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Glenshee: Glen of the Fairies

Glen Shee

A picturesque landscape located in the heart of the Scotland, Glenshee is an area steeped in history and legend. The name Glenshee, or in Gaelic, Gleann Shith, means Glen of the Fairies. It has held this name since time immemorial, and the Glen’s inhabitants were known as Sithichean ai Ghlinnshith or ‘Elves of Glenshee’. The Glen’s ancient meeting place behind the kirk was called Dun Shith (Hill of the Fairies) and is still dominated by a standing stone from the Bronze age. The Coire Shith or Fairy Burn, plunges down the side of Ben Gulabin, the mountain commanding the head of Glenshee and adds still more weight to the glens fairy past. In the 1820’s there existed at the Spittal of Glenshee, a Chapel of Ease many centuries old. When the church was to be re-built some distance further down the glen, the workman woke each morning to find the foundations dispersed and tools scattered. After several unsuccessful attempts and much discussion with the locals, it was decided not to antagonise the fairies further and to build the new church where it had always been! It is said the fairies soon decide whether visitors are welcome or not, and that those accepted will continue to return to the glen for the rest of their lives.

  • Posted by Tangle
  • Posted on October 22, 2007 at 8:53 am
  • See related posts in: Places to Visit

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