Dunbeath Castle is a 14th-century castle situated on a cliff overlooking the Moray Firth in Caithness, Scotland. The castle was initially constructed by the Sinclair Clan in the 1300s and underwent several expansions and renovations over the centuries, with significant work carried out in the 19th century to create the current turreted appearance.
Throughout its history, the castle has been owned by various clans, including the Sinclairs, Sutherlands, and Oliphants. It functioned as a defensive stronghold protecting the northern Scottish coast. Currently, Dunbeath Castle is a private residence, but the estate grounds provide holiday rental cottages.
Dunbeath Castle is reportedly haunted by two ghosts. The first is a tall man dressed in grey, who is believed to be connected to the betrayal and capture of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, at the castle in 1650. According to historical accounts, Montrose was imprisoned at Dunbeath Castle by his friend Neil Macleod before being handed over to his enemies and taken to Edinburgh for execution. Some believe that Macleod’s betrayal of Montrose, which violated the Highland hospitality code, cursed the castle and resulted in the appearance of the tall grey ghost.
The second ghost is said to be the daughter of a former castle chief. Legend has it that the chief had promised his daughter’s hand in marriage to the Devil in exchange for the completion of the castle. Upon learning of this pact, the daughter allegedly threw herself from the top of the tower to her death to avoid the marriage. Since then, visitors have reported sightings of a red-haired maiden on the cliff side and within the castle walls, accompanied by the sound of mournful weeping.
In addition to these two well-known ghosts, there have been other reported paranormal occurrences at Dunbeath Castle. These include unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and cold spots. Some visitors have described experiencing an oppressive atmosphere and spine-chilling sensations, leading to the belief that the castle is a center of paranormal activity.
