Starving Boy of Balcomie
Balcomie Castle stands tall in the Scottish countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to a tragic tale of a young boy left to starve to death in the dungeon some 500 years ago. They say he's still there, roaming the castle's halls and chambers, his presence marked by the faint sound of an old tin whistle. On one occasion, a brave soul spotted him sitting atop the castle's flagpole, a fleeting glimpse of a life cut short.
The story goes that this young boy was locked away and forgotten, left to fend for himself in the dark, damp dungeon. It's a heartbreaking tale of neglect and abandonment. Witnesses have reported brief sightings of the boy around the castle, and the sound of his tin whistle has been heard by many. It's said that he likes to play it in the dead of night, the melancholy tune echoing through the empty corridors.
Balcomie Castle dates back to the 15th century, with a rich history of owners and occupants.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Pitmilly Poltergeist Haunting
Pitmilly manor house, St Andrews
Pitmilly Manor House in St Andrews was once home to a rather mischievous entity. Captain JW Jeffrey reported that his home was haunted by a ghost that seemed to take great pleasure in causing chaos. Pictures were removed from the walls, ornaments were pushed over, and furniture was moved around, all seemingly without any explanation. The haunting was characterised by a series of unexplained events that suggested a poltergeist was at work. Interestingly, some accounts of the haunting refer to a 'green lady', although the specifics of this apparition are unclear.
Baff Barefoot
, St Monans
In the quaint village of St Monans, nestled in the Lowlands of Scotland, there's a tale of a mischievous spirit known as Baff Barefoot. This ghostly resident was said to inhabit a property called Grangemuir, where the sound of bare feet slapping against the floors could be heard, giving the spirit its peculiar name. It was as if Baff was running wild, his naked footsteps echoing through the halls. The property's history is marked by a significant event - it was burnt to the ground in the early nineteenth century. Interestingly, Baff did not reappear once the building was rebuilt, leaving behind only the memories of his antics.
Fisherwoman
, St Monans
Newark Castle in St Monans has a reputation for being haunted by a mysterious fisherwoman. In August 2015, a photograph taken by Lenny Low appeared to capture the ghostly image of a woman in a traditional fishing village setting. While some have suggested that the image could be a case of pareidolia or a real person caught in the shot, the eerie resemblance to a fisherwoman has sparked widespread interest in the paranormal community. The castle's coastal location and historical significance make it a prime spot for ghostly encounters.
Meeting Place
, St Monans
Perched atop Calliard Hill in the sleepy town of St Monans, a sense of foreboding settles over the landscape. This hilltop, known locally as a meeting place for witches, wizards, and other supernatural entities, has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. It's said that at the stroke of midnight, these creatures of the night would congregate here, their malevolent intentions aimed at unsuspecting travellers who dared to venture into the area. The locals believed that these nefarious beings could manipulate the minds of travellers, leading them astray into the darkness, or worse, to their very demise.
The Secret Passage Haunting
Close to The Pends Gateway, St Andrews
St Andrews' historic Pends Gateway sets the scene for a most bizarre and fantastical encounter. It's said that back in 1880, a chap named Spencer Ashton had a rather unusual experience. Ashton claimed he was led by a strange figure into a cave along an unidentified beach and through a tunnel which eventually opened up at The Pends. As he made his way through this underground passage, he spotted a ghostly white lady and a line of marching skeletons. Quite the surreal experience, if you can imagine.
Theatre Ghost Charles Manford
Byre Theatre, St Andrews
The Byre Theatre in St Andrews is home to a rather unusual ghost. The non-threatening presence of Charles Manford, the theatre's former owner, is often felt or heard by visitors and staff. Although he's never been seen, his reassuring presence has become a welcome fixture at the theatre. It's said that Manford's ghost moved with the theatre when it was relocated in 1970, travelling half a kilometre down the road to its current site.