Scotland’s Haunted Fortress

Edinburgh Castle, perched on an ancient volcanic rock, has dominated Scotland for nine centuries. Its ghosts—including prisoners, soldiers, and even a headless drummer—were documented in a massive scientific study that found significant paranormal evidence.

The Castle

Historic fortress:

• Built 12th century
• On Castle Rock
• Strategic position
• Royal residence
• Military prison

The History

Centuries of:

• Sieges
• Executions
• Imprisonment
• Death
• Suffering

The Dungeons

Prison vaults:

• Held thousands
• War prisoners
• Political enemies
• Horrific conditions
• Many died

The Headless Drummer

Famous ghost:

• Appears before attacks
• Drumming heard
• No head visible
• Warning spirit
• Multiple sightings

The 2001 Study

Groundbreaking research:

• Dr. Richard Wiseman
• Edinburgh University
• 240 volunteers
• Scientific approach
• Significant findings

Study Results

What was found:

• Over 50% experienced something
• Without being told haunted areas
• Matched known hotspots
• Temperature drops measured
• Scientific validation

The Vaults

Most active area:

• Underground rooms
• Former prison
• Most reports
• Extreme activity
• Investigation focus

Dog Cemetery

Soldiers’ pets:

• Buried on castle grounds
• Phantom dog sightings
• Pulling on clothes
• Wet nose felt
• Touching experiences

The Lone Piper

Lost musician:

• Sent into tunnels
• Never returned
• Piping still heard
• Underground
• Eternal search

French Prisoners

Napoleonic ghosts:

• Held in vaults
• Many died
• Their spirits remain
• Seen in period dress
• Multiple witnesses

Lady Glamis

Burned as witch:

• 1537 execution
• Lady Janet Douglas
• False accusations
• Her ghost appears
• Castle Green

Physical Phenomena

Documented:

• Temperature drops
• Unexplained touches
• Shadow figures
• Apparitions
• Equipment effects

Staff Reports

Castle workers:

• Regular experiences
• Throughout centuries
• Various locations
• Consistent accounts
• Accepted presence

Tourist Experiences

Visitors report:

• Sudden cold
• Being touched
• Seeing figures
• Overwhelming feelings
• Photographic anomalies

Significance

900 years of tragic history documented in scientific study finding genuine anomalous phenomena.

Legacy

Edinburgh Castle’s haunting is scientifically supported—a fortress where centuries of suffering left measurable marks that researchers documented and visitors continue to experience.