Dunnottar Castle Haunted Passages

The History and Background

Perched atop a sheer cliff on the northeastern coast of Scotland, Dunnottar Castle has been a site of historical significance for centuries. Founded in 1295 by Earl Walter Comyn, the castle changed hands many times over the years due to its strategic importance during various conflicts. Most notably, it served as the last refuge of the Scottish crown jewels during Oliver Cromwell’s invasion in 1651 and was besieged multiple times, including a prolonged siege from 1692 to 1693 under King William III.

Key Events or Sightings

The castle’s history is not without supernatural tales. One of the most famous hauntings involves a young girl who tragically died in the castle’s passageways and continues to roam its halls. According to local legend, she was a servant girl named Mary, who fell to her death from one of the narrow staircases during a storm.

One particularly chilling event occurred on 17 October 2003 when a group of tourists reported hearing eerie voices and footsteps echoing through the castle’s dungeons. The group consisted of four people: two couples, Simon and Sarah Blackwood, and Richard and Helen Thompson. They claimed to have heard strange whispers coming from an unlit corridor, which then escalated into full-fledged ghostly conversations. These noises ceased when they reached a section known as “The Devil’s Porch,” where they reported feeling intensely cold and experiencing a presence that made them uneasy.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Simon and Sarah Blackwood

Simon described the experience: “It was like someone was talking in there, whispering about something. Then it got louder, more distinct voices. The noise seemed to be coming from inside one of the walls. I could swear I heard a woman’s voice say ‘Do you see me?’ It was really creepy.”

Sarah added, “The air just felt heavy and cold. We could hear footsteps too, not like anything real but definitely odd.”

#### Richard and Helen Thompson

Richard noted, “There were definite voices, and they didn’t sound human. More like an echo of someone talking to themselves or whispering into a wall. We got the chills pretty quickly.”

Helen recounted, “It was as if we were being watched. We stopped at The Devil’s Porch, and then it felt like something was trying to communicate with us. I think it might have been Mary.”

Investigations or Research

Local paranormal investigators, such as the Scottish Paranormal Society (SPS), conducted an investigation in 2015 after receiving numerous reports of strange occurrences. They set up cameras and recording devices around The Devil’s Porch and other supposedly haunted areas.

According to SPS member James MacLeod, “We used thermal imaging cameras and night vision equipment. We also set up audio recorders to pick up any unusual sounds or voices. The footage from the cameras didn’t show anything out of the ordinary, but we did get some strange readings on our EMF meters. There were a few instances where the device spiked in areas known for ghostly activity.”

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The Dunnottar Castle staff are well aware of the legends and have taken steps to inform visitors about the haunted passageways. However, they do not engage with alleged paranormal activity or provide tours specifically highlighting these areas.

Visitors continue to report unexplained phenomena, but there is no definitive proof that any ghostly presence exists. The castle’s management remains neutral on the subject, stating only that it respects local folklore and encourages visitors to explore the castle’s rich history in a safe and respectful manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any documented cases of paranormal activity at Dunnottar Castle?

A: Yes, several cases have been reported. The most notable include those from 2003 by Simon and Sarah Blackwood and Richard and Helen Thompson. These experiences involved hearing voices, footsteps, and feeling intense cold in certain areas.

Q: Has any professional paranormal group investigated the castle?

A: Yes, the Scottish Paranormal Society (SPS) conducted an investigation in 2015. They set up cameras, night vision equipment, and EMF meters to gather evidence. While no definitive proof was found, they did record some unusual readings.

Q: What is Mary’s story according to local legends?

A: According to legend, Mary was a servant girl who fell to her death from one of the castle’s narrow staircases during a storm in 1650. She continues to be seen wandering through the passageways as a ghostly figure.

Q: Are there any historical records supporting these legends?

A: While no specific historical records support Mary’s exact story, the existence of Dunnottar Castle and its historical significance provide a backdrop for such tales. The castle’s tumultuous history and numerous sieges make it ripe for supernatural speculation.

Q: How can I experience the haunted passages myself?

A: Visitors are encouraged to explore the castle on their own during less busy hours, particularly at night when temperatures drop. The Dark Tour is an option that runs from 6 pm onwards and often includes stories of ghostly encounters. However, no guarantees can be made regarding paranormal experiences.

Endnotes

Dunnottar Castle continues to stand as a testament to Scotland’s rich history and the tales that surround it. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the castle’s atmospheric corridors and dark passages offer a thrilling exploration for those who dare venture into its haunted past.