Haunted Hotels in Scotland: Castle Ghosts and Highland Legends
Step into the dramatic, mist-shrouded landscapes of Scotland, a land where ancient history isn't just written in books, but whispers from every stone.
Here, magnificent castles, historic inns, and grand estates are not merely hotels – they are living testaments to centuries of clan rivalries, tragic romances, and fierce battles, all leaving behind a rich tapestry of paranormal activity.
For the intrepid traveler seeking an authentic ghostly encounter, Scotland offers some of the UK's most famous and actively haunted hotels. From sorrowful Grey Ladies to restless Jacobite spirits, preparing for a spectral encounter is simply part of the unique charm.
To truly immerse yourself in the otherworldly, always inquire about specific ghost tours, haunted rooms, or paranormal investigation packages offered by some of these historic locations.
Your journey into Scotland's spirited past awaits.
Borthwick Castle, Midlothian
Address: North Middleton, Gorebridge, Scotland EH23 4QY
Unrivaled 15th-century majesty meets a tragic, fiery past at Borthwick Castle. This stunningly restored fortress offers a royal experience, but your stay comes with a guarantee of supernatural company. The notorious Red Room is the epicenter of the castle's hauntings, where the spirit of a heartbroken servant girl, executed for an illicit relationship, continues to linger. She shares her spectral sanctuary with the Borthwick's chancellor, who was burned to death for embezzlement. Guests frequently spot their apparitions gliding down the spiral staircases or materializing in the Great Hall. Only the boldest guests dare to sleep in the very room where history’s heartache and fiery vengeance play out every night.
Tulloch Castle, Dingwall Ross-shire
Address: Tulloch Castle Dr, Dingwall, Ross-Shire, Scotland IV15 9ND
Discover the ancient, irresistible charm of Tulloch Castle, one of Scotland’s most verified haunted locations. This twelfth-century stronghold is a must-see for serious paranormal enthusiasts, as its famous resident, the "Green Lady" Elizabeth Davidson, has been captured on film. Her striking portrait hangs in the Great Hall, a perpetual invitation to her realm. Spend the night and feel the inexplicable cold patches, witness mysterious balls of light (orbs), and hear the many unexplained sounds that echo through the stone hallways. A stay at Tulloch Castle is an immersive, documented journey into the heart of the paranormal.
Auchen Castle, Dumfries & Galloway
Address: Beattock, Moffat, Scotland DG10 9SH,
Experience true medieval luxury and the gentle, chilling presence of a resident phantom at Auchen Castle. Built in the 1300s, this historic estate promises a stay that will transcend the centuries. Your nights here are shared with the most infamous of guests: the ghost of a young child. Imagine waking to the sound of tiny, echoing footsteps as her spirit walks the corridors and descends the grand main staircase in the early hours. For those seeking photographic evidence of the supernatural, keep your camera ready—her ghostly image is sometimes seen playing amongst the formal gardens at twilight. Book your stay and try to capture a truly one-of-a-kind photograph.
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeen
Address: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA
Indulge in Victorian elegance and a ghostly love triangle at Norwood Hall Hotel. This magnificent mansion, built on the historic grounds of Pitfodels Castle, offers a luxurious retreat where the drama of the past is eternally preserved. Your stay places you directly into the middle of a spectral love story involving the former owner, James Ogston, his wronged wife, and his devoted mistress. You might catch a glimpse of James standing solemnly before the log fire in the dining room, or see his heartbroken mistress forever searching for him on the main stairs. This is the perfect destination for those who appreciate grandeur, and the lingering, complex sorrow of a family torn apart by passion.
Cathedral House Hotel, Glasgow
Address: 28-32 Cathedral Square, Glasgow, Scotland G4 0XA
Step into a chilling chapter of Glasgow’s history at the Cathedral House Hotel, located next to the site of the former Duke Street Prison. This hotel, with its deep and dark past, is a magnet for restless spirits. Prepare to encounter the ghost of Susan Newell, executed for murder, whose apparition is known to appear and vanish in an instant. Even more chilling are the sounds of the hotel's young residents: two ethereal children. Listen closely on the top floor, and you may hear their faint, unsettling giggling, or feel their presence brush past you on the stairs. The unseen forces within are active, with reviewers claiming of furniture inexplicably moving, ensuring you will never be truly alone.
Dalhousie Castle Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
Address: Bonnyrigg, Scotland EH19 3JB
Surrender to the 700-year-old magic of Dalhousie Castle, where fairytales meet heartbreak. This breathtaking castle and spa is home to the most famous and tragic of Scotland’s phantoms: the beautiful “Grey Lady,” Lady Catherine. Forever bound to the castle, she was locked in one of the turrets by her lover, where she died of a broken heart. Guests regularly report the unmistakable sounds of her passing—the rustling of her skirt and unexplained tapping on doors throughout the night. Book a turret room if you dare, and experience the eerie silence broken only by the timeless presence of a truly heartbroken ghost.
