Tartan Curse? 18th-Century Warning Resurfaces Amid Bay City Rollers’ Tragic Decline
In a chilling discovery beneath an old Edinburgh cellar, researchers have uncovered a faded parchment dated to the late 1700s. The message, written in ornate yet eerie script, warns: “Those who bear the tartan to enchant the world shall pay with their souls.” Now dubbed the “Tartan Curse,” the message has sparked debate among historians and pop culture enthusiasts alike—especially due to its eerie connection to the troubled history of Scotland’s most iconic pop band: the Bay City Rollers.
The Bay City Rollers, known for their catchy tunes and tartan-trimmed outfits, were the global sensation of the 1970s. With screaming fans, sold-out arenas, and chart-topping hits like “Saturday Night”, the band seemed unstoppable. Their distinct look—tartan scarves, flared pants, and youthful charm—symbolized a proud Scottish identity exported to the world stage. However, their meteoric rise was followed by a deep, chaotic fall, marred by lawsuits, betrayals, mental health struggles, and tragic personal losses.
Now, in light of the 18th-century prophecy, some fans and conspiracy theorists are reinterpreting the band’s collapse as more than mere bad luck or internal conflict. Could the Rollers have unknowingly triggered a centuries-old curse?
Historically, tartan has deep cultural significance in Scotland, once outlawed after the Jacobite uprising and later embraced as a symbol of national pride. The newly found warning was reportedly written by Morag Lusk, an obscure psychic from the Highlands who claimed to receive visions of Scotland’s future. In her writings, she foresaw “dancing youths” in “checkered garb” who would “steal the hearts of nations, but be devoured by shadows.”
The parallels are chilling. After their peak, the Bay City Rollers disbanded in a haze of legal disputes over royalties. Members reported feeling manipulated and abandoned by the industry that once adored them. Alan Longmuir, the band’s founding bassist, died in 2018 after years of personal struggles. Les McKeown, the charismatic lead singer, died suddenly in 2021 at just 65. Other members have battled depression, addiction, and financial ruin.
One former member—whose name has been withheld out of respect—has reportedly entered seclusion and now claims to see visions and hear voices, echoing the eerie fate Morag Lusk predicted for “the final bearer of the tune.” His statements, dismissed by doctors as symptoms of a breakdown, have only fueled speculation about the curse’s validity.
While skeptics dismiss the idea of a “tartan curse” as mere superstition, others point to the oddly specific nature of the warning and its timing. Whether a chilling coincidence or a true foretelling, the resurfaced prophecy has reignited interest in the mysterious, tragic tale of the Bay City Rollers.
Perhaps, in trying to enchant the world with their music and tartan pride, the Rollers stepped into a fate older—and darker—than they ever imagined.