The Devil's Hellmuir Abode
Hellmuir Loch, a tranquil spot in the Lowlands, is said to be connected to a rather unsavory tale from local legend. A cave by the loch was allegedly home to the devil himself and his mother. Yes, you read that right - the devil and his mum, living together in a cave. The story goes that Old Nick, as he's also known, wasn't too pleased with his mother one morning. She'd overslept and failed to make his porridge for breakfast, which didn't sit well with him. In a fit of rage, he killed his own mother. Quite a family affair, really.
This dark tale has been passed down through the years, and while it's difficult to pinpoint exactly when it took place, it's clear that Hellmuir Loch has a rich history. The loch itself is a beautiful spot, surrounded by rolling hills and scenic views. Locals have long been drawn to the area, and it's possible that the legend of the devil and his mum has been a part of the local folklore for centuries. Although there's no concrete evidence to support the story, it remains a fascinating part of the region's cultural heritage.
The legend of the devil and his mum has been a part of local folklore for centuries
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Mysterious Shoemaker's Grave
Shoemakers, Selkirk
In the quaint town of Selkirk, nestled in the Lowlands, a bizarre tale of a shoemaker and a stranger in a black cape has been etched into local folklore. The story goes that a shoemaker crafted a pair of shoes for a mysterious figure who paid with a purse containing maggots. Intrigued, the shoemaker followed the stranger to the local churchyard, where he vanished into a grave. The shoemaker, accompanied by friends, later exhumed the grave, uncovering a rotting corpse clad in a brand new pair of shoes made by the shoemaker himself.
Grey Phantom Dog of Selkirk
B7009 between town and Langholm, Selkirk
On the misty roads of Selkirk, a ghostly canine is said to roam, leaving locals and travellers alike with a chill down their spines. This phantom dog, slightly larger than a collie and in dire need of a groom, walks silently along the B7009 at dawn and dusk. Its grey coat blends with the misty atmosphere, making it a fleeting apparition that's easy to miss if you dont know what to look for. The Grey Dog of Selkirk is a classic example of a Shuck, a type of ghostly dog said to haunt rural areas.
Ettrick Forest Brownie Sighting
Forest, Ettrick
Deep in Ettrick Forest, a mystical creature was said to reside, shrouded in mystery and local legend. This woodland was the home of a brownie, a type of fairy known for its helpful nature, although little more is known about the creature. The forest's eerie atmosphere and dense foliage provide the perfect setting for such a mythical being to thrive. As the trees sway in the wind, it's easy to imagine the brownie flitting about, unseen by human eyes.
Colonsay Mysterious Animal Sightings
Close to a stone dyke, Colonsay
On the tranquil island of Colonsay, nestled off the west coast of Scotland, a couple's peaceful getaway was disrupted by a bizarre encounter. In 1999, they spotted a large, dark brown cat, bigger than any wild cat, roughly the size of a collie, roaming near a stone dyke. The sighting was unusual, not just because of the cat's size, but also due to its unexpected presence on an island where such animals weren't known to exist.
Wonder Working Phantom Occupant
Aikwood Tower, Selkirk
Aikwood Tower stands tall in the Lowlands of Scotland, its ancient stones bearing witness to a most intriguing haunting. The Jingler's Room within the tower is said to be home to a phantom occupant, described by one old book as 'Wonder-Working'. Although the exact details of this wonder-working are shrouded in mystery, the tower's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity is well-known. Some believe this ghostly presence may be linked to the legendary wizard Michael Scott, adding a layer of mystique to the tower's already impressive history.
Shellycoat River Spirit
River, Ettrick Waters
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Hellmuir Loch
