The Old High Church, located at 1 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA, is a historic site with deep roots in the community. Established in the 18th century, the church has undergone several renovations and restorations, reflecting the architectural styles of different periods. It is known as the oldest church in Inverness, with its congregation dating back to the Reformation in the 16th century. The church’s striking architecture, featuring a tall steeple and traditional stonework, makes it a prominent landmark in the city.
The Old High Church has played a significant role in the local community, serving as a place of worship and gathering for over four centuries. It has been a witness to numerous historical events, including the Jacobite uprisings, which have left a lasting impact on the region. Following the Battle of Culloden in 1746, hundreds of Jacobite prisoners were brought to Inverness. Some were imprisoned in the Old High Church tower, where conditions were harsh. Many prisoners were hastily tried, sentenced, and executed right in the church’s graveyard.
Firing squads executed prisoners in front of the church tower, leaving divots from musket balls that can still be seen in the tower walls today. Prisoners too weak to stand were seated against a gravestone and shot by a sharpshooter 10 paces away. The exact number of executions is unknown, but some believe the bodies were buried in a mass grave under what is now a paved walkway by the church.
In recent years, the Old High Church has gained notoriety for its reported paranormal activities. Numerous accounts suggest that the church is haunted, with visitors and paranormal investigators claiming to have experienced various supernatural phenomena. One of the most frequently mentioned apparitions is the “Grey Lady,” a ghostly figure believed to roam the church and its grounds. Witnesses have reported seeing her wandering among the gravestones, often dressed in a flowing grey gown. Some claim to have felt a chill in the air or heard whispers when she is near.
In addition to the Grey Lady, other spectral figures have been reported, including soldiers from the Jacobite era, who are said to linger in the area due to their historical ties to the site. Some visitors have described hearing the sounds of marching footsteps and distant conversations, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the location.
The Old High Church is not only a place of historical and architectural significance but also a focal point for those interested in the paranormal. Ghost tours and events, often led by local experts, have become popular attractions, drawing both tourists and locals eager to learn about the church’s haunted history. These tours often begin at the church’s graveyard, where guides share chilling tales of ghostly encounters and the church’s storied past.
