There’s a whole host of spooky goings on this Halloween in Scotland.
Scotland has long been known as the home of myths, legends and tales of the supernatural and there are stories of ghosts, ghouls and mysterious events all around the country.
The spookfest actually originates from the ancient Celts’ celebrations and is based on the ‘Feast of Samhain’, which later became All Saints’ Eve, All Hallows’ Eve, and later Hallowe’en. All Saints’ Day, 1 November, was said to be the day when souls walked the Earth.
Creepy Castles
Jedburgh Castle, Scottish Borders
The site’s eventful past as a medieval castle, site of the town gallows and as a prison throughout the 19th century, is well known. Among the ghosts rumoured to haunt the castle is the prison jailor, along with a number of male, female and child prisoners. On dark nights the refrain of a lone piper is said to be heard coming from behind the boundary wall.
Culzean Castle, Ayrshire
Culzean also has a ghostly piper, who is reputed to have been searching caves beneath the castle when he disappeared. The pipes are said to herald the announcement of a marriage, and also to be heard on stormy nights.
Glamis Castle, Forfar
This Castle, just outside the village of Glamis, is said to be one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. King Malcolm II was murdered here leaving a bloodstain on the floor, which defied all efforts to be removed, and eventually the floor was boarded over. The castle is also said to contain secret rooms. One which is believed to house a monster which roamed at night. This monster was believed to have been the son of a Laird of Glamis who was horribly deformed and was kept in one of the secret rooms. A ghost named the ‘Grey Lady is also said to haunt the Chapel.
Tales of mystery, war and murder
St Andrews, Fife
The historic seaside town is steeped in legend, with stories of ghosts of murdered archbishops, John Knox and even the Devil himself wandering the streets! The Cathedral ruins are said to be haunted by an unidentified lady in a long white dress with a veil, holding a book in her clasped hands.
The Isle of Skye
In the past, scores of kilted soldiers have been reputedly sighted here. They are often seen near Harta Corrie which is celebrated in local history for the Bloody Stone that marks the scene of a bitter battle between the MacDonalds and the MacLeods some 300 years ago. Also, often seen is a driver-less 1934 Austin phantom car hurtling along roads at breakneck speed.
Culloden Moor, Inverness-shire
This area is the site of the tragic end to the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Bonnie Prince Charlie and 5,000 Highlanders were defeated by The Duke of Cumberland and over 9,000 Government troops just outside Inverness in the Highlands. Here, by the memorial cairn, there has often been seen the dim form of a battle-worn Highlander. Some years ago, a woman who was visiting Culloden chanced to look into the Well of the Dead and as she did so she saw the reflection of a Highlander looking back at her. This is only one of many reported sightings on the moor.
Gruesome Ghost tours
Mercat Tours, Edinburgh
This tour explores the Blair Street Underground Vaults of Edinburgh by candle-light as well as hear about the sinister and unsavoury past of Edinburgh and its residents.
Cost: £11 adult, £9 concession.
Haunted Highways Tour, Dumfries
Mostly Ghostly offers coach trips with a difference, a trip along one of the most active stretches of one of Britain’s most haunted roads – the A75…
Cost: £17.50 per ticket
The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
Visitors to the Real Mary King’s Close’s Dark Truth Tour can descend into the warren of underground streets beneath the city’s Royal Mile to encounter more of the haunting characters who once roamed Edinburgh’s Old Town from the 16th to the 21st century.
Cost: £17.50 per ticket
Robert Burns Birthplace, Ayr
The birthplace of the famous poet will see stories of spectres and ghosts over Halloween.
Cost: £8 Adult, £6 concession.
