Post by Joanna on Jun 3, 2016 21:09:43 GMT -5
Five Scottish Hotels with Ghosts
From phantom clan warriors to mischievous poltergeists, Scotland has more than its fair share of haunted hotels and here are five of them:
Barcaldine Castle (Oban). Barcaldine (above) is a tower house castle built by Sir Duncan Campbell, who, from 1591 to 1601, was a man known for his “black” heart. But it isn’t Sir Duncan who haunts the castle, it is his brother. The Campbell and MacDonald clans were embroiled in a bitter dispute for hundreds of years that led to many deaths on both sides. However, of the numerous murder victims, Donald Campbell is the only one known to haunt the castle and it is said he returned from the dead to chastise his brother. Stewart of Appin, the man who murdered Donald, was a guest at Barcaldine Castle and as was customary in the Highlands, Duncan welcomed him. Donald’s spirit was angered that his brother offered bed and board to his killer and attempted to make him realize he was entertaining the man who murdered his brother. To this day, Donald Campbell continues to spook guests and staff alike.
Norwood Hall Hotel (Aberdeen). The Norwood (above left) claims to have three ghosts: James Ogston, who once owned the hotel, his wife and his mistress. Ogston lived at Ardoe House with his young family and in 1872, he purchased what is now the hotel and rebuilt it in 1881 for his mistress so they would have a place to meet. Both his wife and mistress wanted him to leave the other, but he refused. Norwood is now believed to be haunted by all three, with his wife apparently being the most active. Ogston has been seen in the dining room in front of the log fire, while his mistress is said to haunt the main stair, apparently searching for her lover.
Ord House, Muir of Ord (Highlands). Built in 1637, Ord House (above right) is of historic interest and boasts a resident ghost, a lady in a white Victorian-style nightgown who stalks the corridors and some of the bedrooms. She is a friendly, but apparently mischievous, spirit and a houseful of guests does not deter her manifestations. She is said to be heard roaming the dark halls of the hotel late at night and some have seen her sitting at the foot of their beds. The white-clad phantom also has been known to remove pictures she doesn’t like from the walls of the hotel.
Lodge at Edinbane (Skye). Reputed to be the oldest coaching house on Skye, the Lodge at Edinbane (above left) dates to the 16th century. It is not really surprising that a building with such a pervading sense of history should also be home to a few harmless ghosts. All the paranormal activities are centered on the ground floor of the Lodge. A gentleman in black is often spotted at the entrance while a black-garbed, elderly grandmother can sometimes be glimpsed knitting by the fire with a phantom spaniel at her feet. A very active spot is the passage behind the bar, where an elderly lady in night clothing appears. These “extra” guests never bother the “ real” guests, so the owners are more than happy to accommodate them.
Airth Castle (Stirlingshire). There have been sightings of a nanny and two young children who are said to have perished in a fire at the castle (above right). Guests in Rooms 3, 4, 9 and 23 have reported hearing children playing when there are no children around. Others have reported hearing the screams and cries of a maid who was said to have been attacked by her master. In addition to the uncanny auditory phenomena, a phantom dog has bitten the ankles of visitors. Airth dates to the 14th century and was once owned by Robert the Bruce. The 14 acres of parkland surrounding the castle contains a 12th century graveyard and 18th century stables.
Source: The Scotsman, June 3, 2016.
