The peat-fire flame : folk-tales and traditions of the Highlands & Islands

ghost tales and haunted places
The Loch Light of Rannoch.
A phenomenon of a similar character is associated with
Loch Rannoch, where a Hght in the form of a ball sometimes
is seen skimming the surface of the water. This light
always rises at the same point, travels the same short
distance, and likewise disappears at the same place. On
occasions, however, it has been observed to rise from the
water, and roll up the hill called Meall-dubh. Only a few
years ago the natives of Loch Rannoch-side witnessed this
strange loch light.
It may be mentioned here that Loch Ness has its
apparition, as well as its monster. It is known to the
Highlanders as the Old Man of Inverfarigaig. " The
Bodach," as he is called locally, often is seen in the woods
among the rocks at Inverfarigaig. But he is oftener heard
than seen. In time of winter storm, he can be heard
shrieking among the leafless trees fringing Loch Ness at
Inverfarigaig.
Two Bright Balls of Fire.
There is a story told in Breadalbain of two gealhhain, or
balls of fire, which were seen flitting over the face of Loch
Tay.
A small farm at Morenish, on Loch Tay-side, was
tenanted by a family of the name of Cameron; and, while
the eldest son was serving abroad with the army, his two
brothers died of fever, and were buried in the churchyard at
Kenmore. When the surviving brother came home on
furlough, he decided to exhume the coffins containing their
remains, and to carry them by water to the other end of
Loch Tay, for re-interment at Killin. On the night
preceding the day of re-interment, two bright balls of fire
were witnessed rolling along the surface of the loch in the
very course afterwards followed by the boat conveying the
coffins. It is not so very long since there lived in Glen
Lochay one of the many natives of this district, who
witnessed this weird spectacle.
This recalls another strange fragment, still recounted in
285