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Whisky, haggis, bagpipes, the Loch Ness monster – these are just a few things you would associate with Scotland. But – it’s also home to some of the world’s most haunted castles.
If you’re longing to explore some of these iconic landmarks, you’re in for a real treat. Brace yourself for chilling tales of ghostly apparitions, tragic love stories, and ancient mysteries that may just keep you up at night.
Even more so if you decide to stay over.
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There are dozens of haunted locations across Scotland, but if you’re short on time, these castles are a must-visit!
Top 6 Haunted Castles in Scotland
There are so many castles to choose from in Scotland if ghosts and the paranormal are your thing, but there are a handful that countless paranormal investigators would recommend before any others.
1. Stirling Castle
The first haunted castle on our list is Stirling Castle, which you will find sitting on top of a volcanic rock. This structure has a rich heritage, so it comes as no surprise that a few ghosts are known to wander its halls.
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One of the most famous ghosts at Stirling Castle is the Green Lady. Legend has it she was a servant or noblewoman who tragically died within the castle’s walls. She is seen most often in the Queen’s Chamber, where she appears as a shimmering green figure.
Another apparition that has been seen by many visitors is that of a Highland soldier. This ghostly soldier is always dressed in a traditional Scottish outfit and is often seen wandering the battlements or standing guard at the gates.
There have also been reports of ghostly cries and the sound of a child weeping inside the castle. Nobody has been able to identify where these sounds come from, but they definitely add to this location’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most haunted sites.
2. Glamis Castle
Located in Angus, Glamis Castle has one of the more eerie stories. According to legends, the castle is home to a hidden chamber known as the “Monster’s Room” or the “Secret Chamber.” The stories indicate that this was once the prison of a deformed and monstrous heir to the family.
Another well-known ghost associated with Glamis Castle is the Earl Beardie, also known as Alexander Lindsay, the 4th Earl of Crawford. It is said that he was a notorious gambler who made a pact with the devil while playing cards. As punishment for his sins, he was condemned to play cards with the devil for eternity within these walls.
3. Edinburgh Castle
Next on the list of haunted Scottish castles is Edinburgh Castle, which you will find at the top of Castle Rock.
One of the most famous ghostly legends of Edinburgh Castle is about a headless drummer boy. His ghostly form is often seen marching through the castle and is said to foretell the outbreak of war or a national disaster.
Lady Janet Douglas, also known as the Lady of Glamis, was also imprisoned and executed here on charges of witchcraft during the reign of James V. Her ghost is known to haunt the castle, particularly in the room where she was held captive before her death.
There have also been numerous sightings of ghostly dogs on the grounds. Legend has it that these canines are guardians of the castle, with some reports suggesting they are the spirits of former soldiers’ loyal companions.
4. Barcaldine Castle
Barcaldine Castle is a historic tower house dating back to the 16th century – and home to quite a few ghostly apparitions.
A Grey Lady is the ghost that is seen most often within these walls. Ancient tales indicate that she was a former resident who died under tragic circumstances. Her ghost is said to roam the corridors and rooms of the castle, appearing as a misty figure dressed in grey.
One ghost hunter who stayed here said, “I felt something sitting on my back and applying pressure. It felt like an elephant’s butt literally just sitting on my back. Knowing this was no hallucination or joke, I had no time to get my video going or other equipment back in action, so, I thrust it (the ghost) off my back and said: “Get off.”
Other visitors to Barcaldine Castle have reported hearing the faint sound of bagpipes echoing through the halls. Legend has it that this eerie music is played by a ghostly piper who haunts the fortress, but not much is known about his identity.
5. Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle, located on a small island in Scotland’s western Highlands, is one of the most iconic and beautiful castles in the country.
One of the most famous ghostly tales involves a phantom piper. The stories say that a piper was once sent to explore the castle’s tunnels and secret passages. He was meant to play his bagpipes as he went, allowing the people aboveground to track his progress.
However, the piper suddenly stopped playing, and his fate remains a mystery. Some say his ghostly music can still be heard echoing through the castle on stormy nights.
Another ghost that is often seen is that of a lady dressed in period clothing. Many refer to her as Lady Mary. Visitors and staff have reported seeing her wandering the castle’s halls, often accompanied by the scent of roses.
6. Castle Menzies
Last on this list of the most haunted castles is Castle Menzies. Located near the village of Weem in Perthshire, this Scottish castle is also linked to a number of ghost stories.
Visitors to Castle Menzies often report feeling a sense of unease or being watched while climbing the staircase to the upper floors. Some claim to have heard ghostly footsteps or whispers echoing through the stairwell, adding to the castle’s eerie atmosphere.
There are also many stories about three evil-looking women who reside in the cellar and are said to be a coven of witches. People will often hear a cat wailing whenever they see these three figures.
FAQs
Is Dalhousie Castle haunted?
Based on all of the ghost stories associated with Dalhousie Castle, it’s safe to say it’s haunted. Some guests staying at Dalhousie Castle have reported experiencing strange phenomena, such as feeling a sudden chill or seeing shadowy figures while ascending the staircase to their rooms.
There is also the Grey Lady, who is said to be the ghost of Lady Catherine, who was the mistress of one of the Ramsay lairds. Once his wife found out about the affair, she locked the girl in one of the turrets and left her to starve.
Where is the most haunted castle tower in Scotland?
In Scotland, several castles have towers that are known to be haunted, including:
- Crown Tower of Edinburgh Castle
- Stirling Castle’s Great Hall Tower
- Glamis Castle’s ancient towers
Each of these towers has its own ghostly tales and legends.
Where is the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots said to be?
Mary is known to haunt a few different locations in Scotland, but Craignethan Castle near Lanark is where people see her most often. However, you might also spot her at Carlisle Castle and Bolton Castle where her ghostly figure is often seen walking around the courtyard.
Final Thoughts
From avid ghost hunters to anyone who wants to see if the ghost stories are true for themselves, Scotland is one of the best places to visit if you want to explore a few haunted locations. Beyond the castles, the country is steeped in chilling Scottish ghost stories that have been passed down for centuries, adding even more mystery to its haunted heritage.
And if you’d like to expand your search beyond Scotland, be sure to check out our guide to the most haunted castles in the UK, where you’ll find even more spine-chilling locations across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and other ghost hunting equipment along. You never know when you might capture something weird and unusual. You may just be the next person to add your ghostly tales to the list.
Sources:
- Ghosts Of Stirling Castle (great-castles.com)
- The Haunted Glamis Castle (hauntedrooms.co.uk)
- The Ghosts Of Eilean Donan Castle (hauntedrooms.co.uk)
- Haunted Menzies Castle (tumblr.com)
- The History Of Dalhousie Castle (thelittlehouseofhorrors.com)
- Mary Queen of Scots, A Haunted Heritage (spookyscotland.net)
