Shellycoat River Spirit
Ettrick Waters is home to a mischievous water spirit known as Shellycoat. This playful fairy is said to dress in a shell-covered jacket and carry out his antics while hiding in the river, trying to lure the gullible ever closer to the cold waters. Locals have long been aware of Shellycoat's presence, and his legend has been passed down through the years. While there's no record of exactly when his antics took place, his reputation as a harmless trickster has endured.
The notion of water spirits and fairies has long been a part of Scottish folklore. Shellycoat's penchant for playing tricks on unsuspecting travellers is consistent with the mythology of the region. Although there's no concrete evidence to support the idea that Shellycoat was a malevolent entity, his love of luring people into the river suggests that he was a force to be reckoned with. The fact that he's described as a playful spirit suggests that he's more likely to startle or surprise than cause any real harm.
Part of Scottish folklore and mythology
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Haunted hotels and accommodation near River
