Scotland is known for its stunning scenery, friendly people…and haunted history. From castles to battlefields, plenty of places in Scotland are said to be home to restless spirits. Here are seven of the most haunted locations in the country, along with a bit of background on each one.
Glamis Castle – Angus
Glamis Castle is said to be home to several ghosts. Including the spirit of a boy who was stabled there in the 17th century and the Grey Lady, who is said to be the wife of one of the former castle owners. The most famous ghost said to roam the halls of Glamis Castle, however, is that of Earl Beardie, also known as “the wicked Earl.” Legend has it that Beardie was playing cards in a room at the castle when the Devil himself visited him. The Earl made a deal with Satan that if he let him continue playing cards, he would sell his soul to him. Unfortunately for Beardie, he lost the game and was sent straight to Hell…where it’s said he can still be heard playing cards!
Culloden Battlefield – Inverness-shire
Culloden Battlefield is the site of the last battle fought on British soil, which took place in 1746. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of an English drummer boy killed during the Battle. His spirit is said to haunt the area where he died, drumming out a warning to approaching soldiers. Some even say that the battle never truly stopped and that the fallen still fight on the moor. On the anniversary of the Battle, the fallen soldiers are said the risen again and fight anew.
Edinburgh Castle – Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions, and it’s also said to be one of the most haunted spots in the country. One of the most well-known ghosts associated with Edinburgh Castle is that of a piper who was sent into a secret tunnel to check for intruders during a siege in 1650. He never returned, and his spirit is said to haunt the castle still today. There are also reports of ghostly sightings of dogs, guards, and even Mary Queen of Scots herself!
Inveraray Castle- Argyll
Inveraray Castle is the seat of the Duke of Argyll, and it’s said to be home to several ghosts. One of the most well-known is that of Lady Isobel Campbell, who was said to have been locked in her room by her husband after cheating on him. Some believe she haunts the castle to this day, and her ghost is often seen in the windows of her former bedroom. Other ghosts said to roam the halls of Inveraray Castle include a young harpist killed in 1644 by Duke Montrose’s men.
Floors Castle – Roxburghshire
Floors Castle is said to be haunted by several different ghosts, including that of a girl named Rose, who fell from an upstairs window while trying to escape from her abusive father. Rose’s father locked her away after she refused to marry a man she didn’t love, and she eventually died from starvation after no one came to rescue her. The ghost of another girl named Lilias has also been seen roaming Floors Castle. She was engaged to marry William Douglas but drowned before their wedding day after falling into a river near the castle.
Stirling Bridge – Stirling
Stirling Bridge is best known as the site of two battles fought during Scotland’s Wars of Independence: The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and The Battle Of Bannockburn in 1314. It’s also said to be home to several ghosts, including those of William Wallace and Andrew Moray (leader of the Scots during The Battle Of Stirling Bridge). Both men were killed during the battle, and their spirits are said to haunt Stirling Bridge still today.
Tay Bridge – Dundee
The Tay Bridge spans almost 2 miles of water and connects Dundee with Fife; it’s also said to be home to several ghosts who perished when it collapsed in 1879 during a severe storm. Seventy-five people were killed when strong winds caused part of the bridge to collapse. Many bodies were never recovered from the water below because they were swept out into The North Sea by currents. It’s believed that some (if not all)of those who lost their lives that fateful night still haunt Tay Bridge today.
While Scotland is best known for its stunning scenery and friendly people, there’s no denying it has a dark side. From castles to battlefields, plenty of places in Scotland are said to be home to restless spirits. If you’re looking for a spooky vacation destination, you might just want to add Scotland to your list!
Source:
Ghost of the Missing Edinburgh Piper Boy
Most Haunted Castles in Scotland
Tay Bridge Disaster Ghost Train