OLD MAN OF STORR 57°30’26.8”N 6°11’05.3”W
“Their footsteps left imprints on the earth, creating our rivers and valleys. Each mountain peak bears the marks of their hands, growing higher and higher so everyone can see their beauty.”
Alistair, as I came to know him, spoke of kelpies that roamed the lochs, giants who slept beneath the mountains, and fairies who hid in the folds of the mist. Each tale was a journey through time, a glimpse into the soul of the Highlands. The light of the shrinking fire reflected in his eyes and held me captive while I listened to the mysteries he unfolded. I felt the warmth of the soup filling my body. My chest felt lighter as my mind was calm and focused on his voice. It was almost like I was in a trance. My attention was centered on his tales, and I felt sucked into them. “Earth was here before we claimed every stone and tree as our own; long ago, other creatures created this world and shaped the earth beneath us. Today, we call them giants. They didn’t just walk the ancient lands but they created them. Giants emerged from the earth itself and shaped the valleys and mountains. Two lived here, where we sit now. Their footsteps left imprints on the earth, creating our rivers and valleys. Each mountain peak bears the marks of their hands, growing higher and higher so everyone can see their beauty. With their pure imagination, they evoked a mossy tower for the fairies to call home. The surrounding land, with hills covered in grass, covered by wild lines that give Fairy Glen its unique textures. The giants loved the fairies. That’s why they gave rise to beautiful waterfalls running down the mountains of Allt Coir’ a’Mhadaidh. The water was so blue as it cascaded down several levels, pouring into the next waterfall. The flowing stream was guarded by mysterious rowan trees. Glumagan nan Sithichean was their name for it—the Fairy Pools. But in this world, no one lives forever, not even giants. When they felt their time had come to leave this earth and let others continue to shape and form the landscapes, they merged with the elements they had so lovingly shaped in an act of profound sacrifice. Their bodies transformed into the imposing mountain range known today as the Scottish Highlands. Their immortal souls reared up one last time and transformed into wild-romantic stone pillars, protecting the Scottish nature forever. They stand side by side, like dormant watchers, and look into the land they created, now known as The Old Man of Storr.
69
MOTHER VOLUME THREE
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease