Muir of Stynie Hanging Ghost
On a stretch of road in Muir of Stynie known as Gillan's Way, a notorious haunting has been reported. This eerie spot is where Alexander Gillan's body was left to rot in a cage after he was hanged for the heinous murder of a ten year old girl. His trial was widely regarded as a sham, with little evidence presented and no opportunity for Gillan to defend himself. It's said that this grave injustice has led to Gillan's restless spirit returning to the location where his flesh decayed.
Historical records show that Alexander Gillan was put on trial for the murder of a young girl, but the proceedings were highly questionable. With minimal evidence and no chance for Gillan to clear his name, it's little wonder that his spirit is thought to still linger. The fact that his body was displayed in a cage until it had fully decayed only adds to the sense of injustice and tragedy. While there are no documented witness accounts, the persistence of Gillan's ghost is often attributed to the unfair circumstances surrounding his death.
18th century hanging and trial
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Location Details
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