5 Most Haunted Places To Visit In Scotland

Scotland has long been associated with supernatural spectres, and ghost sightings and strange happenings have been reported across the country. From Stirling Castle to the Old Tay Bridge, we rounded up some of the most haunted spots for you to visit (if you dare) the next time you’re north of the border.

# Greyfriars Kirkyard

Described as “one of the scariest places on earth” and “Scotland’s most haunted cemetery,” this ancient resting place also contains the Covenanters’ Prison and the tombstone of Thomas Riddell Esquire, the real inspiration behind a famous Harry Potter villain, Voldemort. Perhaps the most irking of all is the Mackenzie Poltergeist, the benevolent spirit of Sir George MacKenzie who has left people on ghost tours passed out, scratched, bruised and severely shaken. The tale goes that Bluidy MacKenzie’s poltergeist was unleashed after a homeless man broke into his tomb one frigid night looking for shelter and has played havoc ever since.

# Culzean Castle

Behind the grand facade of Culzean Castle hides a plethora of paranormal activity. Lurking atop sea-battered cliffs, the castle has historical ties with the famous Kennedy Family but is better known for its spectral residents. On stormy nights, a shrill cacophony of ghostly bagpipes can be heard echoing against the crash of the nearby waves. Numerous apparitions have also been reported, including a lady in a ball gown, a hazy mist and a servant girl who was mistreated. Culzean Castle is also featured in the cult horror classic The Wicker Man.

# Culloden Moor

On 16th April 1746, Culloden Moor, near Inverness, bore witness to one of history’s bloodiest battles between government forces and the Bonnie Prince Charlie. This brief yet gruesome battle demolished the soul-sunken Jacobite army and the many Scottish clans who fought for them. This sombre spot today has been reported as haunted by multiple sources, including Outlander author Diana Gaboldon, who was reduced to tears by the presence of the fallen when visiting the battle site. Some hear sword clashes and painful cries, while others set eyes on a Highland warrior or injured cadavers. Either way, the lingering bloodshed and pain from the battle are evident in the area today.

# Skaill House

The fact that Skaill House was constructed within such close distance to the grounds of Orkney’s own Skara Brae – the most complete Neolithic settlement in Europe, also known as the Scottish Pompeii – gives some inkling as to why it has such an abundance of ghostly reports and sightings. Several skeletons have been found under the floorboards of the historical house, with their identities not always known. Over the years, an almost unfathomable number of spooky occurrences have been reported by guests to the eerie grounds.

# Stirling Castle

Although a great number of Scotland’s castles are deemed haunted – Edinburgh, Eilean Donan and Crathes included – Stirling is up there with the best of them. Architectural and historical significance aside, an eerie amount of paranormal activity is locked within these ancient walls – from the ghost of the Green Lady, a said servant of Mary, Queen of Scots, to a supernatural Highlander adorned in full Highland garb. There are countless reports of tourists asking him questions, having mistaken him for a tour guide, before seeing his form diminish and disappear.