Autumn Frights Give Way to Winter Delights

Scotland’s Spooky Stories

Arguably the birthplace of Samhain (the festival marking the transition from summer to winter), and one of the most haunted places in the world, Scotland has a ghostly tale around each corner making it the ultimate chill-seeker’s pilgrimage on Halloween as well as at other times during the year.

Also, check out Scotland’s back catalogue of scary movies set in Scotland.

Ghostly Tales:

• Scotland’s most haunted: Glamis Castle, Forfar

Glamis Castle is reputed to be one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. King Malcolm II was murdered here leaving a bloodstain on the floor, which defied all efforts to be removed. The castle is also said to contain secret rooms, one of which is believed to house a monster which roamed at night. A ghost named the ‘Grey Lady’ is also said to haunt the Chapel. (Open March-November).

• Coastal spooks: St Andrews, Fife

The historic seaside town of St Andrews is steeped in legend, with stories of ghosts of murdered archbishops, John Knox and even the Devil himself wandering the streets. The Cathedral ruins are said to be haunted by an unidentified lady in a long white dress with a veil, holding a book in her clasped hands. (Check attractions for opening times).

• Ghostly piper: Culzean Castle, Ayrshire

Culzean has a ghostly piper, who is reputed to have been searching caves beneath the castle when he disappeared. The pipes are said to herald the announcement of a marriage, and also to be heard on stormy nights. His apparition is also said to have been seen in the grounds of the castle, both on Piper’s Brae and near the ruinous collegiate church. (See website for opening times).

• Chilling isles: Orkney & Shetland

The Northern Isles are home to numerous myths, legends and bone-chilling yarns. For example, a ‘Lady in Silk’ is set to haunt the Windhouse on the Isle of Yell in Shetland, along with a spectre of a dog and the ghost of a servant girl. One of Orkney’s tales is that of Skaill House; the house is said to be haunted by multiple spirits, including an entity named Ubby, and is known for phantom footsteps echoing through empty corridors.

As Seen on Scream: Classic Scotland-set horror films:

• The Wicker Man (1973) Dir. Robin Hardy. Scottish locations: Dumfries & Galloway, Highlands and Ayrshire

A cult horror classic, The Wicker Man sees Sergeant Neil Howie (played by Edward Woodward) travel to the fictional Scottish island of Summerisle* to investigate reports of a missing schoolgirl. What he discovers is far more bizarre and terrifying indeed…. *There is actually a small archipelago in Scotland called ‘the Summer Isles’ (Na h-Eileanan Samhraidh). However, this is apparently unconnected with the film, at least consciously.

• Dog Soldiers (2002) Dir. Neil Marshall. Scottish location: Glen Affric, Highlands

Embracing the low-budget horror comedy, director Marshall made his big screen debut with this film about a routine military exercise-turned-nightmare, as a band of soldiers goes head-to-head (quite literally) with a band of werewolves in the Highlands.

• The Descent (2005) Dir. Neil Marshall. Scottish location: Perth and Kinross

The movie follows a group of six women (led by Scottish actress Shauna MacDonald) as they embark on a caving mission in the Appalachian Mountains, little knowing that their expedition is going to turn into a nightmare thanks to a horde of flesh-eating monsters.

• Under the Skin (2013) Dir. Jonathan Glazer. Scottish locations: Various, including Glasgow, Dumfries and Galloway, East Renfrewshire, East Lothian and the Highlands.

A mysterious woman (played by Scarlett Johansson) seduces lonely men during the twilight hours in Scotland. The film takes an alien’s perspective of the human world, with very dark consequences… Interesting fact: Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is one of the placed frequented by Johansson’s alien character in human form.

South of Scotland’s Dark Skies

There are plenty of reasons to love Scotland’s border regions, from its nature, walks, exciting cycling routes and fascinating history. However, given they have some of the darkest, clearest skies, the regions of Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders are ideal places from which to stargaze or even catch the spectacular sight of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.

St Cuthbert’s Way is included by Lonely Planet in its Best in Travel 2027 list. The 62.5-mile (100 km) long-distance walking route and pilgrimage crosses the border between Scotland and England, from Melrose to Lindisfarne, through the wild uplands of the Scottish Borders to Northumberland, through moorlands, past ghostly hillforts, stopping at village pubs on the way to the intertidal zone across to Holy Island. As the only UK entry in this prestigious list, this is a fantastic honour for the Scottish Borders.

