Hidden in the spectacular landscapes of the Scottish Highlands near the small town of Glencoe, stands the rugged mountain known as the Big Shepherd of Etive. Staying true to the British Isles’ reputation for spinning colorful folklore and captivating legends, this mountain isn’t void of its very own ghost story, the tale of the enigmatic Phantom Piper. The folklore is believed to have originated in the 18th century, when the haunting melodies of a bagpipe started echoing around the isolated glens and hillsides. The distinctive sound seems to emanate from within the mountain’s heart, setting a chilling persona in the mind of the listener. According to legend, a piper once ventured into the mountain’s cave system stating he would play his bagpipe as he walked, thus creating a musical map. His dream was to cross through the mountain and emerge on the other side, but halfway through his journey, the music tragically stopped, and the piper was never seen again. Since then, on quiet nights, the mournful chords of the Phantom Piper’s music stain the silence, reminding people of the piper’s unfortunate fate. Despite numerous rescue attempts and expeditions over the centuries, no trace of the lost piper was ever found, thus reinforcing the legend’s mysterious character. Some dismiss the Phantom Piper’s story as a mere fable designed to keep children from wandering, others believe it’s an auditory illusion caused by the wind rushing through the caves, while many perceive it as a haunting legacy, a spectral symbol of the rugged wild landscape. The tale of the Phantom Piper of Etive still remains an intriguing component of Scotland’s rich folklore, lending an unquestionably eerie charm to the Big Shepherd of Etive.