The Shellycoat
The Shellycoat is a type of water sdprite that as it's name suggests wears a coat made out of shells. The Shellycoat is mentioned in many waterways and coastal regions, but they particularly seem to like the Hermitage Waters (a river in Liddlesdale on the Scottish borders).
While a Shellycoat does share some of the qualities of a Kelpie, it is more mischievous than malicious, and will play tricks on passersby, but not try to drown them.
The Origin Story
Germany has it's own version of the Shellycoat. The Schellenrock is a little house sprite that likes to wear little bells on it's coat, also a good natured creature who will barter for bells for its coat in exchange for good deeds.
Folklore says that the sprite removes its shell coat when resting. If a person manages to steal the coat, they gain magical power over the creature.
There is story that at Ettrick River two men were walking late at night and heard a mournful voice in the darkness calling out, “Lost! Lost!” The men fearing that child was drowning, they searched the uneven terrain, but the voice always stayed just ahead of them, moving further upstream and eventually crossing over the hill. By dawn the men were exhausted the men heard a burst of laughter from ahead of them, looking up they saw the Shellycoat, and with a loud clatter of shells the Shellycoat mocked their perseverance before vanishing into the morning light.
Key Locations
Among its many feeder burns are Braidley Burn, Dinley Burn, Gorrenberry Burn and Twislehope Burn. The Water flows through the hamlets of Dinley and Gorrenberry, and through the village of Hermitage, and past Hermitage Castle.
Hermitage Waters
Hermitage Castle is a semi-ruined castle in the border region of Scotland. It stands in the remote valley of the Hermitage Water, part of Liddesdale in Roxburghshire. It is under the care of Historic Scotland.
Hermitage Castle
A massive nearby reservoir and forest offering extensive family-friendly cycling paths, walking trails, and art and architecture installations like Freya's Cabin.
Kielder Water and Forest Park
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