Scotland’s Haunted Pubs, Inns and Taverns: Part 3
Introduction
Not all pubs and bars have only one type of spirit on offer. These are some of the most haunted hotels, inns, pubs, and taverns in Scotland. If you are visiting the locale, even if you do not meet their ghosts or ghouls, all are well worth a visit to experience their unique atmosphere.
Part 3: Contents
Airth | Airth Castle Hotel
Bishopbriggs | The Crow Tavern
Dumfries | Galloway Arms Hotel
Dumfries | The Globe Inn
Dunoon | Coylet Inn
Lathones | The Inn at Lathones
Linlithgow | The Four Marys
Oban | BarcaldineCastle
Port Ellen | The Islay Hotel
Airth Castle Hotel
Location | Airth, Stirlingshire, FK2 8JF
History | Dating from the 13th or 14th Century, extended in the 16th Century, and extensively altered in the 19th Century resulting in much of the original stone work.
~Narrative~
There have been sightings reported of a nanny and two children who are said to have died in a fire.
The sounds of children playing have been reported in Rooms 3, 4, 9, and 23.
The ghost of a dog, which likes to bite visitor’s ankles, is said to roam the hallways.
The ghost of a grounds man named the ‘Green Phantom’ is reported to haunt the lower floors.
The Crow Tavern
Location | 118 Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 2AB
History | Opened in 1827 and remodelled in 1902 by architect Alexander McDonald.
~Narrative~
A strange figure can be seen in a photograph a customer took of the bar area.
The upstairs lounge has experienced some unexplained events such as water taps turning themselves on.
Galloway Arms Hotel
Location | Crocketford, Dumfries, DG2 8RA
History | Once a convent the building opened as a ‘The New Inn’ Hotel in 1856.
~Narrative~
The founder of the religious sect the ‘Buchanites’, Elizabeth Buchan, who lived in the building, is said to haunt the Hotel.
The Globe Inn
Location | 56 High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2JA
History | Opened in 1610 it became the local of the Scottish national poet Robert Burns during the eight years he spent in Dumfriesshire (1788 to 1796).
~Narrative~
Said to be haunted by a barmaid named ‘Ann’ who had an affair with Robert Burns. She is reported to appear as a ‘White Lady’ especially during Burns night celebrations.
Locals have also reported lights switching on and off and people being pulled by an unseen entity.
Coylet Inn
Location | A815, Coylet, Dunoon, PA23 8SG
History | 17th Century Coaching Inn overlooking Loch Eck which once catered for travellers between Glasgow and Dunoon. Originally known as the Loch Eck Inn.
~Narrative~
Said to be haunted by the ghost of a ‘Blue Boy’ thought to be that of a young boy that ventured outside and either drowned or froze to death.
Other reported phenomenon are wet footprints and objects being moved.
The Inn at Lathones
Location | Lathones, Leven, KY9 1JE
History | Originally a stables built in 1603 the main house was added in the late 17th Century.
~Narrative~
A ghost of a ‘Grey Lady’ has been seen in the stables. It is said to be Iona Kirk who ran the Inn from 1718 until her death in 1736.
The Four Marys
Location | 65-67 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ED
History | Originally built in the 16th Century the bar is named after the four ladies in waiting who served Mary Queen of Scots.
~Narrative~
A witch named Agnes who was burned at the stake behind the pub reportedly haunts the area.
Barcaldine Castle
Location | Benderloch, Oban, PA37 1SA
History | Built by Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy between 1591 and 1601. The castle is also known as the ‘BlackCastle’ because of the dark stones used in its construction.
~Narrative~
Reported to be haunted by the ghost of Donald Campbell the Laird of Barcaldine (brother of Duncan Campbell) who was murdered by Stewart of Appin during the Glen Coe Massacre.
He haunts the castle to vent his frustration at his brother who unknowingly sheltered Stewart of Appin after he had killed Donald.
The Caithness Room has been reported as being the most haunted with sightings of Donald and a sense of someone sitting on the legs of anyone who sleeps on the right hand side of the bed. Lights have also been seen moving around the room.
The Islay Hotel
Location | Charlotte Street, Isle of Islay, PA42 7DF
History | Used as a distillery in the 19th Century.
~Narrative~
When it was in use as a distillery, a burglar entered the premises and being surrounded by so many barrels of malt whisky started to sample them. Having consumed a vast amount of whisky he tried to leave the premises by the second floor window and fell to his death.
He is said to haunt the area where he fell surprising any unsuspecting visitors by appearing in front of them. The window has since been bricked up.
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