4 Scottish Creatures That Sound Surprisingly Similar to Appalachian Folklore

The Scottish Highlands and Appalachian Mountains may be separated by an ocean today, but they weren't always.

Hundreds of millions of years ago, these mountains formed part of the same ancient mountain range before the Atlantic Ocean opened between them.

Of course, that doesn't mean the folklore is connected.

Yet it is fascinating that both regions developed remarkably similar stories of shape-shifters, hidden folk, giant mountain beings, and entities that lured people away from safety.

Here are four Scottish legends that share some intriguing similarities with stories from Appalachia.

The Shellycoat

The Shellycoat is one of Scotland's lesser-known supernatural beings.

Often described as a strange water spirit covered in shells, the Shellycoat was said to haunt rivers and streams.

According to folklore, it would imitate the cries of a person in distress, drawing unsuspecting travellers towards dangerous water.

The idea of hearing a human voice where no human should be is a theme that appears in many cultures, but it bears an interesting resemblance to Appalachian stories of mysterious voices calling from the wilderness.

The Each-Uisge

Often described as one of Scotland's most dangerous mythical creatures, the Each-Uisge was a shape-shifting water spirit.

It could appear as a horse grazing by the water's edge or even take on human form.

Those who approached too closely were said to discover its true nature far too late.

Many Appalachian legends also feature shape-shifting entities and beings that disguise themselves as something familiar before revealing a darker side.

While the stories are very different, the theme is remarkably similar.

The Daoine Sìth

The Daoine Sìth, often translated as the Fairy Folk or the People of Peace, were believed to inhabit the hills and remote places of the Highlands.

They were not tiny winged fairies but powerful supernatural beings who lived alongside the human world.

Stories of hidden folk dwelling among mountains, glens, and ancient landscapes can be found throughout Scotland.

Interestingly, many Appalachian traditions also contain stories of mysterious little people said to inhabit remote mountain regions.

The Grey Man of Ben Macdui

Perhaps Scotland's most famous mountain mystery.

For generations, climbers and walkers on Ben Macdui have reported encounters with Am Fear Liath Mòr, the Grey Man.

Descriptions vary, but many accounts speak of an enormous human-like figure seen through the mist high on Scotland's second-highest mountain.

Whether folklore, optical illusion, or something else entirely, the Grey Man remains one of the Highlands' most enduring legends.

Stories of towering wilderness beings and giant figures are also found throughout Appalachian folklore.

Coincidence?

The similarities between Highland and Appalachian folklore do not mean the stories share a common origin.

The creatures are different.

The cultures are different.

The legends developed independently over many centuries.

Yet both regions tell stories of shape-shifters, hidden folk, giant mountain beings, and entities that lure people away from safety.

Perhaps that says something about the human imagination.

Or perhaps there is something about remote mountains, deep forests, and lonely landscapes that inspires the same fears wherever they are found.

What do you think?

Inspired by the Scottish Highlands

At Hairy Highlander, Scotland's landscapes, history, folklore and traditions inspire everything we do.

Alongside exploring the legends and hidden places of Scotland, we create small-batch organic beard and body care using carefully selected ingredients, inspired by the wild places that make the Highlands so special.

If you'd like to discover more about our Scottish beard oils, balms, washes and body care, you can find the full range here

And if you're interested in Scotland's folklore, castles, waterfalls, ancient sites and hidden places, be sure to explore the rest of our articles and interactive map while you're here.