The Most Haunted Places in Scotland: A Complete Guide
Oct 23, 2025
Explore the most haunted places in Scotland, from old castles to misty glens, and uncover the ghost stories behind each one.
Why Scotland Is Known for Its Haunted History
Scotland is often described as one of the most haunted countries in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Many of its castles, battlefields, and historic sites have witnessed centuries of conflict, tragedy, and folklore that continue to shape local stories today. From eerie glens to ghostly castles, every corner seems to whisper tales of mystery and the supernatural – and exploring them in person is half the thrill.
The Most Haunted Places in Scotland: Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is a striking rock formation on the Isle of Skye, said to be the remains of a giant who once roamed the island. According to legend, he and his wife were turned to stone by a fairy curse, leaving only his “old man” figure as a reminder of their tragic fate.
Spook Factor: 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
🎟️ Admission: Free
📍 How to get there: Located a short drive north of Portree on the Isle of Skye. Reachable via our Isle of Skye tours or by car – parking is available near the trailhead.
See Old Man of Storr on Tour
Loch Ness
The famous legend of the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, is one of Scotland’s most enduring mysteries. Sightings of the elusive creature date back to the 6th century, with reports of a serpentine monster lurking in the deep, dark waters. Even today, visitors and scientists alike continue to hunt for the monster using sonar and underwater cameras.
Spook Factor: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
🎟️ Admission: Free (boat tours optional)
📍 How to get there: Loch Ness stretches from Fort Augustus to Inverness – it’s a 30-minute drive from Inverness (approx. 4 hours from Edinburgh).
Visit Loch Ness on Tour
Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
Few places are as chilling as Greyfriars Kirkyard. The graveyard is said to be haunted by the infamous “Mackenzie Poltergeist,” a violent spirit believed to attack visitors who wander too close to the Black Mausoleum. It’s also home to the heartwarming legend of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years.
Spook Factor: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
🎟️ Admission: Free
📍 How to get there: In Edinburgh’s Old Town, a short walk from the Royal Mile. Accessible on foot from most central hotels and attractions.
Cawdor Castle
This stunning castle is rumoured to be haunted by a ghost known as the Lady in Blue, who is believed to be Muriel Calder, a former resident and heiress of Cawdor Castle. She has been seen wandering the castle grounds and lingering in the drawing room, where she gazes longingly at the portrait of the first Baron Cawdor.
Spook Factor: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
🎟️ Admission: Entry fee applies (seasonal opening)
📍 How to get there: Located about 25 minutes from Inverness by car. Open from spring to autumn.
👉 Book Cawdor Castle tickets on their website.
Glen Coe
The dramatic landscape of Glen Coe is steeped in tragedy. It was the site of the infamous Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, where members of the MacDonald clan were betrayed and murdered by government soldiers. Locals say the glen is haunted by the ghosts of the slain, and some even claim to hear the sound of bagpipes echoing through the valley.
Spook Factor: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
🎟️ Admission: Free
📍 How to get there: Situated in the western Highlands, about two hours from Fort William. Best explored on a guided tour for local stories and hidden spots.
Visit Glen Coe on Tour
Culloden Battlefield
Known as the site of the last battle on British soil, Culloden Battlefield is said to be haunted by the spirits of fallen Jacobite soldiers. Visitors have reported hearing faint battle cries, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness, making it one of the most haunted places in Scotland.
Spook Factor: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
🎟️ Admission: Free (museum entry optional)
📍 How to get there: Just east of Inverness, easily reached by car or via guided tours.
Visit Culloden Battlefield on Tour
Edinburgh Castle
Towering over the capital, Edinburgh Castle has seen centuries of sieges, imprisonments, and executions – no wonder it’s earned its place as one of the most haunted places in Scotland. Ghost sightings include a headless drummer, prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars, and even a phantom piper said to have vanished while exploring the castle’s tunnels.
Spook Factor: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
🎟️ Admission: Entry fee applies
📍 How to get there: Right at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Easy to reach on foot.
👉 Book Edinburgh Castle tickets on their website.
Edinburgh Castle and Culloden Battlefield are often named among the most haunted places in Scotland, with countless reports of ghostly activity.
Yes! Many of these places feature on our Highland Explorer Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness – perfect for a spooky adventure.
Early to mid-October is the ideal time to visit, when most attractions are still open and the smaller crowds make for a more relaxed experience.
Scotland’s haunted reputation stems from centuries of battles, legends, and folklore. Every castle, loch, and glen holds a tale – or a ghost – that our local guides are eager to share with you on tour.