The Ghosts of Fyvie Castle: Echoes of Tragedy and Mystery



Nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Fyvie Castle is a stunning architectural marvel with centuries of noble history etched into its walls. But beyond its towers, grand halls, and priceless antiques lies a darker, more spectral legacy, one steeped in legend, mystery, and hauntings. Fyvie Castle is not only renowned for its beauty but also for its reputation as one of the most haunted castles in Scotland.

A Fortress of History and Hauntings

Fyvie Castle dates back to the 13th century and has passed through the hands of powerful Scottish families, including the Prestons, Meldrums, Setons, Gordons, and Leiths. Each left their mark on the castle, both in stone and, as many believe, in spirit. The castle’s paranormal activity is closely tied to tragic events and long-standing legends that have lingered for generations. The most famous of these stories involve the Green Lady, the Grey Lady, and the chilling Weeping Stones curse.

The Green Lady: A Spirit of Love and Loss

The most frequently reported apparition at Fyvie Castle is that of the Green Lady, believed to be the ghost of Dame Lilias Drummond, the wife of Sir Alexander Seton. According to legend, Lilias was locked away and starved to death in the early 1600s after failing to produce a male heir, though historical records suggest she died of natural causes. Nevertheless, folklore clings to the darker version of events. On the night of Sir Alexander’s second marriage, strange noises were heard outside the bridal suite, and the next morning, the name "Dame Lilias Drummond" was found etched into the stone windowsill 20 feet above the ground. To this day, her ghost is said to wander the halls, often accompanied by the smell of roses and an eerie sense of sorrow.

The Grey Lady: A Child’s Tragic Fate

Another spectral figure is the Grey Lady, believed to be the spirit of a woman whose remains were found sealed behind a wall during 20th-century renovations. Many believe the bones belonged to a young woman who died tragically and was entombed to hide a family scandal. Since the discovery and reinterment of the remains, sightings of a grey-clad apparition have intensified. Witnesses describe her as silently gliding through the corridors or standing mournfully at windows, watching the grounds below. Some have even reported cold spots and sudden feelings of despair when she appears.

The Curse of the Weeping Stones

One of the most chilling legends of Fyvie Castle is tied to the so-called "Weeping Stones." According to legend, a 13th-century prophet named Thomas the Rhymer placed a curse on the castle after being denied hospitality. He proclaimed that unless three sacred stones were recovered and returned to their rightful places, the families who owned Fyvie would suffer misfortune.

Two of the stones were later discovered during building work, one beneath the charter room and another within the castle walls. But the third remains missing. Some say this lingering curse is responsible for the misfortunes and early deaths that have plagued the castle's residents. In moments of sorrow, the stones are said to weep, a supernatural sign of the curse’s enduring power.

Paranormal Investigations and Modern Encounters

Fyvie Castle has drawn the attention of countless paranormal investigators, psychics, and curious tourists. Many have reported disembodied voices, footsteps echoing in empty corridors, and objects moving on their own. Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) sessions have captured unexplained sounds, and photos taken by visitors sometimes reveal shadowy figures or unexplained mists.

Despite, or perhaps because of its hauntings, Fyvie remains one of Scotland’s most visited castles. Its ghostly legends add to the allure, blending romantic tragedy, ancient curses, and eerie manifestations into a singularly haunting experience.

Final Thoughts

Fyvie Castle stands as a powerful reminder that history is never truly gone. it lingers in whispers, footsteps, and flickering candlelight. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, walking through the halls of Fyvie is an experience that transcends time. In the hush of the castle’s ancient stones, the ghosts of the past may just whisper their secrets to those willing to listen.