Edinburgh Castle Staff Encounters with Haunting Presence of ‘Boy in Red’
Staff at Edinburgh Castle have recently disclosed eerie encounters with supernatural beings during their shifts at the historic site. Known for its dark and tumultuous history, the castle has long been considered one of the most haunted locations in Scotland. Guides have shared spine-chilling stories, including sightings of a blonde-haired boy in a red coat near Scotland’s Crown Jewels and a woman with red hair in a gold-coloured dress greeting new female employees in the royal apartments.
One particular account involves a governor who claimed to have been awakened at 2am by lights turning on and off in his room after introducing himself out loud. Another chilling tale describes a guide dog displaying unusual behaviour, refusing to enter a former prison within the castle’s walls. These encounters add to the long list of reported ghostly figures, such as the infamous “grey lady”, a shadowy drummer, and a foul-smelling prisoner who met a tragic end while trying to escape.
Jacob Allison, a guide at the castle, has curated a special tour called “Whispers from the Past” aimed at adults, granting access to typically restricted areas where staff have experienced unexplained phenomena. Despite the official stance of Historic Environment Scotland denying the existence of the paranormal, staff stories persist. One guide mentioned seeing the reflection of a blonde boy near the Crown Jewels, and another recounted a sighting of a woman in period costume within David’s Tower.
Reports of ghostly encounters have varied, with some staff members hesitant to revisit certain areas due to feelings of danger sensed by guide dogs or sightings of mysterious figures. The castle’s rich history, including the infamous Black Dinner murders in 1440, only adds to the eerie atmosphere that staff members have encountered. Jacob and fellow guide Kristie McGowan both attest to witnessing supernatural occurrences, maintaining a cautious and logical approach towards their experiences.
The castle’s haunting legends continue to intrigue visitors, with former guides and staff members sharing their own unforgettable experiences of encountering unexplained presences within the ancient walls. As these chilling tales unfold, Edinburgh Castle stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich past and the lingering spirits that some believe still roam its corridors.