Eerie castles, misty landscapes and ghostly tales...

With an abundance of haunted locations and wealth of stories in its historic cities, Scotland offers an ideal setting to embrace the Halloween spirit.

For the ultimate haunted experience, VisitScotland has analysed data from The Paranormal Activity Database, an encyclopaedia that records paranormal activity, to uncover some surprising haunted locations across all eight Scottish cities.  

Edinburgh 

Medieval architecture, dark alleyways, and ancient history – there’s nothing else you need for an eerie atmosphere, that whispers of ancient mysteries. In Edinburgh, the Paranormal Activity Database documents an astounding 106 instances of supernatural occurrences since records began. 

Established in the 1560s, Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh has become a fixture in ghostlore, with graveyards being notorious for harbouring an array of spirits. The paranormal activity documented in the database includes a haunting tale of restless spirits, tormented by the mistreatment they endured in life, who are now seeking retribution from the living.  

There have also been numerous reports of George MacKenzie, known as the MacKenzie Poltergeist, that supposedly haunts Greyfriars Kirkyard. Once a merciless persecutor of the Scottish Covenanters in the 17th century, his spirit was reportedly unleashed in 1999 when a homeless intruder disturbed his final resting place- the Black Mausoleum.  

Glasgow 

Featured 44 times in the Paranormal Activity Database, Glasgow is the city of supernatural allure, from the grandeur of Glasgow Cathedral to the mysterious depths of the Necropolis.  

While Pitt the phantom may be a literary creation by Scottish poet Brian Whittingham, the Mitchell Library in Glasgow has left its own spectral imprint on the minds of its staff. With its imposing Victorian architecture and vast collections, it possesses an ambiance that can transform into an unexpectedly eerie experience. 

There have been tales of inexplicable icy chills that send shivers down spines, particularly on the library's enigmatic second floor. Beyond the realms of Whittingham's imagination, the reported encounters with unexplained phenomena add an extra layer of ghostly intrigue to this renowned library in the heart of Scotland. 

Perth 

Perth boasts 63 paranormal locations according to the database with plenty of haunted places to discover. If you're in search of ghostly encounters, a visit to Perth Theatre is a must. Legend has it that a grey woman, dressed in period attire and emanating the scent of aged tobacco smoke, wanders the hallowed halls. Adding to the eerie ambiance, there are even reports of a chilling photograph capturing a misty grey figure on a balcony, silently observing some workers carrying out restorations below.   

Aberdeen  

With 22 paranormal sightings according to the Paranormal Activity database, Aberdeen offers a compelling mix of history and mystery for those seeking paranormal encounters. Aberdeen Arts Centre, an independent arts venue, makes its mark among haunted places, with whispers of a lingering maid on the old top floor and supernatural sightings along the corridors. Among the chilling narratives, the Green Room is probably the scariest where reports suggest the existence of a floating face.  

Stirling 

Stirling exudes a mysterious ambiance, steeped in centuries of history and tales of the supernatural. The city has 19 mentions of paranormal activity in the database including a quite surprising one – The Tolbooth. It might be a popular music venue, but according to the database, there’s been multiple ghost sightings there. As the site of a former jail, the database notes that former prisoner deceased prisoner, Allan Mair’s supposedly roams the building today still dressed in his jail uniform. 

Dundee  

Dundee is also a great destination for a haunted adventure. There have been a staggering 14 entries into the paranormal activity database, making it a prime destination for those seeking spine-tingling encounters with the supernatural.  

Dundee’s Verdant Works, known as Scotland’s Jute Museum, stands as a haunting hotspot with many a scary tale that include reports of staff and visitors hearing the sound of phantom footsteps, a lady in grey clothing, a child’s handprints appearing on surfaces around the building and the sound of machinery in an otherwise empty factory. 

Inverness 

Inverness offers a captivating blend of Highland charm and mystique, perfect to immerse yourself in Scotland's ghostly tales and supernatural folklore. 

There have been 12 paranormal sightings in Inverness, including at Eden Court Theatre, where multiple hauntings have supposedly occurred: an usher, who was alone at the time, reported feeling a strong tug on her shirt collar; technicians reported witnessing strange ghostly figures standing in the auditorium; and even a small child was seen standing in the wings during a performance. 

Dunfermline  

Dunfermline's rich history, with its ancient abbey, centuries-old royal connections, and atmospheric cobbled streets, provides a hauntingly promising backdrop for those eager to embark on a ghost-hunting experience.  

The city has been featured 8 times in the database with the Alhambra Theatre being a particularly common hotspot. According to the paranormal database, a mysterious figure draped in black has been seen traversing the aisles. The two leading theories for who the figure is include an Italian actress, rumoured to have met her demise in a fall during the 1920s, or a lingering monk from the theatre's enigmatic past. The spooky vibes extend to the old projection room, where visitors recount unsettling sensations, adding an extra layer of haunted mystique to this historic venue. 

For more spooky inspiration visit VisitScotland’s Ghosts in Scotland page