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Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Scottish village that vanished without a trace in 18th century but lives on in old folklore
"That's the magic of the old Highlands, not everything needs to be on Google Maps to exist.' Shrouded in mist and myth, Plummpton is a settlement that refuses to die quietly, despite being erased from modern maps. Located roughly 27 miles northwest of Stirling near an ancient stone marker, this elusive village has intrigued historians and travellers alike with its absence from contemporary records and presence in folklore. According to Journee Mondiale, Scotland officially recognises 891 settlements. Yet Plummpton remains unacknowledged, existing only in fragments of historical documents, 18th-century cartography, and whispered accounts from local villagers. It appears in three pre-1823 maps but vanished from all official records thereafter. Scottish Historical Society archivist Margaret Campbell refers to it as 'a genuine cartographic anomaly.' Unlike the 7,000-plus ancient monuments meticulously documented across Scotland, Plummpton occupies a curious liminal space, missing from databases like the Scottish Place-Name Survey, which catalogues over 8,000 toponyms. Campbell mysteriously said: 'Some places don't want to be found. They hide themselves in plain sight, waiting for the right person to come looking. That's the magic of the old Highlands, not everything needs to be on Google Maps to exist.' Local folklore insists the area once held 12 to 15 stone cottages, and subtle indentations in the landscape suggest human habitation. The area is still referred to by nearby farmers as 'An Seann Baile' (The Old Town in Gaelic), even though no signage marks the spot. Plummpton is not alone in its erasure. Scotland has several 'ghost communities' that were once thriving and are now consigned to memory. One of the most notable examples is Binnend in Fife, once a booming shale oil town with 750 residents, now completely deserted. While many lost towns linger on maps long after they're abandoned, Plummpton has done the opposite, vanished from cartography but enduring in memory. The story of Plummpton may mirror that of other locations lost during the Highland Clearances between the late 1700s and mid-1800s. Some local legends even suggest the village was deliberately unmapped during that turbulent time, possibly to erase its presence from political and economic reshaping of the region. Journee Mondiale also reports that Plummpton was once known for its prized wool, sold in Edinburgh markets. Today, only topographical hints remain: shallow dips that may have been foundations and faint footpaths that speak of past movement. Plummpton also seems to belong to a uniquely Highland cultural phenomenon, the idea of 'uamhas', or wonder-places. These are sites that oscillate between reality and legend, existing simultaneously in the physical world and the mythic. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. 'Plummpton fits that definition perfectly,' said folklore expert Elspeth Grant. 'It's a place that lives more vividly in oral history and imagination than in archives.' For those intrigued by Scotland's more mysterious corners, the Scottish Historical Society in Edinburgh holds the three original maps referencing Plummpton. The site itself can be approached via the A84, with Loch Lubnaig nearby offering accessible parking and walking trails. The village of Strathyre provides accommodation and plenty of local lore from residents who still speak of the lost village as if it never truly left.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Island dubbed the ‘Caribbean of the Atlantic' with empty beaches that feels like going back in time
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FRENCH island feels like the 'Caribbean of the Atlantic' with empty beaches. Île d'Yeu is a 12-square-mile island off of the coast of France, featuring picturesque buildings and quiet sandy beaches. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Île d'Yeu only spans 12-square-miles Credit: Alamy 4 Yet, it has many historical spots and pretty beaches Credit: Alamy The 'Caribbean of the Atlantic' according to Journee Mondiale, sits off the western coast of France and is home to two harbours and is known for its unspoilt coastline. In addition, Ile d'Yeu has a rich cultural heritage dating back to prehistoric times. Today, the island still his some of its historical spots. For example, Pierre tremblante (the Trembling Stone) and Vieux Chateau - an old fortress built on the rocks and surrounded by the sea. Ferries heading to the island arrive at Port Joinville, which is home to a vibrant seaside resort and fishing port. In and around the port are several restaurants and cafes, with quaint outdoor terraces looking out on the harbour. The port town also boasts a few places to hire bikes - which are perfect for exploring the quiet island. The harbour benefits from a beach on each side. On one side is Plage de Ker Châlon - a long stretch of golden sand, with facilities including toilets. The beach also has many rocks to explore and is known for being a good water sports spot. I'm a travel editor and this caravan park is the only family holiday I pay for every summer - it's better than 5-star resorts On the other side of the harbour is Plage de la Borgne - a good spot to watch the boats bobbing in the water. On the other side of the island is Plage des Vieilles - one of the more popular beach with families and it has lifeguards present year-round. In total, the island boasts 30 beaches, with several secluded coves. The food scene across the island is simple, with many places serving dishes using fresh, local produce. One local said: "Our waters have always been special – the clarity comes from the unique mineral composition of our shores. "Even sailors who've traveled worldwide tell me they're astounded by our blues", reports Journee Mondiale. 4 Locals have compared the island to the Caribbean Credit: Alamy Cars are allowed on the island, however visitors don't often come across them. For those cycling around the island, there is a coastal path that travels past some of the rugged cliffs, the Grand Phare lighthouse and the 14th-century Vieux Chateau fortress. To get to the island, ferries depart regularly from Fromentine on the mainland. And for those who wish to spend a longer amount of time on the island, there are also a number of hotels to choose from. There is also a little-known French island near the UK – with 60 beaches. Plus, the stunning French island that holidaymakers say looks like Tahiti – and it's just a short trip across the Channel.
