Another historic and atmospheric site on the Isle of Skye
Fairy Bridge at Beul-Ath nan Allt (the Ford of the Three Burns) inspired fear among travellers in the past. Horses were spooked, probably by the dancing fairies, that, or the fact that three murders have been committed there? Whatever it was, men feared to pass that way at night.
This is said to be where the fairy wife of the Chief of Clan MacLeod left him to return to her own people. She left their son wrapped in a silken shawl which became the clan's famous Fairy Flag, to be used just three times to save the Clan when it was in trouble.
Fairy Bridge was a very important place during 1842, when thousands of people came from all over Skye to hear open air sermons being preached during the Skye revival.
Note, too, that it is just 'Fairy Bridge', not 'The Fairy Bridge'.
Today, the modern road whizzes you buy, but here is a chance to get to know the fairies of Skye. But, be patient and quiet, contemplative and respectful...you'll hear their voices on the wind.
A WORD OF WARNING
Whatever you do, do not cross the bridge without saying 'Hello' to the fairies that live there!
It has come to my notice – recent spritemail from the Fairy Council (Skye Flight: Waternish Wing) – that not everyone who searches for this cache is greeting the fairies appropriately. This is unacceptable, and they have asked me to pass on their concern and their intention to confound attempts to find the cache if they are not acknowledged.
Va n ybj ebpx pnir, oruvaq n ebpx.