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

GHOST TALES AND HAUNTED PLACES
to conceal themselves from the invaders, who sailed across
the northern seas on ravage and plunder intent.
About a furlong to the landward of the cliffs, on the
very edge of which stands Dune Tower, are the Bilascleitear
shielings, grouped on the sombre sky-line like a mediaeval
Scots clachan, surrounded by green pastures. For
summers immemorial, these shielings have been occupied by
people belonging to the village of Lionel, in northern Lewis.
Apart from these shielings, which are inhabited only for
two or three months each year, there is no dwelling-place
within sight of Dune Tower.
A few years ago the owner of the Tower, whom I knew
intimately, felt constrained to carry out a number of
alterations in its internal economy, consequent upon the
ever-growing demand made upon its sleeping accommodation
by friends who, in time of summer, visited it from
near and far. Two local joiners were commissioned to
effect the alterations desired; and they commenced their
task at the New Year of 1928. Arrangements were made
for their residing at Dune Tower while the necessary work
was being undertaken; and a housekeeper was sent over
with them to cook their food, and to attend to their
personal comfort. One night, while the temporary
residents slept, three loud knocks were heard at the front
door. Thereupon one of the joiners crept out of bed and,
clad in night-attire, sought to interview the nocturnal visitor.
But, on opening the door, not a soul could he find. The
sea moaned forebodingly against the gaunt, naked cliffs : a
waning moon, suspended low over the Bilascleitear shielings,
transformed the frosty paddock in front of the house into
a carpet of glistening sequins. The man returned to bed
but there was little sleeping among the occupants of Dune
Tower that long winter's night.
A few nights later their slumbers again were disturbed
by a sound as if a heavy bolt had torn its way through the
roof, and fallen with a ponderous thud upon the floor.
Once more the startled sleepers sought in vain to explain the
cause of their rude awakening.
On returning for the week-end to their homes at the
township of Lionel, the joiners related these eerie
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