The Ghosts of Dornoch Castle: Spirits of Justice and Tragedy in the Scottish Highlands



In the tranquil town of Dornoch, nestled in the Highlands of northern Scotland, stands the imposing Dornoch Castle a storied 15th-century fortress turned hotel, draped in ivy and history. While it now welcomes guests with Highland hospitality, centuries of dark events echo through its ancient stone walls. Among its historic features and charming atmosphere, Dornoch Castle is home to something far less welcoming: ghosts that speak of injustice, sorrow, and mystery.

A Castle of Church and Blood

Originally built in the early 1500s as the bishop’s residence for the Diocese of Caithness, Dornoch Castle has seen its fair share of violence, political strife, and tragic misfortune. Its location beside Dornoch Cathedral reinforces its ecclesiastical roots, but the castle’s walls also whisper stories of far darker moments, moments that some say have left behind lingering spirits.

Among the most talked-about paranormal tales at Dornoch Castle are those tied to the Scottish witch trials, which reached a terrifying peak in the late 17th century.

The Ghost of Janet Horne: Scotland’s Last Witch

Perhaps the most infamous spirit said to haunt Dornoch is that of Janet Horne, the last person legally executed for witchcraft in Scotland. In 1727, Janet, an elderly woman showing signs of dementia was accused of witchcraft along with her daughter, who had physical deformities. Neighbors, suspicious of their behavior, claimed Janet had transformed her daughter into a pony and ridden her to the Devil himself.

Despite the sheer absurdity of the accusation, Janet was tried and sentenced to death. Her daughter escaped, but Janet was burned at the stake in Dornoch, just steps from the castle and cathedral. A stone known as the Witch’s Stone still marks the site.

Her ghost is said to linger near the castle grounds and the square where she met her tragic fate. Visitors and locals alike have reported:

• Cold gusts of wind on still days, especially near the Witch’s Stone
• A faint smell of smoke in the air without a fire nearby
• A spectral figure of a woman in old, tattered clothing, appearing suddenly and vanishing just as quickly
• Disembodied whispers, often described as mournful or unintelligible
  

Janet’s spirit, some believe, remains trapped by the injustice done to her, a symbol of the mass hysteria and cruelty of the witch trials.

Hauntings Inside the Castle Walls

Guests staying at the Dornoch Castle Hotel particularly in rooms located in the oldest parts of the structure have shared strange and unsettling experiences. Common reports include:

• Unexplained knocking sounds at night, especially from inside closets or behind walls
• Sudden, intense cold spots, even with heating on
• The feeling of being watched, particularly on the castle’s spiral staircases and in the oldest bedrooms
• Lights flickering or turning on and off on their own

Some have also claimed to see the ghost of a man in bishop’s robes, thought to be one of the early religious leaders who lived in the castle when it served as an episcopal residence. He is usually seen near the tower, silent and brooding, before vanishing into thin air.

The Castle’s Haunted Reputation Grows

Over the years, Dornoch Castle’s reputation as a haunted site has attracted paranormal investigators and ghost tour enthusiasts alike. Despite, or perhaps because of its beauty and calm Highland surroundings, the castle’s paranormal presence feels even more striking.

Guests who come for the charm often leave with tales of unease. Some who claim not to believe in ghosts find themselves questioning their skepticism after a stay in one of the castle’s shadowed rooms.

A Blend of History and Haunting

Dornoch Castle is a unique blend of hospitality and haunting, where centuries-old history coexists with the unexplained. The lingering presence of Janet Horne, Scotland’s last "witch," casts a long shadow over the town and the castle itself. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or simply a lover of eerie history, the stories of Dornoch Castle are hard to forget.

Final Thoughts

From the unjust execution of Janet Horne to spectral bishops and unexplained sounds in the night, Dornoch Castle remains a place where the past refuses to be buried. Its ghosts are not just figures of folklore, they are reminders of real people, real tragedies, and the weight of history echoing into the present.

So, if you ever stay at Dornoch Castle, listen closely as the wind moves through the stones. It may be more than just the Highlands calling it may be the voice of a ghost with a story to tell.