The Fairy Queen and the Piper

By Liam Shand

It is said that Tomnahurich Hill in Inverness is home to the Fairy Queen and that she once desired a young and handsome piper. When the piper refused her advances, she told him that he must stay with her and eat fairy food or he would never see his family again. He still refused and was allowed to leave. On returning home however, his wife and small child were gone. Another fairy took pity on him and told the piper that if he returned to the hill and played a certain tune she taught him, his family would be returned, and sure enough they were.

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Share your stories of local tales and folklore in the Highlands and Islands

Stories are at the heart of what we do as a project and we are always looking to learn more about what the Highlands and Islands means to people who live, work, and visit here.

Oral tradition, storytelling, and folklore play a key role in the history of many cultures across the world, including the Highlands and Islands. We would love to know, do you have a favourite folklore or tale associated with your local area? How do you feel this tale sums up the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands for you? Tell us below, we can't wait to hear from you!

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