Torwood Castle:

Torwood Castle, located in the heart of Stirlingshire, Scotland, is a crumbling yet evocative 16th-century fortress built by Sir Alexander Forrester of Garden around 1566. Once the proud seat of the powerful Forrester clan, it stood near the ancient Torwood Forest, a place tied to Robert the Bruce and William Wallace during Scotland’s Wars of Independence. The castle’s history is marked by clan feuds, political intrigue, and eventual abandonment in the 18th century, leaving it to fall into ruin. Alongside its rich heritage, Torwood Castle carries an air of mystery and ghostly lore. Locals tell of shadowy figures moving silently through the roofless halls, unexplained lights flickering in the darkness, and the faint echo of footsteps crunching on gravel where no one stands. Some believe the spirits of the Forrester family still linger, bound to their ancestral home, while others whisper of soldiers from long-forgotten battles wandering the surrounding woods, forever keeping watch over the castle’s haunted remains.

Bannockburn House: History and Ghostly Echoes:

Nestled in the woodlands near Stirling, Bannockburn House is a late-17th-century Category A-listed mansion, built around 1675 by Sir Hugh Paterson and likely constructed atop earlier foundations known as Drummond’s Hall The house has borne witness to significant moments in Scottish history—it served as a temporary headquarters for Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746, who met Clementina Walkinshaw here, and alarming evidence of an assassination attempt—a musket ball hole behind wall paneling in his bedroom—was recently verified Scottish Paranormal.

Today, Bannockburn House is lauded as one of central Scotland’s most haunted locations. Reports abound of disembodied screams echoing through the upper floors, doors slamming on their own, and a young woman’s apparition drifting through the rooms. Staff and visitors have also described soldiers’ spectral marches across the grounds, unsettling knocks, and the sense of being watched from unseen corners 

One particularly haunting legend speaks of a female figure seen on the balcony, believed by some to be a pregnant servant who met a tragic fate—perhaps at the hands (or hearts) of someone in the household—and who still lingers, perpetually caught between worlds. Paranormal investigators frequently capture audio EVPs, battery drains, flickering lights, and shadowy presences, especially in the lower corridors and kitchen areas. Some have even speculated about a darker, elemental force, perhaps tied to the land’s storied past and haunted by residual “Stone Tape” energy 

From royal drama and hidden danger to spectral whispers and unseen hands, Bannockburn House embodies a tantalizing blend of history and haunting that continues to draw curious souls into its enigmatic embrace.

Blackness Castle:

Blackness Castle, often called “the ship that never sailed” due to its striking resemblance to a stone ship jutting into the Firth of Forth, has stood since the 15th century as a fortress, prison, and ammunition depot. Its thick, weathered walls have witnessed centuries of political intrigue, sieges, and grim incarceration, leaving behind an atmosphere heavy with history. Today, visitors and paranormal investigators alike report strange happenings within its shadowy chambers and along the windswept battlements—phantom footsteps echoing through empty corridors, sudden drops in temperature, and the unsettling sensation of being watched. Some claim to have seen spectral figures near the old prison cells, believed to be the lingering spirits of prisoners who never left, their restless energy forever bound to the “ship” anchored in stone.

Activity: Moderate

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather, traffic conditions and other conditions beyond our control.

St Andrews' amazing sites with Greg Steward:

Greg Stewart, a leading voice in Scottish paranormal research, is both an investigator and author whose work delves deep into the rich tapestry of Scotland’s haunted history. Known for his meticulous research and passion for uncovering the truth behind ghostly legends, Stewart has documented chilling accounts of supernatural encounters, folklore, and unexplained phenomena that linger in castles, ancient battlefields, and historic towns across the country. His writing combines historical accuracy with gripping storytelling, offering readers both context and atmosphere as he explores Scotland’s most mysterious locations. With a reputation for authenticity and an eye for detail, Greg Stewart has become a respected figure in the paranormal field, sharing Scotland’s spectral heritage with audiences around the world.

Greg will introduce you in a most spectacular way to many of the well-known places in St Andrews during the day and in the evening he will bring you on a Ghost Walk.

Activity Level: Moderate/High

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other conditions beyond our control.

