Phantom Horses of Sandwood
Sandwood Loch Cottage, a now ruined dwelling in the picturesque town of Kinlochbervie, Highlands, has a reputation for being one of the most unsettling places in the region. It's said that tourists who stayed here were awoken in the dead of night as the building shook and rattled, as if a stampede of horses was thundering past. The sound was so intense it felt like the very foundations of the cottage were being shaken. Footsteps have also been heard outside, heavy and deliberate, as if someone - or something - was circling the property. And then there's the face of a sailor, quickly vanishing when spotted by witnesses looking in through the windows.
Built in a bygone era, Sandwood Loch Cottage's history is shrouded in mystery. What we do know is that prior to falling into disarray, the cottage was a place of unease for those who dared to stay. The phantom horses, footsteps, and ghostly sailor are just a few of the reported occurrences that have led to its haunted reputation. Although the exact date of these events is unknown, it's believed to date back to the Victorian era, a time of great change and upheaval in the Highlands. While the causes of these hauntings remain unclear, the impact on those who experienced them is undeniable.
The Highlands have a rich history of folklore and legend, with many stories of ghostly apparitions and unexplained occurrences.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Sheigra's Ghostly Sailor
Beach, Sheigra
Sheigra Beach, a rugged stretch of coastline in the Scottish Highlands, is home to a poignant ghost story. For several nights after his tragic drowning, a local man was visited by the restless spirit of a sailor. The apparition made its presence known, and eventually, the two men had a conversation, the details of which were never revealed. What is remarkable about this encounter is that after their talk, the ghostly sailor was never seen again, leaving behind only the faintest whisper of his existence.
Mermaid of Craigmore
Craigmore, Kinlochbervie
Craigmore's rugged shoreline has borne witness to a most unusual sighting - a mysterious, seven foot long mer-creature bathing on the rocks. This curious encounter took place sometime in the mid twentieth century, or possibly as far back as 1900. The creature's appearance was apparently quite striking, leaving a lasting impression on those who claimed to have seen it. While details of the sighting are scarce, it's clear that this enigmatic event has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
The Sandwood Bay Sailor
Sandwood Bay, Kinlochbervie
Sandwood Bay in the Scottish Highlands is home to a rather eerie apparition known as the sailor. This ghostly figure is said to appear on the beach, leaving no footprints as he crosses the sand. He's easily recognisable by his beard and large brass buttons on his jacket. According to reports, the sailor has been known to shout 'All on this beach is mine!' at some visitors, a chilling warning that this stretch of coastline is his domain. The bay itself has a long history of maritime disasters, which could explain the sailor's presence here.
Durness Rectory Phantom Knocker
Rectory, Durness
The remote Rectory in Durness, nestled in the rugged Highlands, is said to be haunted by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man. Legend has it that the local preacher, fearing bad luck, refused to answer the phantom knocking at the door. Instead, he cleverly tricked another holy man into responding, with tragic consequences for the unlucky visitor. This eerie tale has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder about the true nature of the Old Man's presence.
Durness Ghostly Sailor Haunting
Unknown house and beach, Durness
In the remote village of Durness, nestled in the rugged Highlands, a most peculiar haunting has been reported at a house situated near the beach. A local man, who made a living from collecting furniture washed up on the shore from shipwrecks, would often be awoken in the dead of night by a ghostly sailor. The spectre would throw items around the house, causing quite a commotion. One evening, the man decided to speak to the ghost, which surprisingly pointed towards the door. The man followed the ghost out of the house and down to the beach, where the sea became visible. As the ghostly figure reached the shoreline, it vanished into thin air, never to be seen again.