One of the most captivating folktales originating from the Highlands of Scotland centres around the beautiful yet haunting locale of Sandwood Bay, located near the idyllic hamlet of Kinlochbervie. It is said that Sandwood Bay is haunted by the ghost of a shipwrecked mariner who continually prowls the sandy dunes, especially on stormy nights. As the story goes, a local shepherd who sought shelter in a deserted cottage nearby was disturbed by loud knocking on the door and the sound of footsteps pacing the floors. When he courageously stepped out to inspect, he was met with the chilling sight of the ghostly sailor. Others claim to have seen the phantom ship lighting up the stormy sea before sinking beneath the waves, perhaps revisiting his ill-fated journey. Another folklore narrative involves mermaids. In 1900, a local man named Alexander Gunn claimed to have seen a mermaid sitting on a rock in Sandwood Bay singing beautifully. She was described as having long flowing hair and was visible from the waist up, a common description of mermaids. There are many other tales of lights appearing on the loch, ghostly figures on the beach and the sound of horses’ hooves on the sand. All the folklore, legend and mystery, add up to give Sandwood Bay a magical, ethereal air that seems to captivate any and everyone who visits.