At 5pm we love nothing better than a good ghost story and in Glasgow and Edinburgh we’re surrounded by a number of ghouls (according to legend).
In fact, Scotland is said to be one of the most haunted countries in the world, with 38% of the population claiming to have seen a ghost. Yvette Fielding, presenter of Most Haunted and Ghosthunting, has backed up this claim: “If I lived in Scotland I would be a jabbering wreck. Scotland seems to be a hotbed or paranormal activity. I have witnessed some terrifying events in some of the most haunted locations in the world and Scotland is top of the list.”
Thanks for that Yvette. In the spirit (get it?) of Halloween we’ve rounded up our favourite ghosts stories as well as some restaurants nearby so you can enjoy a meal while keeping an eye out for spooky apparitions. So if your chips get cold all of a sudden, you’ll know why.
Glasgow
Central Station Ghosts
With Glasgow Central Station dating back to 1879, it’s not surprising there’s a few ghouls around. Back in the day, the daily activities of the station were recorded in a notebook Glasgow Central still has and, in several of the entries station workers recorded seeing a woman in one of the rooms under the station saying “soldier.” During World War One, Central Station acted as a temporary mortuary for the bodies of dead soldiers before their families collected them. Alston Bar & Beef is located under Central Station – see if you can hear her.
Also, in the arches below Central Station, where Alien Wars was held, is supposedly home to a phantom girl dressed in old style clothing. While the actors from the show are said to be afraid of the ghost, the phantom herself was scared by the show’s special effects. An investigation by the Glasgow Paranormal Investigators recorded lots of creepy things on a dictaphone, including a man’s voice and a voice saying “yeah” – which they think may have been the girl’s voice responding to the question “Do you want to play?”
Friendly hotel ghost
Hotel du Vin @ 1 Devonshire Gardens is said to have its own resident ghost – a female one of a friendly disposition. A review on Trip Advisor claims to have seen it.
Snapped in a photo
When a new owner of Griffin Bar took over, the staff took photographs of the inside to get an idea of what decorating they wanted to do. When the photo was developed, a hand could be seen on one of the pillars as though someone was standing leaning against it. Maybe if you ask the staff they will show you the photo
Grey lady
A former worker at Hutchesons’ Hall, now the site of Hutchesons Brasserie, said it was haunted by a grey lady who could have been the wife of a caretaker or a cleaner. The entity would open and close doors and would be seen looking out of a window from the street. Footsteps would also be heard on the site.
Tragic romance
Dating back to 1883, the seventh floor of the legendary Central Hotel, previously the servants’ quarters, is supposed to be haunted with the ghost of a former staff member. The heartbroken young chef jumped out of the window after his love, a fellow staff member, rejected him. The story goes that so much paranormal activity occurred afterwards, the 6th and 7th floors were evacuated.
Long term ghost
It is said the son of Rogano founder James Henry Roger hanged himself in one of the cloakrooms over 100 years ago. Some senior staff members swear his ghost still haunts the place.
Famous scandal
Just around the corner from Blythswood Square Hotel is one of Glasgow’s legendary ghost and murder stories. When society girl Madeliene Smith fell in love with poor clerk Emile Pierre L’Angelier, she was forced to keep it a secret from her parents who would have disapproved of the union. The pair met on regular nights at Madeleine’s home at 7 Blythswood Square before a marriage was arranged for her to a more suitable wealthy businessman. Emile wouldn’t give up so easily, refusing to return the love letters she had sent him. Emile was later found dead at his home with arsenic poisoning and Madeliene was charged with his murder but found not proven. Her love letters were read out in court and the salacious details caused much furore in the Scottish press. 7 Blythswood Square is still said to be haunted by Madeliene’s ghost.
Edinburgh
][8]Bloody Mackenzie
Legendary Edinburgh poltergeist Bloody Mackenzie once lived on the site of Radisson Blu and several guests have reported strange goings on. When the building was previously Crowne Plaza Hotel it was featured in the Travel Channel programme “Haunted Hotels” where an employee claimed to see the ghost of a little girl wearing rags.
Ghostly piano
A ghostly piano has been heard on Charlotte Square, beside George Street Bar and Grill, on quiet nights and a hooded figure has been seen strolling around the square in 18th century clothing. There is also said to be a ghostly carriage pulled by horses that appears when the square is free of modern traffic.
Johnny “one arm” Chiesly
Dalry Road, home of Edinburgh River Life, was said to be haunted for 300 years by the famous Johnny “one arm” Chiesly who had his arm cut off and was hanged after shooting a judge who gave his wife a hefty divorce settlement. When a one armed skeleton was found under the floorboards of a local house and removed for burial in 1965 it stopped – but more sightings were reported in the 70s and 80s.
Fireman ghost
The old fire station beside Novotel (currently the Museum of Fire) is said to be haunted by a ghostly dark figure wearing a fire style uniform. Footsteps have also been heard.
Royal Mile ghosts
There are several rumoured ghosts on the Royal Mile including the spirit of Deacon Brodie who is said to walk the area carrying a lantern and a coach pulled by black horses. See if you can spot them from The Inn on the Mile.
Jane of George Street
George Street is said to be haunted by the ghost of Jane Vernelt who ran a successful costumier business based in George Street towards the end of the 19th century before she was persuaded to sell up the shop. She soon regretted the decision and suffering from mental illness, returning to the shop demanding to have it back. Her ravings grew worse and she was eventually institutionalised until she died. According to some, Jane can still be seen walking along George Street looking for her shop. Perhaps you’ll be able to see poor Jane pass by from the window of Centotre.
Grassmarket ghosts
The ghost of a heavily scarred lady has been spotted on the Grassmarket as well as a phantom coach being pulled by six horses. So be careful when you leave Biddy’s in case you crash into them.