Tradition: Scottish Mythology
Alternative Names: Bòcan, Buckawn, Bogan
Category: Goblin
The Myth
The Bauchan is a domestic hobgoblin from Scottish folklore, particularly associated with the Highlands. It is an unpredictable supernatural being whose temperament combines mischief and occasional danger with a surprising willingness to help humans when necessary. Although it can be belligerent and combative, the Bauchan is not invariably hostile and may become a useful companion in everyday work.
One of the best-known accounts of the Bauchan appears in John Francis Campbell’s Popular Tales of the West Highlands. The story concerns Callum Mor MacIntosh, a farmer in Lochaber whose farm is haunted by one of these creatures. The Bauchan frequently behaves aggressively toward Callum, yet it also assists him with various agricultural tasks. Their relationship is marked by this contradiction: the creature can be troublesome and confrontational while simultaneously proving valuable through its practical help.
When Callum emigrates to New York City, the Bauchan accompanies him across the Atlantic. Rather than abandoning its former companion, it helps him clear his new plot of land. This continuation of their relationship shows that the Bauchan’s connection to a person need not be restricted to a particular house or location. The creature is also a shapeshifter and can transform itself into a goat, adding to its unpredictable and uncanny nature.
Sources
“Bauchan.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 17, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauchan