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A' tachairt ri bean-nighe.

Date 23 November 1969
Track ID 44315
Part 1

Track Information

Original Track ID

SA1969.162.A6

Original Tape ID

SA1969.162

Summary

An encounter with a fairy washerwoman.

A fairy washerwoman was washing the clothes of the dead in a stream late one winter's night as Neil MacArthur was on his way home. Thinking it was someone he knew, he put his arm round her. He saw that her nostrils were closed and realised she was no ordinary woman. He was compelled to have appointments with her for six months after that. On their last meeting, he avoided death only because his mother-in-law had put charms among his clothing.

The woman put a curse on Neil's descendants. She said that evil would happen to them if they passed a certain place after sunset. The contributor says that the MacArthurs heed this warning to the present day [1969].

Recording Location

County - Argyllshire

Parish - Tiree

Island - Tiree

Item Location

County - Argyllshire

Parish - Tiree

Island - Tiree

Language

Gaelic

Collection

SoSS

Source Type

Reel to reel

Audio Quality

Good