Haunted Glasgow: The Ghosts of Blythswood Square

 In this episode, we explore a haunting said to be tied to one of  Scotland’s most infamous court cases: the 1857 trial of Madeleine Smith.  Her secret affair with Pierre L’Angelier ended in scandal and death,  and although the verdict was “Not Proven,” the questions never truly  faded. Nor, it seems, did the presence of those involved.  We look at ghost stories stretching across decades: strange smells,  silent corridors, footsteps in locked rooms, and apparitions that appear  to walk not just through buildings — but through time itself. Some of  the tales link directly to Madeleine’s story. Others seem older, or  completely separate, yet share the same unnerving details. A woman in  white gliding past closed doors. A child’s scream. A figure in Victorian  dress vanishing into a wall. 

 On a quiet farm in 1695, something woke in the night. What began as whispers and scratches soon escalated into violence - stones  hurled through the air, beds dragged across the floor, children lifted  screaming from their sleep. The spirit that plagued the Mackie family in Rerrick was relentless,  calculated, and cruel.  It bore striking similarities to a more famous case across the  sea—Tennessee’s infamous Bell Witch.  But this haunting came a century earlier. And it spoke with a voice that could be heard by all. Some called it a poltergeist. Others whispered of witchcraft. And in the stillness of the farmhouse, it delivered threats no living  soul could explain.  This is the chilling true account of the Rerrick Poltergeist—Scotland’s  forgotten Bell Witch.  A story of fear, faith, and something that refused to remain unseen. 

 In this episode, we delve into the eerie histories of George Heriot's  School and Lauriston Castle.   George Heriot's School, possibly an inspiration for Hogwarts, is  renowned for its academic excellence and ghost stories.   Beverly, who worked there in the 1980s, shares her experiences of  strange occurrences and ghostly encounters. She describes cold spots,  moving objects, and a vase that mysteriously levitated and smashed.  Beverly and her colleagues also saw a dark, shadowy figure that felt  malevolent but suddenly disappeared. 

In October 2023 I was honoured to be invited to join Paul, Lucy and  Lindsey on a tour of the incredible Bannockburn House for the Eerie  Edinburgh podcast.  Rather than my usual format, I thought it best to hear the stories of  its history and hauntings told by those who know the place best - the  people who have experienced them.  

Join us on a chilling exploration into the haunting tales of Blacket  Place, a historic house in the heart of Edinburgh that hides more than  just its architectural beauty.  

In this episode, we delve into the documented experiences of the "Munro"  sisters, who found themselves entangled in the inexplicable occurrences  within the haunted walls of the place they called home.  

An incredible story, now long forgotten, watch as we look into the  mysteries lie within the walls of Blacket Place.  

To read the original letters, click the button below:

Step back in time to the chilling winter of 1973 as we unravel the eerie  events that transpired in Royal Circus.   Join us on a journey through the haunting tales told by the unsuspecting  workmen who encountered the inexplicable.   Witnesses reported seeing a mysterious woman in a flowing white dress  with long, dark hair, sending shivers down their spines.   The encounters became so unsettling that the workmen, desperate for  answers, decided to call in a medium to unveil the mysteries lurking in  the shadows of Royal Circus. Delve into the supernatural as we explore  the details of this ghostly chapter in the heart of 1970s Edinburgh. 

Explore the captivating tale of Jane of George Street, a woman whose  love for her business on Edinburgh's historic George Street transcended  the boundaries of life and death.   This episode covers the haunting story of Jane Vernelt, whose spirit is  said to linger in the very streets she once walked, a poignant reminder  of her unfulfilled desires and the heartbreaking events that surrounded  her life and death.   Discover the haunting true story of a determined entrepreneur and the  lingering presence that continues to intrigue and mystify to this day. 

 In the late 1960's, early 1970's Britain was gripped by vampire fever.  The Highgate Vampire in London had caused a media storm and gripped, and  horrified the city in equal measure, for a two year period.  

At the same time, an Edinburgh resident found himself face to face with  what he believed to be a vampire, in Gorgie of all places.  In this episode, we learn the story of "The Gorgie Vampire"  

 Inverleith is an affluent area of Edinburgh, home to the Botanical  Gardens, Fettes college and some of the finest townhouses in the city.  

One of these houses, only known as "Number 17" was said to have be home  to a haunting so terrible that many believe the property was demolished  due to the terrible events that happened there. 

In the late 1950's, the Curries of Hazeldean Terrace found themselves with some unwanted attention, from the local newspapers and...a destructive poltergeist.  

Although there are far more horrifying stories in Edinburgh, the authenticity of this tale always struck me: local newspapers were unable to debunk it.  

30 years later, when I attended the nearby high school, locals still talked about the poltergeist of Hazeldean Terrace.  

 As featured in Tales from the Crypts of Auld Reekie by John Tantalon  What if one of the most haunted streets in Edinburgh wasn’t in the Old  Town, but found just beyond the Meadows — overlooked, residential, and  never mentioned in ghost tour scripts?  This episode explores the eerie happenings of Arden Street, a seemingly  ordinary road in Marchmont with a long history of unsettling events.  From spectral footsteps and phantom dogs to frightening apparitions and a  mysterious book of Bruegel prints, these stories draw from real  first-hand accounts gathered over years. 

In 1936, the holiday of a lifetime to Egypt, turned into the haunting of a lifetime for Sir Alexander Seton and family.  

Zeyla Seton thought she could bring a morbid keepsake back with her, but what she took held much more than happy memories.  Watch to find out about the haunting of the Seton family. 

Situated in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh, Wrighthouse, or "Wrychtishousis" once held a horrifying secret. 

A tragic tale of love, adultery and murder that leads to a heartbreaking haunting.

