There are ghostly goings-on at some of Fife’s most historic properties.
As Hallowe’en approaches, Culross Palace, Falkland Palace and Kellie Castle will share their spooky stories.
The National Trust for Scotland’s palaces are properties with long histories and it has now unveiled stories of their ghosts.
Culross is said to be haunted by a ghostly piper and over the years staff there have experienced some strange events.
A previous gardener there reported seeing a man in 16th-century clothing enter his bothy but when he went to investigate, no one was there. The Forthside town is also connected to witchcraft, a topic which a current exhibition at the palace explores.
Interim property manager Joanne Churchill said: ”Culross has a long history and there have been many mysterious sightings and experiences over the years. Hallowe’en is a perfect time to come along and learn more about the darker side of Culross at our witchcraft exhibition.”
Meanwhile Falkland Palace, which has strong connections with the Stuarts, has reported a number of ghostly sightings over the years.
The Tapestry Gallery is said to be haunted by a white or grey lady. One account has the ghost moving along the length of the gallery before disappearing through a wall, where there had formerly been a door.
She is also described as emitting a greyish light. The lady is said to have waited in vain for her lover, who never returned from battle.
Staff members have had some strange experiences there too.
Sonia Ferras-Mana, head gardener at Falkland, says: ”I am a great believer that old houses have ‘energy residues’ or ghosts.
“I have had two experiences at the palace. One day I was coming up the drive at dusk after a bike ride when I saw a thick, very real shadow moving on the East Range. I’m told a ghost called the Grey Lady walks in that area.
”The other experience was different. I was looking around a bedroom in Lord Bute’s flat. I was there with a companion and we felt very unwanted in the room, as if we were intruders. We left quickly!”
Both Culross and Falkland palaces close for the winter on Hallowe’en.
Seventeenth century Kellie Castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of Anne Erskine, who died after falling from the upstairs window after running up a turnpike stair. Although rarely seen, ghostly footfall, dashing up the steps, have often been heard on the turnpike.
Over the Hallowe’en weekend, Kellie’s staff and volunteers are inviting visitors to come along and explore the more chilling side of the castle with a special series of events.For information about Hallowe’ev events at the properties visit www.nts.org.uk