Nuffnang

Castle and Ghosts



A

Abergeldie Castle
This castle is said to be haunted by a French Maid called Catherine Frankie, sadly she was accused and burnt at the stake for witchcraft at the end of the 16th century.  Her ghost is alleged to have been seen at different times in the location of the tall clock tower.  Other disturbances at Abergeldie have included strange noises and bell ringing when misfortune is about to hit the family.

Airlie Castle
Airlie Castle is rumoured to be haunted by a Ram, the 'Doom of Airlie Castle', and is said to circle around the building when death is near or about to strike the family.  The Ram has not been reported for a number of years now.
Airth Castle
This castle has a very bloody history and since 1971 Airth Castle has been used as a hotel and country club set in acres of woodland.  One room at Airth is said to be haunted by a 17th century housekeeper.  No one is really sure who she is but legend has it that this servant neglected two children whilst in her care, and her ghost is reputedly said to still search the building looking for the children after they were killed in a fire.

Ardblair Castle
This fine 16th century tower house enclosed in a courtyard is alleged to be haunted by a 'Green Lady', dressed in green silk.  Her spectre is said to appear in the late afternoon or early evening, she has been seen sitting in the gallery staring out of the window.
Ardrossan Castle
A ruinous stronghold of the Barclay family which William Wallace captured during the Scottish Battles for Independence has a cruel history.  Legend has it that Wallace and his men were believed to have slain the garrison and piled their bodies in the basement.  This episode was later known as "Wallace's Larder'.  On  stormy nights, the tall figure of William Wallace is said to haunt the ruins of the castle.  Witnesses have reported a tall figure with a beard.

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B

Balgonie Castle
Balgonie Castle, the home of The Laird of Balgonie and Eddergoll is said to be haunted by several ghosts.  The castle has had many famous visitors during its history, including, James IV, Mary Queen of Scots and Rob Roy MacGregor.  The most haunted part of Balgonie is believed to be the Grand Hall, where ghostly voices and apparitions have been reported.  Sightings of a Green Lady have been seen at one of the ranges and records  back to 1842 reveal that she was even then a 'well-known' ghost.  The erie form of a 17th century soldier has been witnessed in the courtyard, and his apparition is also said to walk through the castle gateway.  Other phantoms have included a hooded figure, a medieval looking man and Alexander Leslie.  In 2005 The Ghost Club conducted an investigation at Balgonie Castle, the night was fairly quiet but the team did pick up one or two anomolies and two investigators reported the feeling of being touched above the ankle by something unseen.  The full report on this investigation can be read here: www.ghostclub.org.uk/balgonie.htm Photograph of  The Great Hall taken by  The Ghost Club  during  the investigation at Balgonie Castle.
Ballindalloch Castle
This impressive 16th century tower house has several ghosts recorded among these are a' Green Lady' sighted in the Dining Room, a 'Pink Lady' and also General Grant who is said to ride around the lands every night surveying the improvements he had made to his estate while he was alive.  His alleged apparition has also been sited by the wine cellar.
Bedlay Castle
Bishop Cameron's ghost is said to haunt Bedlay, it is believed that he died in suspicious circumstances in 1350.  Other hauntings in the castle include strange footfalls and the apparition of a large bearded man.  There are early reports of this sighting in 1880 and later reports in the 1970's.  There have been several attempts to exorcise the ghost but they do not appear to have been successful, although there have not been any recent sightings.

Brodick Castle
An ancient stronghold, for a long time the property of the Hamiltons and now owned by The National Trust for Scotland.  The castle has a long turbulent history and is alleged to be haunted by a 'Grey Lady' clad in grey clothing with a large white collar.  Her apparition has been seen in Tea Room and the back corridor. these areas are in the older part of the castle.  The phantom form of a man dressed in a green velvet coat has allegedly been witnessed in the castle library.  Other manifestations include a figure seen on the back stair, temperature drops and a recent sighting of a tall dark robed figure which was witnessed in broad daylight in the castle grounds by two people.  The figure was followed through part of the Country Walk before mysteriously vanishing infront of the witnesses. Photograph of Brodick Castle taken by Derek Green
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C

