Scotland has a rich history of battles, violence, crime and intrigue and its castles have always been at the centre of them.
These events have left their mark on these ancient strongholds meaning they are often some of the most haunted sites in the country.
There have been well over two thousand castles built across Scotland, with many dating back as far as the 1200s
From ruins to visitor attractions, these Scottish castles all have tales to tell and many of them are gruesome.
Here are some of the spookiest to visit ahead of the spookiest time of the year.
Earlshall Castle, Fife
Built by Sir William Bruce in the 16th century, this castle was originally owned by the Earls of Fife, the relatives of King Robert.
The ghost of Sir Andrew the 'Bloody Bruce', a descendant of the original owner and the most notorious Baron of Earlshall, is said to still stalk the spiral stairs of the stronghold to this day.
The interesting nickname was given to him due to the fact he was known to "hack off" the hands and heads of the enemies he had just slain in battle.
Castle of Park, Aberdeenshire
Incorporating a 16th-century tower house, the beautiful pink stronghold was said to have provided accommodation for Robert the Bruce when he ventured north during his reign as King of Scotland.
It's also home to a green woman, the ghost of a servant girl who led a tragic life and is said to appear at the upstairs window.
Not only that, a monk was said to have been walled up inside one of the original rooms and now residents say they feel as though they are being watched and objects sometimes mysteriously move from one room to another.
Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire
One of Scotland's oldest tower houses, which can be found in Aberdeenshire, is also said to be one of the most haunted.
The most recent was in October when a woman was pinned against a wall, and a shadowy figure was seen by five people believed to be the ghost of Anna Forbes Irvine.
The National Trust has also reported a sighting of a young Alexander Irvine, son of the 20th Laird of Drum, who died aged just six in 1865.
Over the years, many people have reported seeing the ghost of Little Alexander, and hearing his haunting laughter throughout the castle.
Ackergill Tower, Caithness
Located near Wick in Caithness on Scotland's northern coast, the remote and idyllic Ackergill Tower is said to be haunted by a red lady.
Helen Gunn, also known as the Beauty of Braemore, was said to have been stolen away from her home on her wedding night, by the cruel local laird, Dugald Keith.
Feuding between the Gunns and the Keiths had been rife at the time and this was just the latest in a long list of violent clashes between the clans.
To escape her abductor’s advances, the lady is said to have flung herself from the battlements.
To this day, the castle is said to be haunted by many ghosts but the most famous is the beautiful woman in red, with long flowing raven hair.
Glamis Castle, Angus
Glamis Castle was once the talk of the courts around Europe due to its supposed dark and terrible secret.
The childhood home of the Queen Mother was also once said to be home to not only the usual array of ghosts and spirits but also a monster.
At the turn of the 20th century, the rumours of a secret chamber and a monstrous heir were so strong that many accounts were written of the Monster of Glamis.
Said to be the deformed son and heir of the 12th Earl of Strathmore, the unnamed Bowes-Lyon child is was recorded as having died on the day of his birth but many believed he actually survived to become a "barrel-chested" monster with "toy-like" arms and legs.
The mystery left a dark and terrible stain on not only the reputation of the family but also put an immense strain on them.
The grandfather of the Queen Mother, Claude Bowes-Lyon and the 13th Earl of Strathmore once reportedly said: “If you could even guess the nature of this castle’s secret, you would get down on your knees and thank God it was not yours.”
Airth Castle, Stirlingshire
Considered to be one of Scotland's most haunted places, Airth Castle in Stirlingshire has a variety of ghosts including a phantom groundskeeper and even the spectre of a dog.
Snapped by best man Stuart White during Nigel and Jane Sleath’s 2007 wedding, an extra, unexpected guest was captured in one of the photos - thought to be the aforementioned 'green phantom'.
Scarier still is the story behind a few of the rooms in the castle which is now a hotel.
One is allegedly haunted by a nanny and two children who died in a fire, with the children still heard laughing running along the corridors, while yet another by screaming maids who were said to have been abused by one of the castle's former masters.
Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire
Murder, betrayal, violence... Fyvie Castle has a gruesome 800-year history filled with some terrifying events.
Now said to be haunted the ghost of Lilias Drummond, whose presence is signaled by a drop in temperature and the scent of roses.
According to the National Trust, which cares for the property, legend tells that Lilias was starved to death by her husband, Alexander Seton, for failing to provide a son and heir.
On the night of his second marriage, her ghostly laments were heard outside the marital bedchamber – in the morning, and still visible today, her name was found freshly scratched into the castle walls.
Jedburgh Castle, The Borders
Though it may look like a castle, Jedburgh is actually a former prison and has plenty of ghost stories to match its intimidating look and history.
Visitors to the castle jail have heard everything from rattling chains and footsteps to the supposed cries and moans of the dead.
It's hugely popular with ghost hunting groups who believe it to be one of the most haunted places in the country.
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