Where to stay:

• Alpnhaus, Newcastleton, Scottish Borders

Alpnhaus is set in the wilds of the Scottish Borders and consists of one Alpine chalet meaning two adults are the only guests. Alpnhaus sits beneath one of the clearest, darkest skies in the UK. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches overhead in breathtaking clarity, and millions of stars shimmer across the vast horizon. Sometimes guests can catch the Northern Lights dancing silently above the hills.

Price: from £320 for two, min 2 nights stay. Dogs welcome free of charge.

• Selkirk Arms Hotel, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway

Not only Britain’s  largest forest park, Galloway Forest Park is also the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. Stretching across the southwest of Scotland, it is home to glens, lochs, hills and only a few buildings which means it has very little light pollution. On clear nights it is possible to observe thousands of stars, making it one of the best places to stargaze in Europe. In nearby Kirkcudbright (which is also home to the Dark Sky Planetarium), the Selkirk Arms Hotel offers stargazing packages which include bed, breakfast, evening meals and talks with stargazing experts as well as a chance to head into Galloway Forest Park to see the skies. See website.

Price: £299pp Dinner, Bed and Breakfast package for stargazing breaks. Other prices vary. See website for more information.

Food & Drink:

The Borders Distillery is marking the most significant milestone in its history.  The distillery in Hawick has recently unveiled The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky, First Release, an eight-year-old first fill bourbon matured single malt, finished in the finest malmsey Madeira casks.

The limited bottling marks the distillery’s inaugural single malt Scotch whisky and the first whisky distilled in the Scottish Borders since 1837. The expression has been carefully selected to introduce the distillery’s distinctive house style, of fruity, sweet and aromatic whiskies. See website.

Winter Warmers

In Scotland, winter is not a time for hibernation, it’s a moment for celebration! Kicking off the festivities is St Andrew’s Day on 30 November. Celebrating Scotland’s patron saint is a great reason to put on a playlist of top Scottish tunes, get some haggis on the go and be inspired for future travels to Scotland.

As the days get shorter and the nights extend, Scotland becomes a winter wonderland and a feast for the senses with celebrations, light shows and magic. Festivals and events take place throughout December, culminating in Hogmanay. At times like this, it seems as though the whole country is celebrating together with whisky, fireworks and ceilidh dancing.

It doesn’t all end there; the party atmosphere continues throughout the season with the Up Helly Aa Fire Festivals across Shetland starting in Scalloway in early January and finishing in late March with Delting Up Helly Aa. On 25th January, Burns Night, visitors can celebrate the life and works of Scotland’s National Bard with poetry, recitals, traditional ‘haggis, neeps, and tatties’, and events across Scotland. Also in January, Celtic Connections, Glasgow’s annual folk, roots and world music festival, returns to Scotland’s UNESCO City of Music.

A Winter Walk on the Wild Side

Scotland transforms in the winter months and a winter walk is the perfect way to make the most of the short, crisp days, watching as landscapes sparkle in the ethereal light and distant hills are capped with snow.

There’s nothing better than wrapping up warm and getting outside, especially knowing that the reward for a day well spent embracing the elements is warming up by the fire with a hot chocolate, or a wee dram, as part of a winter break in Scotland.

Venturing north, visitors will discover some of Scotland’s winter wildlife with a visit to the Highland Wildlife Park to meet polar bears and snow leopards. In the Cairngorms National Park, red deer can be spotted as well as mountain hares in their white coats, alongside the iconic Highland Coo. For a festive touch, the National Park is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer.

To get the adrenaline pumping, Scotland’s five ski centres offer some of the most distinctive snowsports experiences in the UK, with slopes for all abilities. Each centre has its own character, meaning novices can have a go at their first turns while more seasoned skiers can put their skills to the test, all against the backdrop of dramatic Highland landscapes.

Winter Lights

Amidst the festive spirit, a breathtaking array of light trails and installations transform the dark nights into vibrant displays, alongside festive markets and events, enchanting visitors in some of Scotland’s most cherished locations.

        Set against the stunning backdrop of the West Coast, WinterStorm celebrates ten years of the Classic Rock Festival Weekend in Ayrshire from 26 to 28 November 2026.