Haunted Places in Scotland: 12 Spooky Spots to Visit or Stay
From ancient castles to ghostly graveyards, there are countless haunted places in Scotland waiting to be discovered.
With its rich history and dramatic landscapes, Scotland has long been associated with the supernatural. A number of ghostly figures have been seen across historic locations including Fyvie Castle in the heart of Aberdeenshire and various locations in Edinburgh, including Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh Castle and the South Bridge Vaults.
If you're looking for a spooky adventure, here are a few of Scotland's most famous haunted places, including our very own Thainstone House Hotel in Inverurie, haunted by The Green Lady. Read on for more information about her and more paranormal figures besides.
Glamis Castle, Angus
Perhaps the most famous haunted castle in Scotland, Glamis Castle is said to be home to the ghost of Lady Janet Douglas, also known as the Grey Lady. Sentenced to death for the bogus claims of conspiring to poison King James V, Janet was burned at the stake outside Edinburgh Castle in 1537.
The castle is also said to be haunted by other apparitions, including the Ghost of Earl Beardie and The Woman Without a Tongue, and has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore for centuries with rumours of hidden passages and secret rooms.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
As one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks, Edinburgh Castle is believed to be haunted by several spirits. One of the most famous ghosts is the "Headless Drummer," a soldier who was punished for cowardice by having his head cut off. Visitors to the castle have reported hearing the sound of a drumbeat echoing through the empty halls.
Thainstone House, Inverurie
Said to be the daughter of a former owner of our 18th-century house hotel, Thainstone House is haunted by The Green Lady, a young woman who was reportedly involved in a horse-riding accident and later passed away from her injuries.
Those who have seen her say she wears a green riding cloak and is, at times, accompanied by an older woman, believed to be her mother or grandmother. Although visiting dogs have been hesitant to enter the room that she was taken to following her injuries, the spirits are both said to be friendly, yet shy.
Book a stay and dine in the restaurant named after her at our AA-Rosette awarded Green Lady restaurant.
Blackness Castle, Linlithgow
This imposing fortress, located on the Firth of Forth, is said to be haunted by a ghostly lady who wanders the castle grounds. Known as the "Blackness," the castle has a dark and sinister history, and many visitors have reported feeling a sense of unease while exploring its ancient walls.
Doune Castle, Perthshire
Doune Castle, made famous by its appearance in the TV series "Outlander," is rumoured to be haunted by a ghostly piper who plays a mournful tune through the castle halls. Visitors have reported hearing the sound of the piper's music, even when there is no one else around.
If you are interested in more filming locations around Scotland, check out our blog on Harry Potter filming locations.
Elgin Cathedral, Moray
This ruined cathedral, once one of the most magnificent in Scotland, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who was buried alive. Visitors to the cathedral have reported seeing the ghost of the girl wandering the ruins, her face filled with sadness and despair.
Inveraray Castle & Jain, Inveraray
The seat of the Duke of Argyll, Inveraray Castle is said to be haunted by a ghostly piper who plays a haunting tune on a moonlit night. The piper's music is said to be so beautiful and mournful that it can bring tears to the eyes of those who hear it.
Looking for something darker than haunted castles? You can experience firsthand the confinement of the 19th-century Scottish Prison system. Inveraray Jail sits a mere 10-minute walk from the Castle and hosts interactive museum exhibits and escape rooms. It is said the spirits of many prisoners still haunt the jail walls. Ghost Hunters International even investigated it in 2011. Watch season 2, episode 25, for a sneak peak.
Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire
In the heart of Aberdeenshire is the beautiful Fyvie Castle which is said to be home to the ghost of Lilias Drummond. Legend says that Lilias was starved to death by her husband, Alexander Seton, for failing to provide a son and heir.
On the night of his second marriage, her ghostly laments were heard outside the marital bedchamber and her name was found freshly scratched into the castle walls the next morning. On a tour of the castle you can view the window ledge she carved her name into, as well as the lonely room where she was allegedly starved to death.
Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
There’s been a number of ghostly sightings at the popular tourist attraction Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh which once housed residents in the 16th and 17th centuries. The most famous is likely that of Annie’s Ghost, the spirit of a little girl is said to have lost her doll during the plague but a woman in a black dress has been seen on a frequent basis, as well as the spirit of its last resident Andrew Chesney.
Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven
Dunnottar Castle is said to be haunted by several spectral residents. One of the most famous is the ghostly piper, often heard playing mournful tunes in the castle's dungeons. Another ghostly tale involves a woman who was walled up alive within the castle walls.
Her screams are said to be heard echoing through the ancient corridors, especially during stormy weather. Some visitors also claim to have felt a chilling presence or seen shadowy figures moving through the castle's rooms.
South Bridge Vaults, Edinburgh
The South Bridge Vaults, a network of underground passages beneath Edinburgh's South Bridge, are said to be one of the most haunted places in the city.
The vaults were once used as storage for various goods, but during the 18th century, they became notorious for their dark and dangerous atmosphere.
It is believed that many people, including criminals, homeless individuals, and victims of disease, met their end within the vaults. As a result, the vaults are said to be haunted by the spirits of these unfortunate souls.
Visitors have reported feeling cold spots, hearing unexplained noises, and even seeing shadowy figures moving through the darkness.
Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh
Greyfriars Kirkyard is often considered Scotland's most haunted graveyard and is filled with the graves of famous figures, including the Scottish Enlightenment philosophers David Hume and Adam Smith. The graveyard is said to be haunted by a variety of spirits, including the notorious 17th-century coven leader, Thomas Aitken, who is believed to be buried there.
Visitors have reported feeling cold spots, hearing unexplained noises, and even seeing shadowy figures moving among the tombstones. The most famous ghost story associated with Greyfriars Kirkyard involves a dog named "Mowzer," who is said to haunt the graveyard, searching for his deceased owner.
Stay at Thainstone House hotel, One of Scotland’s Most Haunted Places
With its rich history and reported paranormal activity, Thainstone House hotel is the perfect stay for those seeking a touch of the supernatural. Explore our grand country house and garden and experience our AA-Rosette awarded Green Lady restaurant, named after our special guest in room 406.
Whether you're a believer in the paranormal or looking for the ultimate getaway rich in Scottish culture, staying at Thainstone House promises a memorable and potentially spine-tingling adventure. Book now.
