In Scottish folklore, the solitary fairy dressed in leaves who protects forests is the Ghillie Dhu.
The Ghillie Dhu is portrayed as a shy male fairy living in a birch wood near Loch a Druing in the north-west Highlands. He was said to wear clothing made from leaves and moss, blend into the woodland, and fiercely defend the forest from outsiders. Despite his wild appearance, traditions often describe him as kind toward children.
The best-known story tells of Jessie Macrae, a girl who became lost in the woods at dusk. The Ghillie Dhu comforted her and guided her home, or stayed with her until morning before leading her out. Later hunters tried to capture him, but failed, and the fairy was said to vanish from the area.
His name is often linked to the idea of a “dark-haired lad” or “dark servant.” The modern term “ghillie suit,” used for leafy camouflage clothing, is also commonly associated with his woodland appearance.