The Blue Boy, a sorrowful ghost of a long-dead child, is said to haunt the Coylet Inn by Loch Eck in Argyll. CHRISTINE MILLER tells us about the legend and her own spooky experience at the hotel.
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Loch Eck in Argyll, Scotland, lies an old building with a dark and mysterious past.
The Coylet Inn, known for its rustic charm, warm, cosy fires and historical significance, holds within its walls a haunting legend known as the tale of the Blue Boy. This tragic legend recounts the eerie encounters with a spectral apparition that continues to captivate the imaginations of locals and visitors alike.
Who is the Blue Boy?
According to the tale, the Blue Boy is said to be the restless spirit of a young boy who met a tragic end in the vicinity of Coylet Inn many centuries ago. The details surrounding his demise remain shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that the boy while staying at the Coylet Inn, sleepwalked out of the inn and into the frigid winter temperatures of the Loch.
It is said that his spirit was, from that fatal day, bound to the inn, forever trapped between the realms of the living and the dead.
The Blue Boy’s spectral figure is described as being dressed in tattered, blue-coloured clothing, hence the name bestowed upon him. Witnesses have reported sightings of a young boy with sorrowful eyes, his translucent form gliding through the corridors of Coylet Inn in the stillness of the night. He is said to emanate an otherworldly aura, filling the air with an inexplicable chill, and leaving those who encounter him with an overwhelming sense of unease.
Eyewitness Accounts
Numerous accounts from guests and staff of Coylet Inn over the years have described encounters with the Blue Boy. Some claim to have heard soft, distant whispers emanating from empty rooms, accompanied by the pitter-patter of phantom footsteps.
Others have witnessed objects moving on their own accord or felt a sudden drop in temperature, possibly signifying the presence of an otherworldly entity. Many who have dared to venture into the inn’s haunted spaces have reported feelings of being watched… as if the Blue Boy’s ethereal gaze followed their every move.
The legend of the Blue Boy has become deeply ingrained in the folklore and history of the area. Locals often share stories of their encounters, passing on the tales to new generations. Coylet Inn has gained a reputation as a paranormal hotspot, attracting enthusiasts and thrill-seekers intrigued by the prospect of encountering the spectral boy.
Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the Legend of the Blue Boy of Coylet Inn continues to captivate the imagination, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the already rich tapestry of Loch Eck‘s history.
It serves as a reminder that within the walls of seemingly ordinary places, extraordinary tales can emerge, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of those who dare to explore the unknown.
A Spooky Experience At The Coylet Inn
I’ve had my own rather strange experience at the Inn. One night, in between pandemic lockdowns, my husband and I were staying the night at the Coylet. It was after hours with everyone long having gone to bed, except us. We were wide awake, staring out into the darkness on the Loch through the huge panoramic window in our room.
As was often the case, my better half decided to “get a bit of fresh air,” i.e. smoke copious amounts of cigarettes. He used an already ajar upstairs fire door to let himself outside onto a metal ramp that led to the hill behind the inn.
Within a matter of moments, he was back with claims of distinct footsteps underneath him. But, when he shone his phone’s light down to where the footsteps came from, he could see only an area closed off to the public that was heavily loaded with old barrels and various bits and pieces of gardening equipment.
I was to confirm this when I was half dragged out onto said metal ramp at close to 1 AM, alongside my darling husband’s hushed cries of: “C’mon, you love stuff like this. You write for a f***ing paranormal website, for God’s sake.”
Reader, let me be clear. I am the wimp of the Spooky Isles team. While many of our amazing writers and editors love nothing more than chasing for signs of the dead at ungodly hours, I much prefer being tucked up in bed reading about their exploits. Actively investigating is not my idea of a good night.
Anyway, as we made out way onto the ramp again, we could hear what, yes, were unmistakable, heavy – almost thudding – footsteps from beneath us, an area where it was impossible for anyone to walk through.
Suddenly, the footsteps began to thud on the metal walkway we stood on and quickly started towards us. There was a full moon, so although neither of us had our phone lights on, we could clearly see there was no one there. Still the footsteps quickly got louder, and closer. What cemented the experience for me was being able to feel the vibrations of these footsteps pulsing off the metal.
With that, we sprinted back into our room, utterly, genuinely traumatised.
One thing was for sure: It definitely wasn’t the spirit of the young Blue Boy, unless he had hobnail boots on.
Was it a ghost? We’ll probably never know. The first thing we both said when we reached the safety of our room was, “Why didn’t either of us think to bloody video it?”
You live and learn.
Have you visited the wonderful Coylet Inn and have a spooky tale to tell? Let us know about it in the comments section below.
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