October in the northeast of Scotland is a season of long shadows, misty mornings, and chilly nights. It’s the perfect time to explore the ghost stories and legends that have been whispered through generations. With haunted castles, eerie kirkyards, and even a haunted pub in the heart of Aberdeen, there are plenty of places where the past feels very close indeed.
If you’re looking for haunted places to visit in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, follow this trail of eerie sites.
Trail of Haunted Aberdeenshire Castles
Fyvie Castle – The Grey Lady Awaits
Best for: Classic haunted castle experience
October Opening: Thursday–Sunday, 10:30–16:30 (last entry 15:15)
Fyvie Castle is famous for the Grey Lady, believed to be Lady Meldrum. Her remains were hidden in the castle walls for centuries until they were discovered, sparking tales of her restless spirit. Visitors report cold spots, flickering lights, and the sense of being watched as they walk through the grand halls. With its portrait-lined rooms and echoing staircases, Fyvie is a must for anyone seeking haunted castles in Scotland.
Crathes Castle – The Green Lady of Banchory
Best for: Spooky legends with a dramatic twist
October Opening: Daily, 10:00–16:00
Crathes Castle is one of Aberdeenshire’s most picturesque estates, but behind its beauty lies a chilling tale. The Green Lady has been spotted cradling a child before vanishing into thin air. Renovations in the 1800s uncovered skeletons beneath a hearthstone, giving weight to the legend. With its painted ceilings, walled gardens, and ghostly reputation, Crathes is a blend of elegance and eerie folklore.
Drum Castle – The Phantom Piper
Best for: Eerie atmosphere and woodland walks
October Opening: Early Oct (Thu–Mon), mid-Oct (daily), late Oct (weekends only), 10:30–16:00
Drum Castle is one of the oldest tower houses in Scotland, surrounded by dark woodlands perfect for an autumn walk. Its most famous legend is that of the Phantom Piper, said to haunt the grounds with his mournful music. Visitors exploring the estate have reported faint sounds of piping drifting through the evening air. Drum’s ancient tower and surrounding forest make it one of Aberdeenshire’s most atmospheric ghost story locations.
Ghostly Gravestones & Tombs of Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s graveyards are full of fascinating — and sometimes eerie — monuments that tell stories of the city’s past. Strolling through them on a misty October evening adds an extra chill to the air.
St Nicholas Kirkyard (Union Street)
Known as the “Mither Kirk,” this graveyard dates back to medieval times. Among the ornate stones you’ll find:
- The Gordon Tomb (17th century) — A richly decorated monument with winged skulls and carvings reminding passers-by of mortality.
- The Knight’s Stone — Believed to depict a crusader, weathered but still striking.
- Strange local tales speak of ghostly figures and flickering lights moving among the stones after dark.
The Kirk of St Fittick’s, Torry
This ruined churchyard overlooking the sea is windswept and haunting. The surviving stones are lichen-covered and many are carved with symbols of mortality — skulls, hourglasses, and angels — all designed to remind the living of life’s short span. The setting adds to its eerie charm.
The Southern Necropolis of Aberdeen (Allenvale Cemetery)
Allenvale Cemetery, founded in the 19th century, is filled with Victorian monuments, obelisks, and weeping angels. The elaborate carvings and gothic architecture give the place a solemn grandeur. While not known for specific ghost legends, it offers a sense of history and quiet reflection — perfect for those who enjoy atmospheric photography.
Folklore & Symbolism
Aberdeen gravestones often include “memento mori” carvings — skulls, crossed bones, and hourglasses — reminders of the inevitability of death. These carvings, once common, add a spooky but fascinating insight into how our ancestors viewed mortality.
The Witches of Aberdeen – Remembering a Dark Chapter
Aberdeen’s haunted past isn’t just about ghosts — it’s also about real people whose lives were shaped by fear and superstition. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the city participated in the witch trials in Scotland. Many accused women (and a few men) were imprisoned, tortured, and executed after being branded as witches.
Today, a small mosaic on Back Wynd, just off Union Street, marks the spot near where these trials and executions are believed to have taken place. The artwork, created to honour those who suffered, serves as a quiet but powerful reminder of this tragic history. Standing there, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the city’s past beneath your feet — a moment to pause and reflect amid the tales of ghosts and legends.
The virtual Witches walking tour is a great introduction to Aberdeen’s past with Witches.
End Your Haunted Day in Aberdeen
After a day exploring haunted castles, eerie kirkyards, and ghostly legends, there’s no better way to end your evening than with a visit to Ma Cameron’s, Aberdeen’s oldest pub. Ma Cameron’s Ghost Story. Order a hearty meal, a pint, and keep your ears open for those unexplained footsteps above…
If you’d like to try something a little different afterwards, here are a few cozy options nearby:
- Wild Boar – a relaxed social space with good pub food and unique local touches on one of Aberdeen’s vibrant side streets.
- The Braided Fig – Just off Union Street, offering Scottish comfort food in a warm and quirky setting.
- The Firepit by Smoke & Soul – On Littlejohn Street, they offer a great selection of craft ale, cider and other drinks, as well as tasty BBQ specials in the old anatomy rooms of Marischal College.
Whether you stick with Ma Cameron’s for its haunted atmosphere or head out for a warming dinner, you’ll find plenty of inviting corners in Aberdeen to end your ghostly adventure on a high note.