Castle Frazer
This impressive castle dates mostly from 1575 -1636.  In 1976, the castle with its walled garden was donated by the Frazer Family to the National Trust for Scotland.  It is believed to be haunted by a young woman who was murdered in the Green Room of the castle's Round Tower around the 19th century.  It is said that the blood stains from her corpse are still believed to be on the stair, which was boarded over after many attempts to wash the blood off.  Sounds of piano music and voices have been heard coming from the hall area and the eerie appartion of a woman in black has been reported several times.
Cawdor Castle
This castle, magnificant and well-preserved incorporates a tall 14th century keep situated within a courtyard. Cawdor's ghostly appartitons include, a spectre of a lady in a blue velvet dress and a phantom figure thought to be John Campbell, 1st Lord Cawdor.
Comlongon Castle
Comlongon set in 120 acres of woodland and gardens was the home of the Murrays from 1331 until 1984.  Now the castle is used as a hotel and is alleged to be haunted by a 'Green Lady', the spirit of Marion Carruthers.  Legend has it that poor Marion was forced into a bethrothal of marriage with a man she did not love.  It is believed that she then feld to Comlongon for safety and it was during this time that Marion committed suicide by jumping from the Tower.  Because she had taken her own life, she was not given a Christian Burial, and it is said that no grass will grow where the girl died.  Her distraught apparition is alleged to have been witnessed, both in the castle and the grounds, as have the sounds of her weeping, and a ghostly presence, which has pushed past people has been recorded in recent times.
Craigcrook Castle
This castle built by the Adamson family in the 16th century is said to be haunted by Lord Francis Jeffrey, the well-known judge who died in 1850.  Many other disturbances have been reported in more recent times, including strange footsteps and noises, objects being moved around and thrown, and the doorbell ringing when no one is there.  A very strange coldness has also been experienced in the castle library at different times.
Craignethan Castle
Craignethan is believed to be haunted by Mary Queen of Scots, her spectre has been reported to appear headless.  Other ghosts said to haunt the castle, include the apparition of a woman wearing Stuart period dress, mysterious pipe music, unexplained voices of women, a vague shifting apparition and a poltergeist which has been witnessed to throw things around.
Culcreuch Castle
Set below the Fintry Hills, Culcreuch now a hotel has the largest colony of bats in the UK living in the roof.  The Chinese Bird Room, within the old part of the castle, has hand-painted Chinese Wallpaper dating from 1723 and is believed to be the only surviving example of this period in Scotland.  Culcreuch is reputed to have several ghosts, among these are the ghostly sounds of Harp Music coming from the Chinese Bird Room and the Lairds Hall.  There is said to be an apparition of a severed animal head which flies around the battlements and the manifestation of a cold grey mass which has height and proportions of a human being.  In 2005 the Ghost Club investigated Culcreuch and it was felt that there is a force, which seems to enjoy upsetting certain electrical items.  On the night of the investigation a number of items of equipment failed at different intervals.  The full report on this investigation can be read here: www.ghostclub.org.uk/culcreuch.htm 
Culzean Castle
Culzean, pronounced 'Cul-lane' is a magnificent castellated mansion built between 1777 and 1792, and is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.  The castle has a number of ghosts, these include, a ghostly piper said to herald a Kennedy marriage.  His erie apparition has reportedly been seen in the grounds and in an area known as 'Pipers Brae'.  The piper is said to have been exploring the nearby caves beneath the castle when he mysteriously vanished.  Other ghosts allegedly haunt this fine castle, one a young lady dressed in what appears to be a ball gown, an apparition that has reportedly been seen on the main stair and a spectral figure of a gentleman which has been recently witnessed by the lift lobby.
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D

Dalhousie Castle
Dating from the 13th century, this castle, now a hotel,  was built by the Ramsays, who were made Earls of Dalhousie in 1630.  The castle is alleged to be haunted by Sir Alexander Ramsay who was starved to death in 1342 in Hermitage Castle by Sir William Douglas.  Another ghost said to wander the old turrets and dungeon is the 'Grey Lady', an apparition of a Lady Catherine, mistress to one of the Ramsay lairds. Other reported manifestations include the rustling of a gown and strange unexplainable noises.
Drumlanrig Castle
This mansion dating mostly from the 17th century, is said to be haunted by at least three ghosts.  One is reputed to be the spirit of Lady Anne Douglas, dressed in white, carrying a fan in one hand and her head in the other.  The second apparition is that of a young woman, and there is also a reported sighting of a monkey, ape or another creature, which has been witnessed in the Yellow Monkey Room.  There is also a rumour that someone was murdered in a corridor, now called 'The Bloody Passage', and that the blood could not be removed from the floor.

