Scottish tales continued: Sawney Bean, the head of a family of cannibals living in Bennane Cave, 17km South from Girvan. It was said the 48 member led clan – a product of incest and continued breeding within the family-in 15/16th century Scotland were responsible for murdering and eating more than 1000 people. They left their cave at night to catch mostly unaware travellers. Residents of nearby towns would often find body parts washing up onto the shore, strewn across the beach…until after many, many years the family were finally caught and brought to Edinburgh to face execution without trial. I have spent many childhood holidays down near the cave (yet I did not dare go in as I believed the cannibals may still be hiding far inside…) and design is available for tattooing, email goatskullshirley.com to get in touch (answering emails tomorrow 🖤) . . . . . . .

Shirley PettigrewShirley-C

Am Fear Liath Mòr comes from Scottish folklore (also known as the Big Grey Man of Ben MacDhui). This presence or creature is known to haunt the summit and passes of Ben MacDhui, the highest peak of the Cairngorms. Tales speak of unsettling chills and feelings of unspeakable horror when the shadow (said to be 9 feet tall!) is near, stalking the folk climbing the mountain. Needless to say those who felt it's presence flee as fast as possible. This tale is local to my childhood home, and is a favourite of mine. Huge thanks to Billy for coming in! 🖤🦇 . . . . . .

Shirley PettigrewShirley-C

New Raffle Fundraiser: The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Every week 125 people take their own lives, and 75% of all UK suicides are male. CALM exists to change all this. They promote a platform that welcomes positive dialogue about mental health, what is percieved as masculinity and all cultures. Today's world is a difficult time, and as the percentage of suicide is predominantly men, we have to keep in check as much as possible with each other. I'm going to hold a raffle fundraiser with all proceeds going towards this cause. I'll draw a winner on Fri 2nd Oct, and the prize is a daysit with a design of your choice. Entry to the raffle is £10, you may donate more if you so wish but it will all count as one entry. Email me at goatskullshirley.com for details on donating 🖤🦇🖤🦇🖤 . . . . . . . . . . .

Shirley PettigrewShirley-C

Scottish Folklore: The Beithir. It is described as "the largest and most deadly kind of serpent" or as a dragon (but without certain typical draconic features such as wings or fiery breath). It dwells in mountainous caves and glens and is equipped with a venomous sting. If a person is stung then they must head for the nearest body of water such as a river or loch. If they can reach it before the beithir does then they are cured, but if the monster reaches it first then the victim is doomed. The beithir is considered one of the fuath (a term for the various monsters and spirits associated with water). Design also available, email goatskullshirley.com for details 🦇🦇🦇 . . . . . .

Shirley PettigrewShirley-C

From Scottish Folklore: The Beithir. It is described as "the largest and most deadly kind of serpent" or as a dragon (but without certain typical draconic features such as wings or fiery breath). It dwells in mountainous caves and glens and is equipped with a venomous sting. If a person is stung then they must head for the nearest body of water such as a river or loch. If they can reach it before the beithir does then they are cured, but if the monster reaches it first then the victim is doomed. The beithir is considered one of the fuath (a term for the various monsters and spirits associated with water). Design also available, email goatskullshirley.com for details 🦇🦇🦇 . . . . . .

Shirley PettigrewShirley-C