Maritime Folklore in the West Highlands: Some Mid-century Collectors and their Informants (1953–1970)

Abstract

The article focuses on the oral maritime heritage of the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland, discussing legends and stories collected in the mid-20th century and maintained in the School of Scottish Studies Archives at the University of Edinburgh. Items include omens warning fishermen of adverse conditions at sea, premonitions of future disasters, and lore involving seals, water horses and mermaids. The contributions of some of the School of Scottish Studies’ outstanding informants, including Kate Dix of Berneray and Nan MacKinnon of Vatersay, are featured.