Folklore of the Ross

'The isle is full of voices' (Shakespeare, the Tempest)

And the Ross of Mull is full of stories: romantic, ridiculous, sad, scary, sometimes seamy. There are true accounts that are part of local history and also tall tales - and sometimes a mixture of the two.

Much of this wealth of stories has been gathered by the School of Scottish Studies and preserved in the collection Tobar an Dualchais (Kist o' Riches), which can normally be accessed on line (www.tobarandualchais.co.uk). At the moment that website is being redesigned, so access is rather limited.

Meanwhile we will gradually be expanding this section of our own website, beginning with stories which were recorded half a century ago, of which transcriptions are in our archives. Preserving stories which are now in circulation is our present challenge, involving creating opportunities to listen (ceilidhing) enjoying the moment - as in our Remembering the Ross sessions, before Covid restrictions - but then, if possible keeping a record. We are committed to checking any written material before publication with the teller or their family, for accuracy and for the appropriateness of sharing any story.

That is because these stories, whether they are shared 'face-to-face and heart-to-heart', or in sound recordings, online or in print, are a precious community resource - to be preserved, shared and enjoyed.

• A Ghost Story
• The Granny and the Whale
• The Story of the Pedlar's Pool
• The Fishermen of Kintra
• A Final Journey
• The Legend of the Water Horse