Bertram de Shotts facts for kids

Bertram de Shotts is a legendary giant from Scottish stories. People in the village of Shotts, Scotland, say he roamed their area in the 1400s. Back then, Shotts was a wild, open moorland. It was located on the important Great Road of the Shire. This road was used by many traders carrying their goods across Scotland.

Bertram de Shotts was known for attacking these traders. He would steal their valuable items as they traveled along the Great Road. He was such a big problem that King James IV of Scotland even ordered his death. Bertram de Shotts was probably about seven or eight feet tall. This made him seem like a true giant to the people of his time.

The Story of Bertram's End

A famous story tells how a young man named Willielmo De Muirhead, the first Laird of Muirhead, killed the Giant. Willielmo was very clever and patient. He waited for Bertram de Shotts to come to Kate's Well (also known as St. Catherine's Well). This well was in a place then called Sallysburgh, which is now Salsburgh.

When Bertram lay down to drink, Willielmo ambushed him. He quickly cut the giant's hamstrings (tendons at the back of the knee). This made Bertram unable to move. Confused and hurt, Bertram de Shotts was then killed by Willielmo, who cut off his head.

After this brave act, Willielmo De Muirhead carried the giant's head to the King. King James IV was very pleased. He rewarded Willielmo with a large piece of land. This land was called a 'Hawk's Flight' because it was as much land as a hawk could fly over. This land later became Willielmo's Lauchope estate.

Bertram's Hideout

Even today, you can still see a reminder of Bertram de Shotts. It's in one of his old hideouts, a place called Law’s Castle. Older local people call it the Giant’s Cup and Saucer. These are huge stones standing in a quiet, empty moorland area. They look very old and mysterious.

The Name of Shotts

Even though Bertram de Shotts was a robber, some local stories say the village of Shotts got its name from him. However, most people think this story is not true. It's probably just a legend.

Bertram de Shotts is believed to have lived from about 1467 to 1505.

See also

• Salsburgh
• Kirk O' Shotts Parish Church / Shottskirk
• Kate's Well