“No person, except those gifted with second sight, could see the Brownies; but from the privileged few, principally old women, who were thus enabled to now and then catch a glimpse of their goblin guests, correct information regarding their size and color is said to have been gained.” Sir Walter Scott

Brownies are originally from Scotland and the Outer Isles. Although there is much anecdotal evidence that has them following emigrants to Canada and Australia, they are not found elsewhere, and there is uncertainty about their ultimate survival in these troubled times.

Brownies are little men, named so because of their colour, tanned and leathery from constant exposure to the extremes of sleet, hail and snow on the wind -wracked hillsides, but some say that their name comes from their hair colouring, for their uncombed locks are also described as brown. Hair of this shade would cause comment in the Highlands where people are either red-haired or very dark.

Family Brownies

It is said that in the old days, before the Land Clearances, every family had their own Brownie. When they churned their milk a bowl was placed by the back door, when they baked their bannocks a small piece was laid aside, and when they brewed their ale a dribble of wort was poured into a saucer. All of this was done to honour and please the Brownie.

For if you had a happy Brownie pleased with your offerings, he would work all night (a great deal of work, the old people said) and lustily clean up your kitchen and shine your hob so that in the morning the sight of the gleaming would dazzle your eyes.

A very obliging fellow to be sure, and one most welcome around the house.

Indeed, a contented Brownie will bring good luck into the kitchen and barn. His judgement was often called on when buying a cow, or choosing a weave in the cloth and if a man fancied the odd game of chance, the family Brownie would reach over the table and make a mark for his place.

If this happens to you, never disregard a tip, or any advice, from a Brownie.

All in all, you may be well aware that a Brownie is moving into your establishment, for although he is rarely seen, he can often be heard cleaning and scrubbing. If you have forgotten to leave out the dish of cream he may disarrange rooms and furniture, and make an untidy clutter overnight.

A friendly warning

Don’t ever make the mistake of confusing a Bogle with a Brownie!

Like the Boggarts of Yorkshire, a Bogle is more wicked than mischievous, and sometimes modern day Scots (who have forgotten their childrens’ tales) will mistake them for poltergeists. Always beware of Bogles.