Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. As well as being known for traditions such as haggis and the Loch Ness Monster, its castles are one of its most popular features. With more than 2,000 castles – ranging from the fairytale, turret-laden masterpieces to imposing fortresses – each has its own story to tell.
And with many of them being the sites of much bloodshed and terror, several of Scotland’s castles have dark histories swirling with myths and legends. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the most haunted castles in Scotland and tell you their grisly stories.
11 Haunted Castles to visit in Scotland
1.Tantallon Castle
Tantallon Castle is one of the best examples of a medieval castle in Scotland. The stronghold gives incredible views over to Bass Rock, and large colonies of seabirds in the North Sea.
The castle was besieged many times and was heavily damaged by Cromwell and his forces in 1651. There are many myths and legends surrounding Tantallon Castle, including some accounts that say it was the origin of King Arthur’s Camelot.
More recently, Tantallon has been popular with ghost hunters; in 2009, photographs circulated online that seemed to show a 17th-century figure looking out from the windows of the ruin.
Where: North Berwick
When: 14th century
Style: Medieval
Open for Visit: Yes. For more information check here.
2. Falkland Palace & Garden
Built between 1501 and 1541, Falkland Palace and Garden is one of the finest examples of a Scottish Renaissance Palace. The ‘pleasure palace’ was designed to enable King James IV and his son to engage in pursuits such as falconry and hunting.
As well as being home to the world’s oldest surviving tennis court, you may come across the Grey Lady in the spooky Tapestry Gallery. She is said to be waiting for her lover to return – a soldier who rode off into battle.
Where: Falkland, Cupar
When: 16th century
Style: Renaissance
Open for Visit: Yes. For more information check here.
3. Skaill House
Built atop a Norse burial ground, it takes a brave traveller to spend the night at Skaill House. It’s not a castle, but probably the most exquisite 17th-century mansion on the Isle of Orkney.
It is just 200 metres from the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, which was unearthed by the 7th laird who lived in the house. There are said to be ghosts living in the house. The current laird of the manor reported hearing footsteps late one night and his dog barking at seemingly nothing.
Other stories have included the smells of cigarette smoke in the attic and doors opening and closing of their own accord. The residents at least agree the ghosts are friendly!
Where: Sandwick, Orkney
When: 17th century
Style: Manor House
Open for Visit: Yes. For more information check here.
4. Hermitage Castle
This eerie and remote castle in the Scottish Borders stood watch over ‘the bloodiest valley in Britain’. Many castles in Scotland’s share the claim to fame that Mary Queen of Scots spent time there, and Hermitage is no different.
She is one of the restless spirits said to inhabit the castle, among many others. There are countless tales of torture and black magic taking place within the thick stone walls.
Where: Newcastleton, Hawick
When: 14th century
Open for Visit: Yes. For more information check here.
5. Blackness Castle
Film buffs will recognise Blackness Castle from Mary Queen of Scots, in which it played the role of Holyroodhouse Palace, while TV addicts will remember it from Outlander. However, Blackness is a fearsome castle with its own horrible history.
Since being built in the 15th century, the formidable stronghold has been a royal castle, prison, and ammunitions depot. If you’re of a nervous disposition, stay away from the central ‘Prison’ tower; the phantom of a knight in armour is said to call it home.
Where: Blackness, Linlithgow
When: 15th century
Open for Visit: Yes. For more information check here.
6. Inveraray Castle
This country house castle is in the county of Argyll on the shore of Scotland’s longest sea loch, Loch Fyne. It’s one of the first and most beautiful examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Scotland, although there are other influences too.
The ghost here is unlikely to scare you, but its story is fascinating all the same. During Britain’s Civil War in 1644, the castle was ransacked and burned, with the resident harp player one of the victims. The charming ghost who is said to live here more often appears to women, and ghostly harp music can often be heard in the castle library.
Where: Inveraray
When: 18th century
Style: Gothic Revival, Baroque, and Palladian architecture
Open for Visit: Yes, for more information click here.
7. Kellie Castle
Kellie Castle is a blend of medieval architecture and Victorian style, as the castle was refurbished in the 19th century by the artistic Lorimer family.
The spooky stories come from the oldest part of the castle, which dates back to 1360. Guests have reported hearing ghostly footsteps pacing the castle tower at night. But who is it? It’s said to be the spirit of Anne Erskine who fell from an upstairs window of the tower… or maybe she was pushed?
Where: Pittenweem, Anstruther
When: 14th century
Style: Medieval
Open for Visit: Yes, for more information check here.
8. Alloa Tower
One of the few remaining examples of a tower house in Scotland, Alloa Tower was one of the first built around 700 years ago and is the largest surviving keep in Scotland.
From the top of the tower, you can admire spectacular panoramic views, which stretch across nine counties. The Erskine Family are said to have put a curse on the tower in the 16th century, and there are a gaggle of ghosts who live in this tower, including a man in chains in the dungeon.
Where: Alloa
When: 14th century
Style: Medieval tower house
Open for Visit: Yes, for more information check here.
9. Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse and Museum
Kinnaird Head Castle was built in the 16th century but altered in the late 18th century to add the first working lighthouse on the Scottish mainland. And while you think that the haunting comes from a ship that washed up on the shore, you’d be wrong.
In fact, it’s a ghost piper you need to be on the lookout for (or at least listen to) here. It’s said that the laird’s daughter fell in love with a servant piper, who was then locked up in a cave below the castle. The piper drowned in the bad weather. When Isobel heard the news, she threw herself onto the rocks below.
Where: Fraserburgh
When: 18th century
Open for Visit: Yes, for more information check here.
10. Castle Menzies
This 16th-century castle is in the Highlands of Perthshire and was the seat of the Clan Menzies for almost 500 years. It has been restored from ruin not only as a visitor attraction but as a wedding and concert venue too.
Castle Menzies’ most terrifying ghosts are the rumoured coven of witches who haunt the meat cellar, but there have also been mysterious voices and ghostly orbs witnessed by tour groups. Spooky!
Where: Weem, Aberfeldy
When: 16th century
Open for Visit: Yes, for more information check here.
11. The Castle of Mey
When the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see the Orkneys from the Castle of Mey – around six miles west of the most northerly point in the UK John o’Groats. In fact, it’s the most northerly castle in Scotland!
The castle is the former holiday home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. When staying at the castle, the royal would have been wise to stay away from the top floor of the castle, which is haunted by Lady Fanny Sinclair.
Where: Mey, Thurso
When: 16th century
Style: Gothic Revival
Open for Visit: Yes, for more information, check here.
My favorite is castle Menzies at Perthshire!