Area around the cairn, Maeshowe

Deep in the Orkney Islands, the ancient cairn of Maeshowe stands as a testament to the region's rich history. It's here that the Hogboy, a malevolent hogboon spirit, was said to reside. This dark and moody entity was believed to become agitated if not offered milk after significant family events like births or marriages. The locals lived in fear of the Hogboy, and it's said that the spirit was responsible for several unexplained deaths of people and animals on a nearby farm. The trouble began when the farmer ploughed up a nearby burial mound, unleashing the Hogboy's wrath.

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.

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.

Haltadans stone circle, Fetlar

Haltadans stone circle on the island of Fetlar is home to a group of standing stones with a rather unusual legend attached to them. These stones are said to have once been trolls who danced the night away until dawn broke, and as they were unable to return to their cave in time, they were petrified, turning to rock. It's a charming tale that adds to the mystique of these ancient stones, which have stood the test of time and the elements.

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.

Reef in Caolas Cumhan, Barra

Deep within the rugged landscape of the Outer Hebrides, the Caolas Cumhan reef in Barra has borne witness to a most unusual and intriguing encounter. It was here that crofter Colin Campbell had a startling experience, one that would etch itself into local folklore. While out and about, Campbell raised his rifle, poised to fire at what he thought was an otter making off with a fish. But in a split second, he realised his mistake - the creature was no ordinary otter, but a mermaid, cradling a child in her arms.