Blair Collection > History of the Celtic language

CELTIC LANGUAGE. 265
seventeenth century, and the place is still well known to the
inhabitants. Allan Maclean, commonly styled Allan Mac
Echain (son of Hector,) was the projector of these horrid
rites ; and he was joined by Lachlan Maclean, otherwise de-
nominated Lachain Our (dun Lachlan.) They were men of
resolute and determined characters, and both young and
unmarried.
" The institution was, no doubt, of pagan origin, and was a
sacrifice offered to the Evil Spirit, in return for which the votaries
were entitled to demand two boons. The idea entertained of
it at the time must have been dreadful, and it is still often
quoted for the purpose of terrifying the young and credulous.
The sacrifice consisted of living cats roasted on a spit while
life remained, and when the animal expired, another was put
on in its place.
" This operation was continued for four days and nights
without tasting food. The Taughairm commenced at mid-
night between Friday and Saturday, and had not long pro-
ceeded, when infernal spirits began to enter the house or barn
in which it was performing, in the form of black cats. The
first cat that entered, after darting a furious look at the opera-
tor, said, 'Lachain Our, thou son of Neil, that is had usage
of a cat.' Allan, who superintended as master of the rites,
cautioned Lachlan, that whatever he should hear or see, he
must continue to turn the spit; and this was done accordingly.
The cats continued to enter, and the yells of the cat on the
spit, joined by the rest, were tremendous. A cat of enor-
mous size at last appeared, and told Lachain Our that if he
did not desist before his great-eared brother arrived, he never
would behold the face of God. Lachlan answered, that if all
the devils in hell came, he would not flinch until his task was
concluded. By the end of the fourth day there was a black
cat at the root of every rafter on the roof of the barn, and
their yells were distinctly heard beyond the Sound of Mull,
in Morven.