The Ghosts of Glamis Castle: Scotland’s Most Haunted Fortress



Deep in the Angus countryside stands Glamis Castle, a majestic stronghold that has witnessed over 650 years of history, royalty, and mystery. Known as the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret, Glamis is steeped in Scottish history but it is equally renowned for something far more chilling: its ghosts.

Considered one of the most haunted places in the British Isles, Glamis Castle is not just the stuff of folklore it is a place where legend, tragedy, and the supernatural collide in terrifying harmony. Behind its grand façade lie stories of restless spirits, hidden rooms, and whispered secrets that have never been fully explained.

The Grey Lady: The Spirit of Lady Janet Douglas

One of the most frequently reported apparitions at Glamis Castle is the Grey Lady, believed to be the ghost of Lady Janet Douglas, a member of the powerful Douglas family. In 1537, she was accused of witchcraft and treason against King James V, charges widely believed to have been politically motivated. Despite little evidence, Lady Janet was burned at the stake in Edinburgh, one of the most horrific executions in Scottish history.

Her tragic end left an indelible mark on Glamis. Visitors often report seeing a tall, sorrowful woman in grey, gliding silently through the chapel. The castle chapel is said to always have one seat reserved for her, no one dares sit there.

The Monster of Glamis: A Terrifying Family Secret

Perhaps the most disturbing legend is that of the Monster of Glamis, a tale whispered through generations. According to the story, a deformed child was born into the Bowes-Lyon family in the 19th century. Rather than announce his existence, the family allegedly declared him dead and kept him hidden in a secret, bricked-up room within the castle.

Known only as "The Monster," the child supposedly lived his entire life in solitude, cared for by a few trusted servants. After his death, the room was permanently sealed. The story has never been confirmed, but rumors persist, and many guests and staff report the eerie sensation of being watched near certain hallways some of which seem to lead nowhere.

The legend was taken so seriously that at one time, guests tried to map the windows from outside to determine if any hidden rooms existed. Some claim that windows seen from the outside don’t correspond with the rooms inside.

The Earl’s Card Game: A Pact with the Devil?

Another long-standing legend involves the Earl Beardie, a notoriously cruel and arrogant man. One Saturday night, when told he couldn’t play cards on the Sabbath, he allegedly shouted, “I’ll play till Doomsday if I wish!” Soon after, a mysterious stranger appeared at the castle. They played cards in a locked room, and when servants peered through the keyhole, they saw the Earl playing with the Devil himself.

The Earl’s soul was said to have been taken that night. Since then, guests have reported the sounds of shouting, cursing, and the clinking of poker chips coming from empty rooms especially on Saturday nights. Some even claim to have heard a deep, unearthly laugh echoing through the corridors.

The Tongueless Woman and the Secret Rooms

s.Among the lesser-known ghosts is the Tongueless Woman, said to haunt a particular corridor, bleeding from the mouth in silent agony. Legend has it she discovered one of the castle’s dark secrets and had her tongue removed to keep her from telling the truth. Her ghost is often seen pointing frantically to a hidden area before vanishing into the wall

s.In a castle of over 140 rooms, many of which are still sealed or unexplored, the idea of hidden chambers isn’t far-fetched. Staff and guests have long believed that Glamis holds secrets yet to be uncovered, both historical and paranormal.

Other Hauntings and Unexplained Activity

Glamis Castle’s paranormal activity doesn’t end with its most famous specters. Visitors and workers have reported:   

• Cold spots in warm rooms   
• Disembodied footsteps echoing through the halls   
• Shadowy figures darting past doorways   
• Sudden temperature drops in the Queen Mother’s former bedroom   
• Phantom children’s laughter, though no children are present

Paranormal investigators who have visited the castle describe it as one of the most active locations in the UK, with both intelligent hauntings and residual energy embedded in the very stones.

A Castle Like No Others

Glamis Castle is a place where grandeur and darkness co-exist. Its beauty masks a tapestry of pain, fear, and unresolved mysteries. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, few leave Glamis untouched by its atmosphere, a mix of reverence, melancholy, and an almost palpable sense of something otherworldly. If you ever walk its halls, pay attention to the shadows. Listen carefully to the silence. Because at Glamis, the past never rests quietly.