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Elf House [Fochabers]

Burn of Fochabers, Dramlachs, SE of Fochabers, Banffshire.

Placename.

"A small knowe between the burn of Fochabers and old turnpike road. On referring this name to the examiner, he states that it applies to a natural feature and that the origin of the name is unknown" [OS Namebook].

The term Elf House has occasionally been used by Victorian antiquaries as a generic term for souterrains (probably derived from local folk-lore). There are exceptions to the use of Elf House for man-made structures, such as Elf House Cave [site #2248] that is also in Banffshire, & the Elf House talus cave near Huntly [site #10678].

This 'Elf House' alongside the Burn of Fochabers was assessed in 2025 & no underground features or openings are visible on the overgrown conifer-covered mound that resembles a large spoil tip. It is possibly a glaciofluvial kame / till mound deposited along the floor of the steep-sided valley.

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: The old turnpike road described is now the 'Dramlachs' section of the A96.