Commonplace Folklore: Day XXIV

Martin Martin

“The Finland fishermen have been frequently seen on the coast of this isle, particularly in the year 1682. The people on the coast saw one of them in his little boat, and endeavoured to take him, but could not come at him, he retired so speedily. They say the fish retire from the coast when they see these men come to it.

One of the boats, sent from Orkney to Edinburgh, is to be seen in the Physicians’ Hall, with the oar he makes use of, and the dart with which he kills his fish.”

Martin Martin, A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland Circa 1695, first published 1703.