Scotland is a land of beauty and mystery, well-known for its unique culture and rich folklore. There are many supernatural creatures to be found in Scottish / Gaelic folklore, their myths and legends being carried down through generations.

Monster of Loch Ness

One of Scotland’s most famous unsolved mysteries is that of the Loch Ness monster, affectionately known as Nessie. The large dinosaur-like creature was first chronicled in the 5th century, although it came to the world’s attention only around 1930. She is supposed to have long and thin green body, black humps, tail, and a snake-like head. Since then, the myth has magnified and, regardless of its existence, the story of Nessie makes Loch Ness one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Unicorns

The history of unicorns goes all the way back to the ancient Celts. According to them, this magical creature could see directly through your heart, being able to judge your true character. With time, the unicorn came to be associated with nobility and power and was recognised as Scotland's national animal in 1300 by King Robert. Just by looking at Scotland’s majestic landscapes, it becomes clear that there is no better creature to represent this untamed land and its people.

The Selkies

Gentle souls, devastatingly beautiful and affectionate, the Selkies are the hidden gems of Scotland’s sea mythology, mysterious creatures that can transform from seals to human beings by shedding their skin. The most famous legend of the Selkies is Neil Mac Coddrum’s story – a fisherman who found a beautiful female Selkie, stole her seal skin and forced her to become his wife. Years later, the woman is said to have found her skin and escaped back to the sea – leaving her children and husband behind.