Dunrobin Castle, located in Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland, is a magnificent structure with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The castle has been the ancestral seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland for over 700 years. Originally built as a fortified square keep with walls 6 feet thick, Dunrobin Castle has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the centuries. Its current French château-style appearance was largely designed by Sir Charles Barry in the mid-19th century, the same architect responsible for the Houses of Parliament in London.
The castle boasts 189 rooms, making it one of the largest in the Northern Highlands. Throughout its history, Dunrobin has served various purposes, including as a naval hospital during World War I and as a boys’ boarding school from 1965 to 1972. Today, part of the castle remains inhabited by the Sutherland family, while 18 rooms, the gardens, and some public spaces are open to visitors.
Dunrobin Castle has gained a reputation for paranormal activity, with several ghostly encounters reported over the years. The most well-known spectral resident is said to be the ghost of Margaret, daughter of the 14th Earl of Sutherland, who lived in the 17th century. According to legend, Margaret fell in love with a stable boy named Jamie Gunn, a match her father deemed unsuitable. The Earl imprisoned Margaret in the castle’s attic, known as the Seamstress’s Room, while he arranged a more appropriate marriage for her.
Determined to be with her love, Margaret plotted an escape with the help of her maid. Jamie waited below on horseback while Margaret attempted to climb down from her window using a rope. However, as she began her descent, her father discovered the plan and entered the room. In her shock and despair, Margaret lost her grip on the rope and fell to her death.
Since this tragic event, Margaret’s ghost is said to haunt the upper floors of Dunrobin Castle, particularly the Seamstress’s Room. Visitors and staff have reported hearing her mournful cries echoing through the corridors, lamenting her lost love and untimely demise. Some claim to have seen a spectral figure of a young woman in period dress near the windows of the upper floors, gazing longingly towards the grounds below.
Another area of paranormal interest is the castle’s nursery. While the exact nature of the haunting is less defined, many visitors have reported an overwhelming sense of unease and coldness upon entering this room. Some speculate that this could be related to the tragic deaths of children who once resided in the castle, though no specific historical accounts corroborate this theory.
The military room in Dunrobin Castle has also been a focal point for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported feeling dizzy and nauseous when entering this area, with some describing an intense cold spot near the displayed military uniforms. Interestingly, these experiences seem to be more associated with a male presence, contrary to the castle’s more famous female ghost.
One particularly intriguing account comes from a psychic visitor who felt a strong connection to a black military jacket with gold cuffs displayed in the Seamstress’s Room. This same individual also sensed a powerful presence emanating from two specific uniforms in the military room. While the identity of this potential spirit remains unknown, it has sparked interest in researching the history of those who wore these uniforms.
The castle’s head curator has reportedly acknowledged that the military room is indeed the area where most ghostly activity has been reported, though this information is not widely publicized. This adds credibility to the experiences of sensitive visitors who have felt uneasy in this space.
Outside the castle walls, some visitors have claimed to hear the faint sound of bagpipes playing on windy nights. While not directly connected to any specific ghost story, this phenomenon adds to the overall mysterious atmosphere surrounding Dunrobin Castle.
