Traveling In Focus contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
16 Terrifying Scottish Haunts Guaranteed To Give You Goosebumps
Scotland isn’t just about castles, kilts, and questionable weather – it’s also a hotspot for the supernatural. And if you’re the kind of person who enjoys a good ghost story or oddly wants to feel a chill that’s not from the wind, you’re in the right place.
For centuries, tales of restless spirits, cursed grounds, and things that go bump in the night have lingered in Scotland as persistently as midges in the summer (and I can personally attest to the nightmarish midges). From eerie whispers in the dark to shadowy figures lurking just out of sight, Scotland serves up enough paranormal encounters to keep the bravest souls awake at night.
And whether the stories are based on truth or just a way to explain creaky floorboards, these haunted spots are sure to make your spine tingle and your curiosity peak.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle – a historic fortress perched dramatically on a volcanic rock. Sounds lovely, right? Not when you’re sharing the corridors with a headless drummer. First spotted before Oliver Cromwell’s attack in 1650, this phantom drummer isn’t just here to play.
Oh, and then there’s the poor ghost of a piper who got lost in the castle tunnels centuries ago. He was sent to explore them and never came back. Those eerie bagpipe tunes? They still echo through the stone walls.
Real Mary King’s Close
Ever wondered what it’s like to walk the streets of a 17th-century plague-ridden Edinburgh? Real Mary King’s Close has you covered – except now, it’s underground and packed with ghosts.
Visitors have reported encounters with the spirits of former plague victims and lost residents. Some say they’ve even seen apparitions of children holding tattered dolls. Charming, right? If you enjoy being spooked AND walking through history, this is your place.
Cawdor Castle
For Shakespeare fans, “Macbeth” may have made Cawdor Castle infamous, but the ghost of Lady Cawdor is what keeps the legend alive. She’s often seen wandering outside her bedroom, forever stuck in her spectral bedtime routine.
The castle itself is gorgeous…until you remember that its most notable companion is a restless ghost from days long gone.
Stirling Castle
Mary, Queen of Scots, might have been royalty, but her servant, the Green Lady, stole the ghostly spotlight. Legend says the Green Lady died in a fire while saving her queen, and she’s been lingering here ever since in eternal devotion…or annoyance.
Guests and staff often report feeling sudden drops in temperature or seeing her green figure moving through rooms. How cozy.
Glamis Castle
“A hideously deformed child hidden away for life in a castle” sounds like tabloid material, but it’s all too real here at Glamis Castle.
The “Monster of Glamis” is one of several spirits rumored to haunt this childhood home of Queen Elizabeth. If creepy castles filled with historical skeletons (figuratively, we think?) excite you, Glamis delivers.
Inveraray Castle
A harpist who had a bad case of peeping-on-the-Duke’s-daughter syndrome paid dearly…by hanging, naturally.
Now, his ghost haunts the halls of Inveraray Castle, with his harp’s chilling tunes following you like a Spotify playlist from another dimension. Add to that the stunning scenery, and you’ve got yourself a haunted getaway.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard might sound like a peaceful cemetery, but meet the Mackenzie Poltergeist, an exceptionally aggressive entity. Patrons have come out with bruises and scratches after getting too close to its tomb.
The graveyard even inspired elements of Harry Potter – but instead of magic wands, you may encounter something much more sinister when walking these grounds.
Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel gets its mainstream fame thanks to Tom Hanks and The Da Vinci Code, but its ghostly fame is solidified by the spirits of the chapel’s masons.
Apparently, they didn’t rest easy after finishing their masterpiece because visitors often report shadowy figures moving near the ornate carvings. But hey, if you’re going to get haunted, at least it’s in a place with stunning architecture.
Crathes Castle
Crathes Castle is all kinds of picturesque until you realize a ghostly Green Lady haunts it. But don’t worry, she’s not just floating around aimlessly.
Her appearances tend to coincide with someone in the Burnett family passing away. Picture this: beautiful castle, family tragedy, and a green Grim Reaper vibe lurking.
Witchery By The Castle
Witchery by the Castle serves ghost sightings with a side of luxury dining. This restaurant, located dangerously close to dark history (witch trials, anyone?), makes regular cameo appearances on haunted restaurant lists.
Guests have spotted ghostly faces in the mirrors and even reported mysterious cold draughts. You want ambiance? Witchery has it – in spades.
Skaill House
Life (and death) hasn’t been quiet at Skaill House. Built on a Viking burial ground, this 17th-century mansion is said to be haunted by long-dead settlers.
Visitors have spotted ethereal figures wandering halls and even heard the sounds of Norse chants. Nothing says “restful vacation,” quite like Viking ghost parties.
Drovers Inn
Historic pubs are great for a pint, but what about when your drinking buddy is a ghost? Drovers Inn, established in 1705, offers both.
Staff and guests have reported strange noises, unexplained footsteps, and even shadowy apparitions. And if you don’t catch a spirit in your whisky…you just might see one loitering near your table.
Fyvie Castle
Have you heard of Dame Lilias Drummond? Well, we hadn’t either, but call us intrigued. This weeping ghost roams Fyvie Castle, mourning her unjust death.
Particularly unnerving is her name scratched upside down on a castle windowsill – a chilling reminder that she’s not leaving anytime soon. Doesn’t that just warm your heart?
Blackness Castle
Nicknamed “the ship that never sailed” for its shape, Blackness Castle looks like it’s ready to drift off into the ocean. And among its haunted reputation is a phantom knight, who appears sporadically to haunt visitors.
Honestly, walking the grounds might feel more like stepping into a medieval nightmare. Good luck with those selfies…can you still call them that when you have an apparition with you?
Ackergill Tower
Ackergill Tower’s most famous ghost story is as tragic as it is spooky. Helen Gunn, kidnapped and held captive here, reportedly jumped to her death from the tower.
Her anguished spirit hasn’t left since, with guests often reporting an overwhelming sense of sadness and, occasionally, a pale figure staring down from the tower. Romantic getaway? Probably not likely.
Banshee Labyrinth
Touted as Scotland’s most haunted pub, the Banshee Labyrinth carries some serious history – and not the good kind. Sitting near the sites of witch trials, visitors have frequently reported cries and wails echoing through the labyrinth-like corridors.
Add some beers to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect night.
Like Our Content? Follow Us On MSN (or click the Follow Button above) to see more from Traveling In Focus.
