Find out some of Scotland’s spookiest places 👻
Happy Halloween!
It's almost Halloween, and this year will be different in many ways, with the lack of trick or treating and household mixing not being allowed in many areas, so instead we’re taking a look at some of the most haunted places here in Scotland.
From one of the best-known castles in the world at the very heart of our capital, to the scene of one of our bloodiest battles, there's probably a very haunted location near you!
Take a look at some of Scotland’s spookiest places if you dare:
Culloden Battlefield, near Inverness
It's rumoured that ghosts return to this famous landmark just a few miles from Inverness each year, on the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. There have been reports of blood-curdling battle cries, the sound of clashing swords across the bleak moor and sightings of ghosts, including a soldier lying on the ground injured.
Edinburgh Castle
The majestic castle at the centre of our capital tells a varied and fascinating story, with many spooky goings on. One reads that a piper went into the tunnels leading from the castle to the Royal Mile hundreds of years ago to explore them. He was playing his pipes so those above ground could hear he was safe - but suddenly the music stopped. When rescuers arrived to investigate, he had disappeared without trace. But the lonely piper is said to still haunt the tunnels to this day.
St Andrews Cathedral, Fife
The cathedral is said to have two ghostly residents. For hundreds of years, there have been sightings of a lady wearing white gloves who glides silently through the grounds, before vanishing at the tower. The story goes that workmen repairing the tower many years ago broke into a sealed chamber housing several coffins, one of which was open. It is rumoured to have contained a preserved body of a young woman who was wearing white gloves…
Stirling Castle
Not only is this one of the most important castles in the history of our country, but Stirling Castle is said to be home to a ghostly Highlander who is dressed in full traditional Scottish garb. He's so vivid that visitors often mistake him for a tour guide, but when they approach him, he simply turns away and disappears in front of their eyes.
Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the world's spookiest cities, and Mary King's Close is known as 'Scotland's Spookiest Street'. One of many lanes leading from the Royal Mile, this particular one only opened in recent times, after being bricked up during an outbreak of the Plague. Among many other reports, the spirit of a young girl has been seen to glide silently around while tourists visit the area.
Eilean Donan Castle, near Kyle of Lochalsh
Not only a favourite for tourists to get photos for Instagram, this stunning castle has long been rumoured to have a Spanish soldier as one of many ghostly residents. He was killed in the first Jacobite rebellion in 1719, and sightings have been reported many times since. The castle's bedrooms are also said to house the ghost of 'Lady Mary'.
Fyvie Castle, near Turriff
According to legend, Lilias Drummond was starved to death by her husband for failing to provide a son and heir. He married for a second time, but his wedding night was interrupted by his former wife's ghostly laments outside. Her name was found freshly scratched into the castle walls the following day – and you can still see it today. It's said when the temperature in the room drops suddenly and you can smell roses, you're in the presence of Lilias Drummond's ghost.
Culzean Castle, Ayrshire
Now one of the jewels in the National Trust for Scotland's crown, this stunning Ayrshire castle was once home to the chief of Clan Kennedy. It's said that whenever a member of the Kennedy family is about to get married, a ghostly piper plays in the grounds. And he's not alone – a young woman wearing a ballgown has been reported to glide up and down the grand oval staircase shrouded in grey mist!
Abbotsford House, Melrose
The former home of Sir Walter Scott is said to be haunted by the former architect of the building, George Bullock, who died in 1818. Scott was awoken by loud noises coming from inside the house on the night of Bullock's death. Grabbing his sword, he went to investigate, but found nothing. Bullock's ghost has been seen several times since. The ghost of Sir Walter himself is also rumoured to haunt the Dining Room, where he is said to have died, to this day.
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Many old theatres across the country are said to host the apparitions of performers and writers from over the years. But the Theatre Royal is rumoured to have the ghost of a cleaning lady called Nora, who finally realised her dream of making it on stage, only to be booed off again immediately. She's said to still haunt the building today, where she can be heard moaning and rattling doors in the Upper Circle.
The A75, Dumfries & Galloway
The main route between Gretna and Stranraer in Dumfries & Galloway is said to be Scotland’s most haunted road. Drivers often report seeing figures appearing suddenly in the middle of the road, before disappearing just as they’re about to be hit. Other rumours include eyeless ghosts, phantom hitchhikers, animals and – perhaps spookiest of all – a walking pair of legs without a body attached.
We hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!