The Mermaid of Dunnet Head

There was once a beautiful Mermaid frequently spotted around Caithness, appearing on the beaches near Dunnet Head. She would just sit quietly on the rocks, combing her long blonde hair and minding her own business. If anybody tried to approach, the mysterious figure would quickly slip into the water and disappear without a trace.

One afternoon, a young lad turned a corner on the beach and stumbled upon the mermaid while she was daydreaming. Nobody had ever been this close and before she could escape, the boy managed to strike up a conversation. It went against all of her instincts, but something convinced the mermaid to stay and talk.

The intruder turned out to be very charming indeed and the pair made an agreement to meet at that same spot every day. Over time, they grew close and the mermaid began bringing gifts along to impress her human companion. There were countless shipwrecks along this coast and she had built up a stash of shiny artefacts from their cargo.

Little did the Mermaid know that her lover was using her gifts of gold and jewellery to woo the girls on shore. The man started to forget about meeting the mermaid some days and when he actually was there, seemed more interested in what she had brought than actually spending time with her.

When she eventually discovered what her gifts were being used for, the Mermaid was furious. She waited until the man came to visit her and began his usual questions about what presents she had for him today. This time, the mermaid asked if he’d like to see where she kept these treasures.

He was delighted at the thought. This way he could help himself whenever he pleased rather than relying on the mermaid to bring them to him. He was going to be rich!

The mermaid led him in a little boat around the coast to a tiny cave, hidden away near Dwarwick. Inside, the man was gazing at the enormous stash of wealth before him with eyes wide and mouth open. He didn’t even notice when the mermaid clasped a solid chain around him until it was too late.

There she cursed him for his greed. He would forever be a prisoner there, surrounded by all the gold and jewels he could ever want, but never able to leave. When the seas were calm and the tide was low, the foolish boy could peer out and catch a glimpse of his hometown that he would never walk in again.