Mermaids of Deerness
Off the rugged coast of Deerness in the Orkney Islands, a string of bizarre sightings took place in the late nineteenth century. Locals and visitors alike claimed to have spotted mysterious women of the water, often referred to as mermaids. These aquatic apparitions were seen numerous times over a twenty-year period, sparking both fascination and fear among the islanders. One reported incident involved a mermaid being shot, but remarkably, her body was never recovered.
The Victorian era was a time of great change and exploration in the British Isles, and the Orkney Islands were no exception. As the islands' economy and culture evolved, so did the stories of strange occurrences and sightings. The mermaid sightings in Deerness are a fascinating example of cryptozoological reports from this period. Although details of individual sightings are scarce, the sheer number of reported incidents suggests that these mermaid sightings were a significant part of local folklore. While we can't verify the authenticity of these claims, they remain an intriguing aspect of the islands' history.
The Orkney Islands have a rich history dating back to the Viking era
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ness UFO Sighting
Skies over the area, Ness
Over the rugged skies of Ness, a bizarre incident took place in the mid-1990s that left onlookers scratching their heads. A strange, doughnut-shaped exhaust trail appeared across the sky, sparking speculation about its origin. Some believe it was created by the top-secret US hypersonic Aurora spy plane, a rumoured aircraft that was supposedly being tested at the time. The unusual sighting has become a topic of interest among UFO enthusiasts and paranormal researchers.
Executed Man of Arnish
Loch along A858 between town and Stornoway?, Arnish
This windswept loch, situated along the A858 between Arnish and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who met a grisly end. Local legend tells the story of a man who was executed in Stornoway for murdering a student he had taken on a bird hunting trip. It's said that the victim accompanied him on a hunting excursion, but their adventure took a dark turn, ultimately leading to the student's death. The executed man's spirit is believed to haunt the spot where the killing took place, a spot that now lies beside this tranquil yet eerie loch.
Mysterious Sea Creature Sighting
Inganess Bay, Kirkwall
Inganess Bay in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, is known for its rugged coastline and rich marine life. But it's also a place where the ordinary and the unknown can collide. In the early 20th century, two children out picking whelks were shocked to encounter a mystery sea creature at the water's edge. The creature was described as being black in colour and far bigger than a seal. This sighting has remained a fascinating footnote in the region's history, sparking curiosity and debate among locals and visitors alike.
White Nun of Kirkwall
St Magnus Cathedral and Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall
St Magnus Cathedral and Bishop's Palace in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, is home to a rather intriguing legend. They say that if you walk around the cathedral three times at midnight, a ghostly white nun will appear. This eerie tradition has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder about the story behind the White Nun. Some believe that beneath the site, a phantom piper roams ancient tunnels that connect to the Bishop's Palace, adding another layer of mystery to this already fascinating location.
Kirkwall Tailed Sphere Sighting
Northwest of Kirkwall, Kirkwall
On the rugged northwest coast of Kirkwall, a bizarre incident took place on 25 January 1985, which left coastguards scratching their heads. A very bright spherical object with a tail was spotted moving northwest to southeast. The Kirkwall coastguard reported this unusual sighting, describing the object as a tailed sphere. What makes this sighting even more intriguing is that it was seen again by the Aberdeen coastguard, who reported two objects, possibly the same or similar, a little later. The object reportedly split in two, adding to the confusion and wonder.
Blood Flake Prophecy
Spring at Kilbarry, Barra
The Spring at Kilbarry on the island of Barra was once a place of eerie fascination. Locals believed this unassuming spring held a dark secret - it could foretell the coming of war. When peace reigned, pieces of peat would float harmlessly in the water, but in times of conflict, the spring's waters would turn a sickly hue, containing flakes of blood. This strange phenomenon has been etched into the annals of local legend, leaving us to wonder if the spring was indeed a harbinger of doom.