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Edinburgh Castle
Scotland's most haunted castle, built on an ancient volcanic plug. The drumming ghost heralds disaster. A headless drummer, spectral piper, and the ghosts of prisoners haunt its dungeons and battlements.
900 - Present
Edinburgh, Scotland
5000+ witnesses
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most haunted locations in Scotland, with centuries of paranormal activity.
The Legend
According to historical accounts:
Edinburgh Castle hosts:
- A phantom drummer
- A headless drummer boy
- The ghostly piper
- French prisoners of war
- Lady Janet Douglas
The Drummer
The most famous ghost:
- Appears before disaster
- Sound of drums with no source
- Heard before sieges
- Headless figure seen
- Warned of Cromwell’s attack
The Piper
A piper once:
- Sent to explore tunnels
- His music marked his path
- Then suddenly stopped
- He was never found
- His pipes still heard below
Lady Glamis
Janet Douglas:
- Accused of witchcraft
- Burned at stake 1537
- Seen on battlements
- In a glowing light
- A victim of false charges
The 2001 Study
Scientific investigation:
- Edinburgh International Science Festival
- 240 volunteers
- Reported unexplained phenomena
- Cold spots, shadows
- Feelings of being watched
Prisoner Ghosts
The dungeons contain:
- French Revolutionary prisoners
- American prisoners (1812)
- Colonial prisoners
- Many died within
- Still reported
Sources
- Historical documentation