The story of the haunting of the Gordon family, in 19th century Edinburgh

 Lochmaben Castle is one of Scotland’s most historic strongholds. It's a  site tied to the Bruces, medieval warfare, rebellion, and some of the  strangest stories to come out of Dumfriesshire.  In this episode, we explore the history of the castle before looking at  the modern accounts that have made Lochmaben one of the area’s most  talked-about haunted locations.  From the 12th-century tale of a medieval revenant, to legends of a  phantom drummer boy, a ghostly horseman patrolling the loch’s edge, and  the chilling modern encounter reported by investigator Tom Robertson in  1991, the site has gathered stories across centuries.  This episode takes a closer look at where those stories come from – and  what might be behind them. 

Explore the haunting mysteries of Culloden in our latest video, "Beyond  the Battle: Culloden's haunted history."   Join us as we delve into the ghostly tales that linger on this historic  battlefield. Discover the eerie and supernatural occurrences that have  been reported by witnesses over the years.   From phantom sounds to spectral apparitions, we journey beyond the  physical remnants of war to uncover the lingering spirits of Culloden.  Dive into the chilling stories that transcend time and space, shedding  light on the ghostly echoes of a tumultuous past. Subscribe now for a  captivating exploration into the paranormal realm of Culloden's  aftermath.  I also want to say a huge thank you also to Alex for sharing the story  of a family friend who witnessed something very eerie in Culloden House!  Thank you Alex. 

Dive into the chilling mysteries of Glencoe as we explore the eerie  tales surrounding its ghostly inhabitants. From historical tragedies to  lingering spirits, this episode uncovers the haunting stories that have  captivated generations.  Join us on a journey through the mist-shrouded landscapes of Glencoe,  where the past echoes in the whispers of the wind and the shadows of the  past come to life.  Discover the spine-tingling legends that make Glencoe one of the most  haunted places in Scotland.   

Prepare to step into the haunted realms of Fyvie Castle, where the walls  resonate with centuries of history and, some say, the lingering spirits  of the past. Join us on a spine-chilling journey through the haunted  corridors of this imposing fortress. From the Grey Lady's spectral  apparitions to the mysterious 'weeping stones,' each room conceals a  tale of the supernatural.    Discover the riveting stories behind the spectral sightings, including  the tragic tale of Lady Meldrum and the heart-wrenching legend of the  ghostly trumpeter.   Are these tales of apparitions and paranormal phenomena based on  historical events, or are they the product of overactive imaginations?  Join us as we explore the eerie and unexplained happenings that make  Fyvie Castle a timeless enigma 

In this video, we unravel the unsettling history behind Ballechin House,  once dubbed "The Most Haunted House in Scotland" and known for its  spine-chilling paranormal tales and unexplained occurrences. From  ghostly apparitions to eerie whispers, this house has garnered its  ghostly reputation.  Join us as we dig into the hair-raising stories that have baffled  investigators and researchers for years in the most haunted house, you  may never have heard of.  Could the owner's unusual wish for reincarnation as his beloved spaniel  have triggered these otherworldly encounters? Explore the haunted rooms,  unexplained apparitions, and bizarre happenings that continue to  confound paranormal enthusiasts. 

 Explore the chilling tale of "The Hunderprest: The Vampire Monk of  Melrose" in our latest video.   Journey back to medieval Scotland and uncover the dark and mysterious  legend of a monk named Hunderprest, who harbored a sinister secret. As  we delve into historical records and local folklore, you'll discover the  eerie events that led to his reputation as a vampire monk.  Join us as we unravel the spine-tingling story of Hunderprest and his  macabre existence in the ancient Melrose Abbey.   Learn about the whispers of the supernatural that surround this  enigmatic figure and the eerie encounters reported by those who have  ventured near his tomb. Don't miss this gripping account of a medieval  mystery that continues to send shivers down the spines of those who dare  to explore the haunted history of Melrose. 

In this episode, we delve into the chilling account of two witnesses,  Gary and Colin, who experienced an otherworldly encounter that defied  explanation.   From strange lights in the sky to an unsettling encounter with an  unknown craft, their story will leave you pondering the mysteries that  still linger over that fateful night.   Discover the details, the eerie sensations, and the lasting impact of  this enigmatic event that continues to captivate UFO enthusiasts and  curious minds alike. 

Buckholm Tower, ruined, oppressive, haunted, stands on a hill to the north of Galashiels, in the Scottish Borders. 

The Tower was home to a wicked man called James Pringle who had a fierce hatred of women and anyone who stood against the government.  

Did his anger cost him his very soul? 

 St Andrews is perhaps best known these days as being the home of golf,  and for the University where the odd Prince and Princess have studied,  but its history goes back far beyond these more modern claims to fame,  it's also haunted, very haunted.  

From ghostly monks, to phantom coaches, this collection of stories  features some of my favourite tales from this beautiful and ancient  Royal Burgh. 

 In this episode we travel away from Edinburgh, to the historic Glamis Castle.  

Home to the famous Bowes-Lyon family, Glamis has stood since the 15th  century, but has been a site of historical significance for over 1,000  years.  

This, of course, means the Castle is haunted, really haunted. In this  episode we explore the famous and not so-famous stories of this  incredible location. 

Not quite an Edinburgh story but one that's fascinated me for years.

In the mid 1990's my parents owned a farm on the shores of Loch Rannoch, in the heart of Scotland.  The farm was old and came with not one, but three very different ghost stories. 

Watch to learn about the "Ghosts of Liarn Farm". 

The Ferryman's Cottage on the isle of Gigha is the focus of today's  story and is a true account of a weekend I spent there back in the  summer of 2006.