European Ghosts Scotland

The Ghost of John Brown

Balmoral Castle is the Scottish residence of the Royal Family. It is also haunted by a ghostly spirit.

The resident ghost is John Brown, who was Queen Victoria’s confidante and companion and became her close friend after Prince Albert died. The ghostly apparition of Brown has been seen dressed in his kilt and wandering the hallways and grounds.

His apparition has also been seen by Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.

Handless Ghostly Spirit

Cawdor Castle is haunted by a handless young woman in a blue velvet dress.

In the early 1880s, the daughter of the Earl of Cawdor was having a relationship with a young man from a rival family. One day the Earl discovered the lovers in a secret hiding place. He was so infuriated that he chased his daughter through the castle. Trying to escape, she climbed out a castle window and attempted to lower herself to the ground. While still dangling from the window, the Earl drew out his sword and slashed off his daughter’s hands. Now visitors encounter a handless young woman roaming about wearing a blue velvet dress.

Come Spend the Night with Ghosts and Meet the Gray Lady

Situated in the Scottish Borders, the four-star Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is among the most haunted hotels in Scotland. The original Dryburgh Abbey was home to the Roman Catholic order of monks, founded in 1150 by the Lord of Lauderdale.

Stories tell of a young woman who lived in the original Dryburgh Abbey House. She entered into a tempestuous love affair with a monk. When the relationship was discovered, it was demanded that the monk be executed. When the woman learned of her lover’s death, in despair she threw herself into the River Tweed and drowned. Now the ghostly apparition of the woman called “The Gray Lady” can be seen roaming the grounds.

Guests have also encountered the frightening apparition of a group of monks partaking in a religious chant.

Paranormal Activity and the Vicious Poltergeist

The Edinburgh Vaults, located beneath the South Bridge, are a series of underground chambers that were sealed off in the 1820s and forgotten for over 150 years. Rediscovered in the 1980s, they are now known for their eerie atmosphere and historical significance, attracting many visitors each year. They have been featured on the paranormal TV show “Most Haunted”, the BBC special “Joe Swash Believes in Ghosts”, and on the US TV show “Ghost Adventures”.

Towards the end of the 18th century, the vaults were home to many taverns, merchants, and anybody who needed to hide. Serial killers Burke and Hare used them to stash bodies.

After their rediscovery in the 1980s, a modern witch coven used the vaults for their rituals. They performed their deeds in one of the rooms and then left for the night. When they returned the following day, the room was in a state of disrepair, and they could see a “shadow man” in the mirror that hung on the wall.

But I am sure you would rather explore another room that is occupied by a vicious poltergeist who has attacked many visitors over the years. During the years of visitors touring the vaults, in this room light bulbs would explode for no reason. When caretakers saw that it was not use replacing bulb after bulb the room was left in darkness except for the torches and lanterns carried by visitors.

The Headless Spanish Soldier

Situated in Dornie is the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle from the 13th century. It was built on an island by Clan Mackenzie and Clan Macrae. It became famous when seen in the film “Highlander” with Sean Connery.

It is haunted by Spanish soldiers. During the Jacobite rebellion in 1719, 40-50 Spanish soldiers were garrisoned here when the Royal Navy attacked, killing a number of them.

Visitors have seen the apparition of a Spanish soldier holding his head under his arm.

The Black Knight on Horseback

The 500-year-old Rosslyn Chapel is located in the village of Roslin. It is haunted by ghostly spirits.

Among the paranormal activity here are apparitions that appear and quickly vanish. Motorists and those exploring the area have encountered a black knight on horseback who seems not to be aware of the centuries that have passed. It is believed that he was killed in a battle in 1303 in which Scottish Knights defeated an army of English soldiers.

Rosslyn Chapel is also haunted by a mysterious lady in white who surprises visitors when she appears.

Meet the Highland Ghost and the Infamous Green Lady

Among the ghostly spirits haunting Stirling Castle is that of the Highland Ghost. He has been seen in traditional Scottish costume. Back in 1933, he was captured on film. Too bad he has no bagpipes to play.

At the castle you’ll also find the infamous Green Lady, who is believed to have been a servant to Mary, Queen of Scots. She roams the grounds. Supposedly, she met her demise trying to save her mistress from a fire that broke out in her bedroom. She is often described as a spectral figure dressed in green.

They have not been seen together, but Mary herself also haunts the castle. The ghost of Mary Queen of Scots is famously associated with Stirling Castle, where she is often referred to as the "Pink Lady." Sightings of her spirit have been reported, particularly in areas linked to her tragic life and reign Her tragic execution in 1587 has contributed to her ghostly legend, symbolizing her enduring legacy.