Travel to Scotland, land of legends

Supernatural phenomena, creatures that howl at the moon, souls that haunt the stones... Could this be a remnant of paganism? It certainly seems that some beliefs have endured. Thus, until the 17th century, a lease could be broken due to haunting! The British, for their part, drink up these outrageous stories. Be aware that these legends are widely spread locally and take unexpected forms: forests inhabited by spirits, winding roads, overly frequented cemeteries, cliffs overlooking the void, or even pubs with a notorious history...

Thus, up until the 17th century, a lease could be broken due to haunting!

On the western coast almost opposite the Isle of Man, here comes the small town of Stranraer and its rugged cliffs—to set the mood. You can already hear the bagpipe of the local ghost. It is said here that a bagpiper would haunt this place, so listen carefully, you might just hear the sound of his instrument carried by the wind.

After that, head towards the Mull of Galloway lighthouse to experience the thrill of heights. From atop its 116 steps, you will embrace a horizon that stretches as far as Ireland. And then, you will learn more about the profession of lighthouse keeper and the use of the foghorn... To recover from your strong emotions, take a break in the perch formed by Gallie Craig Coffee House because the products are farm-sourced and it is a family-run business!

Secondly, I invite you to travel up the A 75 road that connects Annan to Gretna Green. Be aware that this road, which winds through the landscapes of the lowlands, is considered as mysterious as Jamestown Road in North Carolina. According to some, a truck here swerved to avoid a couple on foot. However, after stopping his vehicle, the driver looked for human presence, in vain! Others suggest that the scents from the whisky distilleries might have something to do with it. An ideal region for a Scottish whisky tasting. Nevertheless, you would be amiss not to stop at the Annadale Estate for a tasting tour. To end, you could conclude your journey at the Devil's Porridge Museum, a true institution!

As it stands on its rock and casts its enchanting shadow upon you, here is Edinburgh Castle, the most famous in Scotland. The fortress, flanked by St. Margaret's Chapel, was the scene of bloody confrontations. In addition to the Scottish Crown Jewels, you will see the famous "Stone of Destiny" which is brought out during coronations and must not be photographed... As for the dog cemetery, perhaps you will catch sight of ghostly dogs, good Lord! Do you hear the rumble of drums? The headless drummer prowls nearby, signifying that the castle is under threat! When did he first appear? During the attack led by Cromwell in 1650! In the vaults beneath the Great Hall, expect to hear laughter, unless you are jostled or even scratched...

You know this destination for its university worthy of the Dead Poets Society, which was attended by Prince William. However, what you did not know is that the town has a haunted cathedral, specifically by the white lady, enough to send shivers down your spine! She is said to have risen from her coffin and haunts a tower of the cathedral, unless it is the monk who, for his part, walks the stairs of a square tower, beware! A veiled nun would also wander Nun's Street as if that were all... It must be acknowledged that Saint Andrews experienced tragic episodes; it was hit by the plague, the Protestant martyrs or the witch hunts...
 

Erected on a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle on the eastern coast, a 15th-century fortress is well known among ghost hunters. The one that haunts here is that of the Green Lady. But do you know the origin of this legend? It is said to be the ghost of a servant of Mary Stuart who saved her life while she was sleeping and a fire had started in the draperies of her room. It goes without saying that each appearance of the Green Lady is dreaded because it foretells an imminent disaster within the castle: a fire, a death...

Inveraray Castle in the Argyll region. Here you are transported to the castle that served as a filming location for Downton Abbey, just like Highclere. Majestic and austere, it is bordered by a loch and splendid gardens. Moreover, it belongs to the Campbell clan, whose impressive collection of swords and armors can be observed in the armory. However, what also contributes to its fame is that it houses some peculiar ghosts! Among them is a haunted four-poster bed in which a harpist was supposedly murdered. So much so that when an occupant is about to die, the notes of a harp can be heard...
 

Just a short distance from Ben Nevis - the highest point in Scotland (1345 m) much loved by climbers in the Highlands, here is Glen Coe owned by the MacDonalds. The chief of the clan was once known as the Lord of the Isles and looked after the Hebrides including the Isle of Skye. The MacDonalds, whose ambitions were expansionist, had the motto "per mare per terras"! In 1692, they were massacred by the also powerful Campbell clan. No wonder their spirits haunt the place. If the views seem familiar, it's because scenes from Skyfall or Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban were filmed here!

Red brick Inverness stands tall with its crenellated towers. Apart from the Loch Ness monster, the cultural capital of the Highlands will give you goosebumps. Nessie, as the locals call it, is said to be a plesiosaur, a huge prehistoric reptile. In the 1930s, the press seized on the phenomenon to the extent of dispatching reporters who took some snapshots... It must be said that the region, made up of peat, heathers, and moorland, is teeming with free-roaming animals such as deer. By the way, do not miss Eilean Donan Castle connected to the mainland by a stone footbridge. Often depicted on postcards, the castle attracts many marriage candidates!

The Loch Ness sea monster, the cultural capital of the Highlands will give you goosebumps.