Become a ghost hunter as VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles

The spooky season has arrived and VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles and shares expert tips for capturing real ghosts.

Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 28 October 2024 9:28

The spooky season has arrived, and Scotland may just be the ultimate destination for ghost hunting. With over 1,500 castles and a rich heritage of folklore and myths and legends, the country is a supernatural hotspot. Shrouded in mystery, Scotland’s ancient castles are ideal spots for ghost hunting, filled with dark legends and restless spirits, which create the perfect conditions for paranormal activity.

To inspire people to embrace the Halloween spirit and help adventurers in search of a thrilling experience, VisitScotland has put together a ghost hunting guide with expert tips on capturing a ghost through a camera, ensuring you have proof of your supernatural adventures, as well as some of the most haunted castles in the country.

Five expert tips for ghost hunting from VisitScotland’s multimedia team

1. Prepare your camera settings: For the best chances to see a ghost on camera, make sure it’s set up for low-light conditions. If you're using a smartphone, check the settings, more advanced cameras can also be adjusted accordingly for better results.

2. Stay still and quiet: Just like photographing wildlife, being very still and quiet is crucial for spotting a ghost, as they can be easily scared off.

3. Use a tripod: To keep your camera steady during low-light shooting, use a tripod or find another way to stabilise your camera. Movement can affect the clarity of your shot.

4. Consider using a flash: While a flash can be helpful for seeing a ghost in the dark and illuminate your shot, it may also scare away any potential ghostly visitors. Be prepared to capture the moment quickly if you decide to use it.

5. Don’t forget your phone: Bring your phone along so you can instantly share any rare and supernatural photos on social media!

Some of the ‘most haunted’ castles in Scotland

Glamis Castle, Angus
Glamis Castle is famed for its ghostly residents and many reported supernatural events that have fascinated visitors for years. While the exact number of ghosts is debated, it is widely believed that at least nine spirits haunt its ancient halls. One of the most well-known ghosts that is said to haunt the castle is The Grey Lady Ghost of Glamis, believed to be Lady Janet Douglas. After being accused of conspiring to poison King James V, she was imprisoned and tortured until she was wrongfully convicted as a witch and burned at the stake.
The castle is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with Halloween events running from the 25th to the 31st of October. Daring visitors can embark on a chilling indoor tour, uncovering eerie tales of the spirits believed to haunt the castle.

Duntrune Castle, Argyll
Constructed in the 12th century, Duntrune Castle has withstood Scotland's turbulent history, earning its reputation as one of the best-preserved and longest-occupied castles in the country. With its numerous owners over the centuries, it’s no surprise locals have been reporting strange occurrences, such as banging noises, flying objects, and even the haunting sound of bagpipes echoing through the halls. Legend has it that in 1615, a MacDonald spy disguised as a piper was sent to Duntrune to gather intelligence on its defences. His identity was discovered by the Campbells, who cruelly severed his hands, leaving him to die. Now, his troubled spirit is said to wander the castle, forever playing his mournful tune.
As the castle is now a private residence, eager visitors can only book a tour in advance by enquiring beforehand.

Stirling Castle, Stirling
With its rich heritage it’s not surprising that Stirling Castle is immersed in ghostly tales. Among its most famous spirits is the Green Lady, often seen before disaster strikes and believed to be either a heartbroken commander’s daughter or a maid who perished saving Mary, Queen of Scots from a fire. The Pink Lady, another ghostly figure and even more mysterious, is thought to be either Mary herself or a woman seeking her husband lost in battle. Phantom footsteps are also often heard on the battlements, adding to the castle’s haunted appeal.
For ghost hunters and regular visitors, the castle is open from 9:30 to 17:00, with the last entry at 16:00.

Tantallon Castle, East Lothian
Tantallon Castle is a striking reminder of a turbulent past that dates back to the 14th century. Its ruins evoke both grandeur and tragedy, making it a fascinating site to explore. The castle gained even more attention when a visitor captured what is considered to be one of the world's most intriguing haunted photographs. The image shows a figure of a woman dressed in period clothing, gazing from one of the castle's crumbling windows. Apparently, tests have confirmed the photo's authenticity, leaving even sceptics puzzled by this mysterious ghost.
What better place to try and capture one yourself? The castle is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00 (with the last entry at 15:30) although be mindful that the east tower and doocot are currently not accessible to visitors.

Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire
The castle, built in the 16th century by Alexander Burnett, is a magnificent labyrinth of turrets, towers, oak panelling, and painted ceilings, many of which are still beautifully preserved today. The Green Lady is Crathes Castle’s most well-known ghost, seen by many visitors over the years, including Queen Victoria herself. She often appears as a young woman holding a baby or as a glowing green orb, gliding through the room before disappearing into the fireplace.
The castle is open daily until 31st October from 10:00 to 16:00. From 1st November to 22nd December, it is open Thursday to Sunday during the same hours.

Blackness Castle, Falkirk
This is one of Scotland's most imposing fortresses, steeped in a past that extends to the 15th century. Throughout the years, it has served various roles, from an artillery stronghold to a prison and an ammunition depot. Blackness Castle’s history has ignited many haunting legends, including that of a ghostly knight in shining armour who is said to guard the prison tower. He is known for startling unsuspecting visitors and many guests have reported unsettling thumps and dragging sounds echoing through the halls so proceed with caution when visiting.
For those who are feeling particularly brave and want to encounter the knight, the castle is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, with the last entry at 15:15.

Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire
Castle Fraser’s historical charm and ghostly legends make it a must-visit for those intrigued by the paranormal. Famous for its quirky features, the castle includes hidden staircases, trapdoors, and even a spy hole, adding to its air of secrecy. But for those seeking a supernatural experience, Castle Fraser is particularly known for its resident ghosts. Numerous sightings have been reported of a bloodied young woman, said to be brutally murdered in the Green Room. Legend has it her body was dragged down the round tower, staining the steps so deeply that they had to be covered with wooden panelling, which remains today. Lady Blanche Drummond, who died in 1874, is another spirit said to haunt the grounds, often spotted in a long black gown.
For the chance to spot one of Castle Fraser's famous ghosts, it’s open daily between 21st and 27th October from 10:30 to 16:30, while from 28th October till the 21st December, the castle welcomes visitors Friday to Monday until 16:00.

To discover more ideas for haunted castles to explore, check out VisitScotland’s page: www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/attractions/castles/haunted

Image: Stirling Castle
Image credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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