Balgonie Castle:

Balgonie Castle, looming over the River Leven near Fife, carries an air of foreboding that seeps into its moss-covered stones. By day, it stands as a proud remnant of medieval Scotland, but when night falls, shadows seem to slither along its crumbling battlements. Visitors have reported the unnerving sensation of being watched, even when alone, and many speak of the “Green Lady,” a spectral figure said to drift silently through the great hall, her presence heralded by a sudden chill in the air.

Footsteps echo in the empty corridors, doors creak open without cause, and strange whispers seem to rise from the very walls. In Balgonie’s darkened chambers, the line between the living and the dead feels dangerously thin.

With exclusive access to one of the most haunted castles in Scotland, Ryan will head the investigation for the group.

Activity Level: Moderate

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather, traffic conditions and other conditions beyond our control.

Blair Castle:

Blair Castle, nestled in the heart of Highland Perthshire, is one of Scotland’s most striking and historically significant castles. Dating back to the 13th century, it has been home to the powerful Murray family, later the Dukes of Atholl, for over 700 years. The castle has witnessed centuries of Scottish history, from medieval clan battles to the Jacobite uprisings, during which it was occupied at different times by both Jacobite and government forces. Its grand white façade and sprawling estate make it a jewel of the Highlands, while inside, visitors can explore opulent rooms filled with fine furniture, art, and weaponry. Blair Castle is also unique for being the only place in Europe with a private army, the Atholl Highlanders, who still parade in traditional uniform. Surrounded by stunning gardens and ancient woodland, it stands as a symbol of Scotland’s turbulent past and enduring heritage.

Aviemore Ring Cairn and Stone Circle:

The Aviemore Ring Cairn and Stone Circle, tucked away in the Cairngorms near the village of Aviemore, is an ancient and mysterious site dating back thousands of years to the Neolithic or Bronze Age. Comprising a central cairn surrounded by standing stones, the circle is believed to have been used for ritual or ceremonial purposes, its true meaning long lost to time. Visitors often speak of the place having a strange, almost otherworldly atmosphere, with sudden chills in the air and an uncanny silence that seems to hang over the stones. Some have reported feeling watched while walking among the circle, while others claim to have experienced flashes of light or shadowy figures moving just out of sight. Though not as widely documented as other paranormal hotspots in Scotland, the Aviemore Ring Cairn has an undeniable aura of mystery, making it a place where the veil between past and present feels unusually thin.

Activity Level: High

Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, availability, and other conditions beyond our control.

Culloden Battlefield:

Culloden Battlefield, near Inverness, is one of the most hauntingly atmospheric sites in Scotland. It was here in 1746 that the Jacobite forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie met a devastating defeat at the hands of the British Army, ending the Jacobite uprising and leaving thousands dead in a matter of hours. The moor still carries an eerie stillness, broken only by the wind over the heather and the cries of distant birds. Many visitors have reported strange occurrences—ghostly figures of Highland soldiers wandering the field, the faint sound of battle cries and clashing swords echoing through the mist, and an overwhelming sense of sorrow that seems to linger in the very air. Some have even heard the muffled sound of drums or weeping on the anniversary of the battle. Culloden is not only a place of historical importance but also one of Scotland’s most powerful paranormal hotspots, where the echoes of tragedy seem forever bound to the land.

Glencoe Massacre site:

Glencoe, with its sweeping mountains and haunting beauty, hides one of Scotland’s darkest tragedies beneath its mist. In February 1692, under the guise of Highland hospitality, government troops slaughtered members of the MacDonald clan in their own homes, leaving the glen soaked in blood and betrayal. Today, the valley’s silence feels heavy, as though it remembers. Visitors often report an unshakable chill, even on calm summer days, and some claim to hear distant cries carried on the wind or the muffled sound of musket fire echoing through the hills. Shapes are said to appear in the drifting fog—shadowy figures trudging through the snow as if fleeing an unseen enemy—only to fade into the landscape. In Glencoe, the beauty is undeniable, but so is the sorrow, and the ghosts of that winter night seem forever bound to the glen.

Haunting Encounters at The Drovers Inn

1. The Frozen Crofting Family (Room 2)

In the unforgiving winter of 1792, a young family—evicted from their home during the Highland Clearances—became lost in a snowstorm on their way to the inn. They succumbed to the cold, never finding safety. Since then, guests in Room 2 have claimed to awaken to a bone-chilling presence: a whole family standing at the foot of the bed, their breath visible in the icy air. A young boy in the group is often said to wave, as though gratefully discovering the shelter they never reached.

