Dunrobin Castle

Denbighshire Home

Location of the haunted place: Sutherland, Scotland

Origin of the haunting: Unknown

Background: The Earls of Sutherland have had a castle here since the 13th century. In 1845 Charles Barry, who built the Houses of Parliament, re-modelled the castle but most of his interior was destroyed by fire in 1915. The castle was then re-designed by Sir Robert Lorimer. From 1965 to 1972 it was a boys' boarding school but is now owned by Elizabeth Janson, Countess of Sutherland. This is the 14th Earl of Sutherland's daughter Margaret's story.

Ghost story: I loved Jamie Gunn. I didn't care that he was a groom in our stables. When you love someone it doesn't matter. But my father cared, he was so angry that he had Jamie banished from the estate and locked me in the upper chamber of the tower. I knew Jamie would find a way for us to be together. It wasn't long before he smuggled a length of rope to my room so I could escape.

We were betrayed to my father's steward who told him of our plans. As I was climbing down the rope they arrived. I could see all hope was lost; Jamie and I would never be together. I let go of the rope and fell to my death. It was better than being unhappy for the rest of my life. You may hear me weeping if you visit the room at the top of the old tower.