Scottish Mysteries. Washing up.

WASHING UP

The bean-nighe (or “washerwoman”) spirit is considered to be an omen of death in Scotland. She is found by lochs and rivers washing the clothes of those about to die. If she was caught, she would grant her captor three pieces of knowledge. Dun Buidhe on Loch Dun Mhurcaidh, a probable broch built over 2,000 years ago, is one of the many watery locations where a bean-nighe is said to have performed her morbid work.