2. Mysterious Lights and Spectral Orbs (Room 6)

Room 6 is notorious for strange, flickering lights that brighten and fade in the darkness—too lively to be dust or electrical faults. Guests and paranormal investigators alike have observed swirling white points of light that float in mid-air with no logical explanation.

3. The Ghost Girl by the River

A tragic tale—an apparition tied to grief. A little girl drowned in the nearby River Falloch while trying to retrieve her doll. Her body was laid in Room 6 as her family grieved. Some staying there reported feeling a small, cold, wet presence climbing into bed beside them. Others have captured haunting images of a girl in their photos, even though no children stayed that night.

4. Angus the Drover—Victim of Murder

Legend tells of Angus, a cattle drover who, after being robbed by a rival clan, watched as his family and sweetheart were cruelly slaughtered. Driven by vengeance, he returned to the inn, only to be ambushed, hanged, and bled behind it. His tormented spirit is said to still wander the halls, screaming into the night.

5. George—the Patron Who Never Left

In a uniquely touching tribute, the ashes of a beloved regular known as George are kept near the fireplace in the bar—and it's said his spirit remains, quietly inhabiting the pub he once frequented.

6. Ghostly Child in Staircase Photos

A woman once received a photograph from a birthday gathering showing a little girl in a pink dress on the stairs—an apparition not present during the event. Hotel staff confirmed no children were staying or visiting that night.

Activity Level: Moderate/High

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other conditions beyond our control.

Glasgow:

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, offers a vibrant mix of history, art, and culture that can easily fill a day of exploration. Begin with a stroll through George Square, surrounded by grand Victorian architecture, before visiting the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral and the atmospheric Necropolis nearby. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where everything from Old Masters to a Spitfire hangs beneath its ornate ceilings. Wander the stylish Buchanan Street for shopping and people-watching, then head to the West End for charming lanes, the University of Glasgow’s Hogwarts-like architecture, and the tranquil Botanic Gardens. Along the River Clyde, the striking Riverside Museum and Tall Ship showcase Glasgow’s maritime heritage. With its blend of bustling streets, green spaces, and rich history, Glasgow offers an unforgettable taste of Scotland in just one day.

Activity Level: Up to you

Comlongon Castle:

In the mist-laden depths of Dumfriesshire stands Comlongon Castle, a stoic tower house from the 15th century that harbors a sorrowful secret. The most persistent apparition is Lady Marion Carruthers, known as the “Green Lady.” After resisting an arranged match with James Douglas—who sought her dowry and lands—Marion fled to her uncle’s refuge at Comlongon. When the courts forced her fate, she either leapt or was pushed from the castle’s tower on September 25, 1570. Since then, eyewitnesses report a spectral woman, often clad in green, wandering the halls and weeping. The very earth where she fell remains barren: no grass has ever grown on that spot.

But Marion’s ghost isn't the only presence felt within the walls. Visitors and staff recount strange, disembodied voices and dark, shifting shadows flitting through the mansion house extension. These unexplained sounds and silhouettes contribute to the castle’s reputation as a site of low-level, yet genuinely unsettling paranormal activity.

Tales of the Green Lady still resonate with those drawn to the castle’s historic, melancholic corridors. It's as though Marion’s grief, anguish, and unresolved destiny still echo through the stones—searching, perhaps, for the peace a proper resting place never granted her.

Annandale Distillery :

Annandale Distillery, located in Dumfries and Galloway, is one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries, originally founded in 1836 by George Donald. Nestled in the rolling countryside of Annan, the distillery operated for nearly a century before closing in 1924, leaving its stone buildings to fall into disrepair. After lying silent for almost 90 years, it was meticulously restored and reopened in 2014, once again producing single malt Scotch whisky in both peated and unpeated styles. Steeped in history, Annandale has links to notable figures such as the poet Robert Burns, who once worked nearby as an exciseman, and its revival has brought new life to this historic corner of the Lowlands. Today, visitors can tour its atmospheric warehouses, admire its traditional copper stills, and taste whiskies that carry forward a legacy of craftsmanship nearly two centuries in the making.

Activity Level: Moderate

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather and other conditions beyond our control.

We return you to the airport at Glasgow for your return flight home. We wish you a safe journey and hope that you will come back again to explore with Secret Ireland Tours to other destinations.

If you have a group of family or friends and want to do something very special, consider having us create an amazing tour for you. Just contact us1