Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland / Collected Entirely from Oral Sources

Chapter 104: M‘MILLAN OF KNAP.

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About This Book

A collection of oral traditions from the Scottish Highlands and Islands, recorded and arranged thematically to present popular beliefs about fairies, changelings, banshees, tutelary beings, witchcraft, and related customs. The material combines narrative tales and descriptive entries that show regional variants, accounts of sightings and interactions, and practical measures for protection or repair. Gaelic expressions are translated with emphasis on literal meaning and authentic usage, and the compiler relied solely on spoken testimony gathered across multiple districts to preserve the vernacular form of these folk beliefs.

M‘MILLAN OF KNAP.

The Cnap (that is, the Lump) is opposite Shuna Island in Appin, and the name still remains in Tigh a Chnaip (the house of the Lump), the Gaelic name of Balachulish hotel on the road to Glencoe, well-known to tourists. It was regarding the ownership of Knap by the M‘Millans that the oral charter ran:

“M‘Millan’s right to Knap

While wave strikes rock.”52

A Glaistig once came behind a kilted chief of this sept and caught him, so that he could not struggle or escape. She asked him if he had ever been in greater straits (Mhic Mhaoil a Chnaip, an robh thu riamh an airc is mò?). He said he had; she asked when; and he said, “Between plenty and penury” (Eadar féill is aimbeairt). On this she let go her hold. He said, “I give my word I will not be weighed on the same scales again,”53 and stabbing her with his dirk killed her.