Dunnottar Castle
Described as one of Scotland's 'Most Haunted' Castles, Dunnottar, spectacularly perched on a cliff top, is an extensive ruinous stronghold of the Keith Earls Marischal.  The castle has several ghost sightings. The apparition of a girl dressed in a dull plaid-type dress is said to have been witnessed in the brewery.  Other ghosts are said to include a young deer hound, a tall Scandinavian-looking man going into the guardroom at the main entrance and noises of a meeting coming from Benholm's Lodging when nobody is apparently present.
Dunollie Castle, Strathclyde 
This case was investigated by legendary ghost hunter Andrew Green in the late 70s.  A short distance from the small cathedral of the Isle on the outskirts of Oban you will find the thirteenth century ruined castle of Dunollie. This magnificent building was once the family home of the Lord of Lorn who, centuries past owned a third of Scotland. Few visitors are allowed to view the area but in July 1971 having already gained permission from him to camp in the grounds, a group of scouts were taken by the chief scout to see the home of his forefathers. `It was about seven in the evening when we arrived`, David Howling of Leeds told Andrew Green, "and we were looking in what had been the armoury. Suddenly we were distracted and about six or seven of us saw, passing outside the window, the figure of a piper in full Highland dress. He appeared to be semi-transparent and we could see the trees behind him. The plaid was very noticeable but none of us were frightened at the appearance, just rather intrigued. None of us were interested in ghosts anyway". When the incident was mentioned to the owner however, they learnt that the phantom had been " frequently witnessed" and was, " quite accepted by the family". There are many similar cases of genuine ghosts fully accepted by houseowners as being merely " shades of the past" As one gentleman commented, "They cause no harm, so why should be bother about them?" 
Dunrobin Castle
This castle overlooking the sea, dates from 1300s and is a splendid 'fairy-tale' setting.  The upper floors of Dunrobin are said to be haunted by the spectre of Margaret, daughter of the 14th Earl of Sutherland.  Margaret is said to have been imprisoned in the attic by her father, and sadly during an attempt to be rescued from the room she fell to her death.  It is said that since one of the attic rooms has long been disused, her moans and cries still come from the area where she was imprisoned.
Dunstaffnage Castle, Argyll
The castle now preserved by Historic Scotland dates from the thirteenth century and is alleged to be haunted by a few ghostly figures, including The Green Lady.  Her appearances are also said to be associated with poltergeist activity around various parts of the castle.  It is believed that the activity is an omen of notable occurrences, which are either good or bad.
Duntrune Castle
The castle lies on the north side of Loch Crinan, some miles north and west of Lochgilphead in Argyll.  Duntrune dates from the13th century with a later L-plan house in the corner.  The castle was long held by the Campbells, was besieged in 1644, and then burned in 1685.  The castle is haunted by the ghost of a MacDonald, the Phantom Piper of Duntrune, this tale dates from 1615 when the piper was sent to Duntrune to spy on the Campbells and unfortunately he was captured and imprisoned in an upstairs chamber.  It was guessed that the Campbells were lying in wait for the MacDonalds to try and retake the castle, knowing what was going to happen the piper played his pipes as a warning to the MacDonalds if they came close enough.  Unfortunately he paid for his bravery, the story tells how the Campbells chopped of his fingers and the piper bled to death.  From then on the ghostly sound of bagpipes would often be heard, with no explanation as to from where the music came.  Other manifestations have been reported at Duntrune, and the castle basement has been exorcised, however the spirits still seem to be active and unexplained knockings, tappings and footsteps have all been reported.  In 1870 a fingerless skeleton was found, sealed beneath the stone flags of the floor of the kitchen in the basement.  It was given a proper burial but this does not sem to have ended the disturbances at Duntrune Castle.

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E

Earlshall Castle
Earlshall Castle, built by Sir William Bruce in 1546 is said to be haunted by Sir Andrew Bruce of Earlshall, known as 'Bloody Bruce'.  Sightings of his apparition are alleged to have been recorded in 'Bloody Bruce's Room' and sounds of heavy footsteps have been heard on the main turnpike staircase.  Other manifestations alleged to have been witnessed include a figure of an old woman in the 'Mary Queen of Scots Bedchamber' and a depression on a bed.  The present owners of Earlshall have recently said that they have not experienced much activity in the castle.  The Ghost Club conducted an investigation at Earlshall, and they were inclined to believe the owners.  However present staff at the gatehouse have witnessed a knight on horseback wearing full armour in the grounds of the castle.
Edinburgh Castle
Standing high on a rock in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland's most important buildings.  The castle is home of The Honours of Scotland ie. The Scottish Crown Jewels and is reputedly haunted by several apparitions.  A drummer, sometimes reported as being headless, has allegedly been witnessed on part of the castle battlements and drums are reportedly heard more often than the apparition is seen.  The spectre of a dog has been reported near the main castle entrance, other manifestations include ghostly soldiers, and in the recently opened up vaulted dungeons figures have been seen.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan stands in a spectacular location at the mouth of Loch Duich.  Although once quite ruinous, the castle was rebuilt in the 20th century.  It was long held by the MacKenzies, and sheltered Robert the Bruce in 1306.  In 1331 Randolph, Earl of Moray, executed 50 men at Eilean Donan and he had their heads spiked on the castle walls.  During the Jacobite rising of 1719 Spanish troops garrisoned the castle, and the ghost of one of the soldiers allegedly haunts Eilean Donan.  The erie spectre has been witnessed in the Gift Shop and is said to hold his head under his arm.  Another apparition, Lady Mary, reputedly haunts one of the bedrooms.
Ethie Castle
Dating from the 15th century, Ethie now a hotel, was a property of the Beaton family.  The castle was used by Cardinal David Beaton who was both Abbot of Arbroath in the 1530s, and also Archbishop of St Andrews.  Sometime during 1546, Beaton died in mysterious circumstances..  Ethie Castle's reported ghostly phenomena include the sounds of phantom footsteps climbing a stair and other unexplained noises include the sound of heavy dragging across a floor.
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F

