'Cailleach Beinn a'Bhric' A3 digital print reproduction of original screen print by illustrator and printmaker Abbie Lois.

Abbie Lois is an illustrator and printmaker based in Glasgow, whose work is inspired by storytelling and folklore. Her work usually has a specific lore behind the piece - themes surrounding landscapes, ancient creatures or interesting people. 

The Cailleach is a powerful figure in Scottish and Irish folklore known as a creator, weather deity and guardian of the land. She is often associated with wild animals such as red deer, in particular the hinds. She is said to have roamed Scotland and Ireland with her wild deer, milking them and finding pastures for them to graze on. She preferred the hills for its wild watercress, but in hard times would reluctantly descend to the beach for them to feed on seaweed.

A translation of a traditional song to the Cailleach goes loosely as follows:

‘Cailleach Beinn a’Bhric, horò! Bhric horò! Bhric horò! Cailleach Beinn a’Bhric, horò! Hag of the fountain high! I ne’er would let my troop of deer, Troop of deer, troop of deer; I ne’er would let my troop of deer, A-gathering shellfish to the tide. Better liked the cooling cress, Cooling cress, cooling cress; Better liked the cooling cress, That grows beside the fountain high.’

Each print measures 210mm x 420mm (A3), and is digitally printed on to high quality 250gsm perlino cotton paper. It is protected by a biodegradable cellophane sleeve.

The print comes with a card which explains the story behind the piece.

* Frame not included *