The Drovers Inn, Loch Lomond
Address: North Loch Lomond, Inverarnan, Scotland G83 7DX
Find refuge in The Drovers Inn, a welcoming, chillingly ancient establishment and one of Scotland’s oldest licensed locations. Since 1705, this inn has been a hub of history—and hauntings. Reserve Room 6 for the most direct encounter with the supernatural. Here, you may be woken in the dead of night by a sudden drip of icy cold water on your bed, a calling card from the ghost of a small girl who tragically drowned nearby. The grounds are also haunted by the sorrowful, lost family who froze to death attempting to reach the safety of the inn. This hotel is a genuine piece of Scottish folklore waiting to chill you to the bone.
Barcaldine Castle, Argyll and Bute
Address: Benderloch, Oban, Scotland PA37 1SA
Rest on the stunning shores of Loch Creran with breathtaking views towards the mountains of Glencoe. The majestic "Black Castle" of Barcaldine offers 4 star luxury in a hotel reputedly haunted by a ghost seeking vengeance.
This 400-year-old castle, with its panoramic views, is said to be the home of the restless spirit of Donald Campbell, the Laird of Barcaldine. Brutally murdered inside the castle during the 1600s, some say his fury and pain are still palpable. Guests are said to encounter his tall, menacing apparition roaming the hallways, accompanied by the unexplained noises that punctuate the castle’s ancient structure. This is the ultimate destination for those seeking historical beauty and a truly powerful, vengeful haunting.
The Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh
Address: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1TR
Experience four-star luxury within the opulent confines of The Scotsman Hotel, a city-centre monument haunted by its own industrious past.
This grand building, once the busy offices of The Scotsman newspaper, still harbours the energy—and the ghosts—of its dedicated staff. It is claimed that several keen reporters and staff members remain, going about their work in the afterlife as they did in life. The most notable is the printer who tragically died in an accident on the premises. His apparition is frequently seen roaming the luxurious corridors and rooms. This is your chance to book a high-end stay and mingle with the city's most dedicated, and eternally productive, phantoms.
Airth Castle, Stirlingshire
Address: Airth, Stirlingshire, Scotland FK2 8JF
Unfortunately closed in 2023. Hopefully opens again soon.
Indulge in a luxurious and terror-filled stay at Airth Castle, a magnificent fourteenth-century fortress. Once owned by the family of Robert de Bruce, this castle has a history marred by fire and violence, leaving numerous spirits trapped within. For a truly haunted experience, request Room 9, where a nanny and the playful children she cared for perished in a tragic fire, and are now heard running down the corridors. Or brave Room 21, where a maid was violently killed by the master of the castle, her ghost forever lingering. Unexplained, bone-chilling screams are also often heard from Rooms 2, 3, and 14. This is a five-star stay with a guaranteed side of absolute dread.
Dornoch Castle Hotel, Sutherland
Address: Castle St, Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland IV25 3SD
Stay within the ancient walls of Dornoch Castle, a former bishop’s home, jail, and now a celebrated, and deeply haunted, hotel. This picturesque wedding venue hides a persistent supernatural resident: Andrew McCornish, executed for the simple crime of stealing sheep. Though the building was formally exorcised in 1922, McCornish refused to leave. Guests often encounter his distinct apparition—a gaunt man in grey stockings and breeches—as he continues his lonely vigil in the hallways. Book your stay for a truly unique look into Scotland's harsh justice system, personified by the ghost who never moved on.
Mansfield Castle, Ross
Address: Scotsburn Rd, Tain, Scotland IV19 1PR
Surrounded by picturesque grounds in the Royal Burgh of Tain, Mansfield Castle offers a refined Victorian stay with a distinctly maternal haunting. The castle is eternally cared for by the demanding spirit of Mrs. Fowler. After overseeing a major refurbishment in 1902, she remains intensely concerned with the well-being of the building and its grounds. Guests frequently have unexpected run-ins with her, sensing her presence as she tends to the hotel as if she were still in the middle of her endless renovation project. Come and experience the luxurious rooms, but be warned: Mrs. Fowler is watching and silently judging whether the upkeep meets her meticulous, spectral standards.
Our list of haunted hotels offer great suggestions of places to stay whether you are interested in the paranormal or simply an overnight stay. Some hotels embrace their haunted heritage and their reputation is heavily based on their supernatural activity, whereas other hotels may not promote this aspect of their premises.
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