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Red Cow of Balephuil

Farm in the area, Balephuil, Tiree, Highland Fairy Unknown

In the rolling hills of Balephuil, Tiree, a strange encounter took place on a farm, leaving farmer Dugald Campbell bewildered. While tending to his herd, Campbell noticed a small, red cow being chased by the rest of his cattle. The red cow led the chase, with Campbell in pursuit, until it suddenly vanished into a solid rock face. One of his cows followed closely behind, but Campbell managed to intercept the rest of the herd, preventing them from disappearing into the rock.

This peculiar incident is often attributed to the presence of fairies, which are deeply rooted in Scottish folklore. The concept of fairies or supernatural creatures interacting with livestock is not unheard of in rural Scottish tales. While the exact date of this event remains unknown, it is clear that Campbell's account has been documented as a remarkable example of a fairy sighting. The fact that only one cow followed the red cow into the rock, while the rest were prevented from doing so by Campbell, adds to the mystique of this encounter.

Historical Context

Scottish folklore has long featured tales of supernatural creatures, including fairies, interacting with humans and livestock.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Farm
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Private Property
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
PA20

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