Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland

John Gregorson Campbell records Highland and Island traditions concerning witchcraft, charms, second sight and warnings of death. The collection includes stories of witches affecting milk, raising storms, causing drownings and taking the forms of animals such as sheep, hares and rats. Alongside these darker accounts are counter-charms, healing practices and protections against danger.

Later sections turn to visions and signs associated with death, including cries heard beforehand, spirits seen before a person dies and apparitions appearing in dreams. Campbell also preserves accounts of hobgoblins, named supernatural beings and seasonal customs connected with Christmas, New Year, spring, Shrovetide and Whitsuntide. The material is presented as orally collected folklore from Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.