Fernie Castle
This 16th century tower house with later additions and extensions is now a hotel.  The west tower of Fernie is said to be haunted by a 'Green Lady', her apparition is said to have been seen in some of the bedrooms.  Other manifestations include electrical equipment and lights switching themselves on and off.

Fyvie Castle
One of the most splendid castles in Scotland, Fyvie consists of a large tower house with very long wings.  The castle now owned by the National Trust for Scotland is reputedly haunted by a 'Green Lady', the spectre of Lilias Drummond, wife of Alexander Seton, who died on 8 May 1601.  It is believed that Lilias was starved to death by her husband, or she may have died of a broken heart.  Seton married Grizel Leslie only months after Lilias's death and it is said that Lilias's ghost carved her name on the stone window sill of the newlyweds bedroom soon after they were married.  To this day the writing can clearly be seen 'D(ame) LILIAS DRUMMOND.  Her ghost is recorded often appearing on the main turnpike stair.  Other manifestations include a ghostly 'Grey Lady', phantom drummer and the mysterious sound of trumpet playing.  Thomas the Rhymer is said to have cursed Fyvie after being refused entry into the castle and legend has it that if tragedy is going to strike the owners of the castle, certain stones are said to 'weep'.
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G

Glamis Castle
One of the most famous, and reputedly haunted, castles in Scotland Glamis is a splendid building, which incorporates a massive 15th century keep.  The property has long been held by the Lyon family.  Glamis is traditionally associated with Macbeth, and in the old keep is 'Duncan's Hall', but any connection is probably only based on Shakespeare's play.  On 3 December 1537 Janet Douglas, the widow of John Lyon 6th Lord Glamis and sister of the Earl of Angus, was burned to death on Castle Hill in Edinburgh on a false charge of witchcraft, which was fabricated by James V who hated the Douglases.  Her apparition, the 'Grey Lady of Glamis' is said to haunt the building, and has been seen in the chapel and the area of the clock tower.  The ghost of Alexander Lindsay, 4th Earl of Crawford, 'Earl Beardie', is said to haunt a walled up room where he played cards with the devil.  His apparition has also been witnessed in one of the bedrooms during the early hours of the morning.  Other manifestations include a tall man in a grey coat, a tongueless woman seen running around the grounds of the castle, a black servant boy in the Queen Mother's Sitting Room, two armoured figures sword fighting in a corridor, a 'White Lady' seen walking up the avenue to the castle and there is a legend of vampire existance at Glamis.  James Wentworth Day investigated the hauntings of Glamis with The Ghost Club and recorded some very strange happenings during his vigil, among these were frightening screams which were caught on audio tape but strangely not heard during the actual vigil.  And a sighting of the Grey Lady which James Wentworth Day himself reported in witnessing while entering the Chapel.

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H

Hermitage Castle
A foreboding fortress in a windswept location, Hermitage, a massive brooding castle stands near to the borders.  The castle was owned by the De Soulis family around the early 14th century.  William De Soulis was said to be a warlock and he reputedly slaughtered many of the local residents within the walls.  Ghostly screams and crys are reportedly heard and Soulis's own ghost is said to haunt the castle and vicinity.  Other manifestations include, the ghost of Alexander Ramsay (see Dalhousie) and an appariton of Mary Queen of Scots dressed in white.
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J

Jedburgh Castle (Jail)
The Castle Jail stands on the site of the ancient castle, Jedburgh was occupied by the English from 1346 until 1409, when it was retaken by the Scots and demolished.  The Castle Jail, built in 1823 and now a museum is alleged to be haunted by poltergeist activity.  A recent Welsh Paranormal team spent the night in the old Jail and claim to have recorded a lot of strange Activity.
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K

Kellie Castle
This castle dates from the 16th and 17th centuries and was built by the Oliphants.  It then passed to the Erskines, then in 1878 leased by James Lorimer who restored it back it its former glory.  In 1970 Kellie passed into the care of The National Trust for Scotland.  The ghost of Lormier is said to have been seen, seated in one of the corridors.  Other manifestations at Kellie include, the ghost of Anne Erskine who reputedly haunts the main turnpike stair, her apparition is rarely reported, but it is said that her ghostly footfalls are often heard on the main stair.
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