Tam Lin
（重定向自Tamlin）
![Carterhaugh, near the confluence of the Yarrow Water and the Ettrick Water](/Images/godic/202502/15/Carterhaugh4931.jpg")
![Illustration by John D. Batten for Tamlane in More English Fairy Tales[3]](/Images/godic/202502/15/Page_161_illustration_in_More_English_Fairy_Tales4931.png")
Tam (or Tamas) Lin (also called Tamlane, Tamlin, Tomlin, Tam Lien, Tam-a-Line, Tam Lyn, or Tam Lane) is a character in a legendary ballad originating from the Scottish Borders (Child 39, Roud 35). It is also associated with a reel of the same name, also known as the Glasgow Reel. The story revolves around the rescue of Tam Lin by his true love from the Queen of the Fairies. While this ballad is specific to Scotland, the motif of capturing a person by holding him through all forms of transformation is found throughout Europe in folktales. The story has been adapted into various stories, songs and films.