Shinty Ghosts of Dalarossie
In the rolling hills near Dalarossie's local church, a rather unusual spectacle unfolds on Christmas Day, but only when it falls on a Sunday. Locals and visitors alike have reported a ghostly gathering of people, seemingly transported from the afterlife, to engage in a spirited game of shinty. This ancient Scottish sport, a bit like field hockey, was evidently a favourite pastime of these individuals during their lifetime, but one they pursued on a day when most would have been observing the Sabbath. Their enthusiasm for the game didn't cease with death, and now they return annually for a match.
The story goes that these individuals made a grave mistake by choosing to play sports on Christmas Day when it coincided with the Lord's Day. Their passion for shinty was so strong that it led them to disregard religious observances, a decision they now seem to regret in the afterlife. Every year, on that specific Sunday, they reenact their beloved game, providing a fascinating if somewhat eerie spectacle. While there are no detailed witness accounts or documented evidence beyond the basic folklore, the enduring nature of this legend speaks to its significance in local culture.
The tradition of playing shinty on special occasions dates back centuries in Scotland.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Big Angus Castle Haunting
Castle Stuart, Inverness
Castle Stuart stands tall in the Highlands, its ancient stones bearing witness to a chilling encounter on a summer's night. A couple, guests at the castle, were jolted awake by a strange and unexplained series of events. Their wardrobe door creaked open and shut of its own accord, while the small lights attached to their bed rattled and shook, casting an eerie glow over the room. The castle's reputation as a haunted site was well-known, with tales of a ghostly figure dubbed Big Angus, who met his untimely demise in the courtyard below.
Fiddler's Time Slip Encounter
Tomnahurich Hill, Inverness
Tomnahurich Hill stands sentinel over the city of Inverness, its slopes whispering tales of a bygone era. One story that has endured for generations tells of a fiddler who, after falling asleep on this very hill, found himself in the mystical realm of fairyland. There, he was compelled to play for the fairy queen, his music weaving a spell of enchantment. Hours passed, or so he thought, until he was permitted to leave and return to the mortal world, near the River Ness. But time works differently in fairyland, and the fiddler soon discovered that a century had elapsed since his journey began.
St Columba's River Ness Monster
River Ness, Inverness
River Ness has been home to a legendary creature for centuries. In AD 580, a local man was attacked and killed by a water monster. St Columba, who was in the area, intervened and drove the creature away. According to historical accounts, St Columba made the sign of the cross and the creature fled. This event is often cited as the first recorded sighting of the famous Loch Ness Monster, also known as 'Nessie'.
Inverness Eastgate Mall Ghost
Eastgate Mall, Inverness
Eastgate Mall in Inverness has a rather unusual problem on its hands. It seems that the ghost of a former foundry worker is still very much active on the site. Blown light bulbs and fuses are just some of the issues that have been blamed on the mischievous spirit. The doors in the Laura Ashley shop and Pizza Express restaurant have also been known to open and close of their own accord. It's a strange state of affairs that has left mall staff and visitors alike scratching their heads.
Crowley's Haunted Hotel Bed
Steadings Hotel, Inverness
Steadings Hotel in Inverness is home to a rather infamous bed, once owned by the notorious occultist Aleister Crowley. This bed has a reputation for being extremely cold to the touch, even in the midst of winter, and guests who have had the misfortune of sleeping in it have reported waking up to find it moving and shaking beneath them. The bed seems to have a life of its own, and it's not hard to see why it's earned the nickname 'The Devil's Bed'.
Mysterious Moors Debris
Moors in the area, Ardgay
Deep in the Highlands, near the small town of Ardgay, lies a moorland area shrouded in mystery. It's here that a shepherd made a bizarre discovery back in 1962 - strange wreckage that would spark debate and speculation for years to come. Three months after the initial finding, a team from RAF Kinloss visited the site and removed debris consisting of a box and some bottles. The nature of this debris has been the subject of much discussion, with some believing it to be the remnants of a Russian satellite, while others propose it was an American spy balloon.