10 of Scotland's spookiest spots

Scotland is often referred to as one of the most haunted locations in the world, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Whether it's the Scottish Borders or the Shetland Islands, there are many myths, legends, and spooky stories that have become part of Scotland’s history. From accounts of the infamous Burke and Hare murder in Edinburgh to ghosts of soldiers at Culloden in the Highlands—visitors can find a spooky tale or more in just about every corner of the land.

Here's a list of some of the most popular spooky locations in Scotland. Whether they're actually ‘haunted’ or not, you will have to visit them to see for yourself…

The Edinburgh Dungeon is a unique attraction that provides entertaining tours of the city’s history. While you may laugh here and there, there is a level of scare that you will have to prepare for, as you’ll learn about Scotland’s dark history including Edinburgh’s past link to witchcraft.

Once a working network of closes where people lived and worked, The Real Mary King’s Close was subject to many hauntings in the 17th century and was riddled with myths, tales, and murder mysteries that are still a topic of conversation today. Having been closed to the public for many years, the remaining parts of the close are now open and offer an Underground Guided Tour, providing a historic insight into the infamous witches of Edinburgh.

Beneath the city of Edinburgh lies the South Bridge Vaults, which consist of chambers and underground tunnels and were home to the poorer civilians of Edinburgh in the 16th century. Violence and murder were common during that time, with serial killers using it as a hotspot to hide the bodies of their victims.

Today, the Vaults can be visited and tours are run by Mercat Tours. It has been known that rather strange experiences have occurred since they took over and has been described as “one of the scariest places in Britain” as a result. If you’re up for it, the company offers access to the vaults including its late-night ghost walking tour, which includes visiting sites of documented hauntings, ghosts and spirits.

It has been said that the Culloden Battlefield has been the scene of ghost sightings of the men that were killed in the battle in 1745. If you want to learn more, your best bet would be to sign up for a guided tour with a local, which includes a stop at Loch Ness as well.

Abbotsford House is the home of Sir Walter Scott and was built almost 200 years ago on the banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. There have long been tales of unexplained activity in the building, including in 1818 when on two consecutive nights, Mr. and Mrs. Scott were woken in the night by what sounded like heavy furniture being dragged across the floor in the Armoury below their sleeping quarters, when no one else had been staying there.

On the Aberdeenshire coast, Cruden Bay is often cited as being the inspiration for the horror masterpiece Dracula, as Bram Stoker had visited New Slains Castle there in 1894. The location has also been featured in the TV series, The Crown.

With a long history dating back to 1510, Brodick Castle has its share of spooky stories. The Grey Lady is believed to be the ghost of a plague victim. Another ghost believed to live there is a man clad in green and wearing a wig, who haunts the library. A ghostly white stag has also been seen on several occasions.

It is said that a lady dressed in green roams the castle’s ramparts. Dunstaffnage Castle owners, Clan Campbell, are said to know whether good or bad fortune is coming their way based on sightings of the lady in green.

The region is the location of Yester Castle, below which lies Goblin Ha’, a vaulted chamber. It is reputed to have been built by demonic forces. The legends linking Yester Castle with evil forces date back to the keep’s creation almost 800 years ago. Certainly not a visit for the faint-hearted.

Glasgow is a top choice for lovers of the supernatural. Places to visit include the Necropolis, adjacent to Glasgow Cathedral. This is a site filled with gothic architecture and fascinating stories and is the final resting place of 50,000 people. Legend has it that a ghostly white lady has been seen floating around the cemetery at night...

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