While watching horror films and eating copious amounts of sweets are popular ways to spend Halloween, there are a wealth of locations to visit in the UK if you’re hoping for a real scare. The UK is home to a number of impressive castles, many of which play host to some hair-raising ghost stories - including several in Scotland. Whether you’re a believer in ghosts, or still a sceptic, these 13 Scottish castles all have a strange history and are allegedly said to be haunted.
5. Crathes Castle, Banchory
Built in the 1500s, this brooding castle is believed to be haunted by the spirit of the Green Lady, a ghostly apparition dressed in a green robe. She is said to have been a servant girl who disappeared soon after having a child. In the 1800s, skeletal remains were found behind the fireplace in a room she had been seen in. Photo: Shutterstock
6. Duntrune Castle, Argyll
A ghostly bagpiper is believed to haunt this castle in Argyll, after being sent by his master to secretly study the building’s defences. After residents grew suspicious, he was locked up and later had his fingers chopped off and was left to die. Photo: Shutterstock
7. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Considered one of the most haunted places in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle has had many reports of strange goings-on over the years, including former prisoners haunting the dungeons and the ghost of a headless drummer, whose music has been heard come from the battlements. Photo: Shutterstock
8. Dunrobin Castle, Golpsie
The Seamstresses’ Room on the upper floor of the castle is allegedly haunted by a young woman who was imprisoned by the Earl of Sutherland, who planned to marry her. She tried to escape by climbing down a rope of sheets but fell to her death, and her cries can still be heard today. Photo: Shutterstock