Ackergill Tower, located near Wick in Caithness, Scotland, is a significant historical structure and a renowned site for paranormal activity. The tower, perched dramatically on the coastline of Sinclair’s Bay, was built in the 15th century by the Clan Keith. This formidable fortress served as both a defensive structure and a symbol of the Keith family’s influence. Over the centuries, the tower has been involved in numerous clan feuds, most notably between the Keiths and the Gunns. These conflicts often resulted in violence, and the tower changed hands multiple times through the years.
One of the most enduring legends associated with Ackergill Tower is the tragic story of Helen Gunn, often referred to as the “Beauty of Braemore.” According to local lore, Helen was abducted by Dugald Keith on the eve of her wedding and held captive in Ackergill Tower against her will. This incident is considered a catalyst for the long-standing feud between the Gunn and Keith clans. Unable to escape her confinement and unwilling to submit to Dugald’s advances, Helen made the desperate decision to climb to the top of the tower. In a tragic turn of events, she either jumped or fell from the battlements.
The haunting of Ackergill Tower is largely centered around the spirit of Helen Gunn, who is often seen wandering the castle as a ghostly figure in a green dress, earning her the title of the “Green Lady.” Numerous visitors and staff members have reported sightings of a female apparition roaming the halls, particularly near the battlements where she is believed to have jumped. Witnesses describe seeing her as a fleeting figure, often just in their peripheral vision, accompanied by a deep sense of sadness. The most frequent reports involve the sound of a rustling dress or the soft cries of a woman, especially late at night when the castle is at its quietest. These accounts are typically accompanied by unexplained cold spots, as if an invisible presence is moving through the space.
One of the most unsettling aspects of the hauntings is the sense of being watched or followed, even when no one else is around. This phenomenon is particularly strong in the tower’s upper rooms and along its long corridors. Visitors have also reported the sensation of something brushing against them or a sudden, unexplained chill as they pass through certain parts of the castle. These occurrences, while not always visible, contribute to the overall eerie atmosphere of the tower and leave a lasting impression on those who experience them.
Another notable haunting involves the sound of footsteps echoing through the castle, particularly in the dungeon area, which was once used to imprison enemies during clan conflicts. The sounds of rattling chains and disembodied voices have also been reported in this part of the tower. Some believe these sounds are the restless spirits of those who were once held captive in the tower’s dark recesses. This dungeon area is considered one of the most active paranormal hotspots within Ackergill, with many investigators focusing their efforts here.
In addition to the ghost of Helen Gunn, there have been reports of the spirit of a young boy seen in the upper floors of the tower. Some guests have claimed to hear the laughter of a child, while others have reported feeling the sensation of a small hand tugging at their clothes or blankets during the night. This playful, yet eerie presence contrasts with the more somber and tragic figure of the Green Lady, adding to the complex and layered haunting of Ackergill Tower.
Over the years, Ackergill Tower has attracted the attention of numerous paranormal investigators, many of whom have captured evidence of the supernatural. Photographs of strange light anomalies, unexplained shadows, and even faint apparitions have been taken within the tower. Audio recordings of disembodied voices, whispers, and footsteps have further solidified the tower’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most haunted locations. While the castle is now privately owned, its haunted history continues to intrigue and draw interest from those fascinated by the paranormal.
