vast culture. Explore the places and people that inspired Season X: Highlanders, including a geography lesson, a warrior king, and the real Macbeth.