Skip to main content

Fairy Gifts at Cheese Well

Cheese Well, Minch Moor, Scottish Borders Fairy Pre-Victorian

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Minch Moor lies the enchanting Cheese Well, a site steeped in mystical tradition. This ancient well earned its name from the curious practice of travellers leaving cheese as gifts for the resident fairies. The well's picturesque setting and intriguing history have captivated locals and visitors alike for centuries, sparking imagination and curiosity about the magical creatures said to inhabit this spot.

Historical records indicate that the well has been a fixture in the landscape for a remarkably long time, with its name and purpose remaining unchanged. The tradition of leaving cheese for the fairies is a testament to the enduring power of folklore in rural communities. Although there are no documented sightings or encounters, the site's reputation as a fairy haunt has endured, drawing those interested in the paranormal and the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Historical Context

The well has been a feature of the landscape for centuries, with its name and purpose remaining unchanged.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Ancient Well
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Well still present

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 2.3 mi

Ghost of Lady Louisa Stuart

Traquair House, Innerleithen

Traquair House stands majestically in the Scottish Borders, its grandeur and beauty matched only by the intriguing tales of paranormal activity that surround it. One of the most fascinating ghost stories associated with this historic country house is that of Lady Louisa Stuart, who has been spotted drifting around the grounds. Her presence is often linked to the Jacobite risings, a tumultuous period in Scottish history. It's said that Lady Louisa's spirit is drawn to the house and its surroundings, perhaps reliving memories of a bygone era.

Country House Georgian
Read Full Story
Unknown 6 mi

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.

Churchyard Victorian
Read Full Story
Shuck 6 mi

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.

Road Unknown
Read Full Story
Fairy 7.4 mi

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.

River Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 7.5 mi

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.

Tower Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 7.7 mi

Tibbie Shiel's Ghostly Inn

Tibbie Shiel's Inn Inn, Peebles

Tibbie Shiel's Inn in Peebles is a place where the past comes alive, quite literally. This charming inn, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, is said to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Isabelle 'Tibbie' Shiel. Determined to keep her business afloat, Tibbie's spirit is known to make sudden appearances, sometimes startling guests who are unaware of the inn's rich history. Her presence is a testament to her dedication and passion for the inn, which she founded. Guests and staff have reported encountering Tibbie's ghostly figure, a reminder that some bonds with a place can transcend even death itself.

Historic Inn Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Cheese Well