Scottish Ghosts

by Sorche Nic Leodhas, Nonny Hogrogian (Illustrator)

Originally published as Gaelic Ghosts in 1966.

Genres: Scotland, Childrens, Short Stories, Folklore

180 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 1966

About the author

pseudonym for Leclaire Alger

Sorche Nic Leodhas (1898–1969) was born LeClaire Louise Gowans in Youngstown, Ohio. After the death of her first husband, she moved to New York and attended classes at Columbia University. Several years later, she met her second husband and became LeClaire Gowans Alger. She was a longtime librarian at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she also wrote children’s books. Shortly before she retired in 1966, she began publishing Scottish folktales and other stories under the pseudonym Sorche Nic Leodhas, Gaelic for Claire, daughter of Louis. In 1963, she received a Newbery Honor for Thistle and Thyme: Tales and Legends from Scotland. Alger continued to write and publish books until her death 1969.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine collection of spooky tales set in Scotland. While all had a familiar feel, I don't think I've read any of these before. There are ghostly dogs, ghoulish gamblers, and mysterious travelers.

The simple linocut illustrations (none of which I can find on the internet) by Nonny Hogrogian are a nice touch.

And, though I recognized the word havering from that toe-tapping Proclaimers 500 Miles song, I wouldn't have minded a wee glossary.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute. Light classic Scottish ghost stories that children can enjoy.

[Doria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charmingly told folktales from Scotland, all slightly spooky but nothing gory or really frightening. All liberally dosed with Scottish wit and humor, without being overdone. Atmospheric and authentic in tone and content, warm-hearted and humane, with a light moral tucked cozily into the ending. Perfect for chilly fall evening read-alouds with the family!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute folk tales with just enough Scottish flair. I'll be sticking this into my son's "free reads" stack for school at some point. It's good to get a little bit of whimsical heritage into the mix. ;)

[Suzanne Fournier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ghost stories from the Highlands. An interesting collection of myths and legends about helpful or unusual ghosts.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, fun stories with lots of character.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gaelic Ghosts is a collection of ten mildly spooky Scottish ghost tales that I was unfamiliar. It was a pleasant read for the Halloween season.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

You cannot beat a good ghost story that also makes you laugh out loud and that is the case with a number of these Scottish gems gathered by Sorche Nic Leodhas. She just has such a knack for taking bits and pieces of local lore and making a real story out of them. Just as with all of her collections, I recommend this one highly.

[Graham Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved these stories. I remember reading a story in Primary School, in a monthly School Magazine.Went to the. Library and borrowed the book and read all the stories.

Now have this book on my bookshelf.

[William Crosby]

Fun, short stories.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of Scottish folktales for telling.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Translated from Gaelic