Haunted castles dot the Scottish coastline. Paranormal investigator DAVID BARRETT shines his torch on three of south-west Scotland’s most haunted castles
Haunted Castles
Culzean Castle, near Maybole, Ayrshire
Culzean Castle – the site of many hauntings – was the home of the chief of the Kennedy Clan. It was built in the late 1700s.
The chief of the Kennedy Clan liked people to know he was wealthy, so the castle was built into a large estate, with extensive gardens, glasshouses, and ponds.
Inside the castle is a large staircase, and a collection of paintings.
When the haunted castle was handed to the National Trust for Scotland, it was agreed that the top floor apartment be given to President Eisenhower to recognise his role in World War II. Eisenhower stayed at the castle 4 times.
Apparently there are at least seven spirits residing in the castle, the most famous being the piper.
Believed to be an ancestor of the Kennedy Clan, it’s said you can hear the ghostly piper play before a Kennedy gets married.
A misty shape has been seen on the staircase. It’s thought to be the spirit of a princess killed in the castle. A lady in a ball gown has also been seen, sometimes in the gardens of the staircase.
Staff and visitors have also reported strange mists in the dungeons.
Broick Castle, Isle of Arran
Death and ghosts permeate Brodick Castle, on the Isle of Arran, which was built over four centuries, from the 1200s to 1600s.
During the Wars of Independance, the castle was held by the English but in 1307 was retaken by Scotland.
Following the Wars, it fell into the hands of the Duke of Hamilton in 1503. In 1510 the Hamiltons rebuilt the castle, then over the following years, due to various clan battles, it had to be rebuilt numerous times.
Oliver Cromwell’s troops had taken over the castle in 1610, significantly extending it.
Later in the 17th century, the Hamiltons had it back.
It is said there are three spirits in the castle.
A male apparition has been spotted in the library. The spirit of a grey lady has been spotted. Three ladies starved to death in the dungeons and she is thought to be one of these women. They had been placed in the dungeons due to having the plague.
It’s also said that when the Chief of the Hamilton’s is about to die, a white dear is spotted.
Ardrossan Castle, Ayrshire
On the west coast of Scotland lies Ardrossan Castle, one of the most haunted castles in the country.
Most of the castle is ruined now, but the keep remains, dating from the 15th century.
The original castle was destroyed in the Wars of Independence but was rebuilt during the 15th century.
It was then ruined by Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century. His troops removed some of the stones, using them to build Ayr Citadel.
The castle is reportedly haunted by William Wallace.
During stormy nights, he is said to wander the castle grounds.
Fergus Barclay was a skilful horseman in the area. He was known as the De’il of Ardrossan.
Legend has it that his skills were due to his magical bridle.
Fergus made a deal with the Devil, in exchange for his soul he was given the Bridle.
Fergus somehow managed to trick the Devil into giving his soul back
Once the Devil realised what happened, he was furious. His footprints were said to have been left on the rocks after attacking the castle.
Have you been to any of these haunted castles? Tell us in the comment section below!
David’s first book, “My Life As A Scottish Paranormal Investigator“, recounting his adventures investigating haunted locations from Scotland to Transylvania, is available now on Amazon.
