Eerie Edinburgh

The Preacher & The Poltergeist: The True Tale of Scotland’s Bell Witch

On a quiet farm in 1695, something woke in the night.What began as whispers and scratches soon escalated into violence—stones hurled through the air, beds dragged across the floor, children lifted screaming from their sleep. 
The spirit that plagued the Mackie family in Rerrick was relentless, calculated, and cruel.
It bore striking similarities to a more famous case across the sea—Tennessee’s infamous Bell Witch.
But this haunting came a century earlier.
And it spoke with a voice that could be heard by all.
Some called it a poltergeist. Others whispered of witchcraft.And in the stillness of the farmhouse, it delivered threats no living soul could explain.
This is the chilling true account of the Rerrick Poltergeist—Scotland’s forgotten Bell Witch.
A story of fear, faith, and something that refused to remain unseen.

Something Was Watching Us...The Spirits of Durham’s Haunted Inns

Durham is a city steeped in centuries of history, but its past is not always quiet. In this episode, I share the chilling experiences shared with me by Hannah, a former bar worker who encountered something unseen while working in some of Durham’s most historic pubs. From eerie footsteps in empty rooms to a ghostly child watching from the doorway, these are the hauntings that pub staff never forget.
The ghosts of Durham’s inns and taverns don’t just exist in folklore—they are still felt today by those who work behind the bar, lock up at night, and spend the small hours alone in these ancient buildings.

The Ghost of the Castle of Mey: An Overlooked Royal Haunting

Perched on the windswept coast of Caithness, the Castle of Mey is steeped in history, royal connections, and ghostly legend. Once a fortress for the Sinclair clan, then a cherished retreat of the Queen Mother, this striking stronghold has seen centuries of life, loss, and mystery. Eerie tales of spectral figures and unexplained encounters have been reported through the years.
In this episode, we delve into the castle’s origins, its place in Scotland’s royal history, and the chilling encounters said to have taken place within its walls. 
Does something unseen still walk the halls of the Castle of Mey?

The Green Lady & The General: Ghosts of Ballindalloch Castle

After a short break, I’m back with a brand-new video, and I hope 2025 is treating you well so far!  
This time, we’re heading to Ballindalloch, a place where history lingers in every stone, and the ghosts seem far too attached to ever leave. Over the years, there have been accounts of ghostly figures drifting through the halls, eerie encounters that send shivers down the spine, and a presence that suggests some spirits still consider this home.  
In this episode we explore the hauntings, legends, and mysteries woven into this fascinating location.

A Christmas Haunting: The Ghost of Rutland Street

In this episode, we explore a Christmas haunting from 1887 on Rutland Street, Edinburgh. 
Dr. W.A. Jamieson's unncanny encounter with a mysterious, yet familiar apparition is one of the city's lesser-known ghost stories, but it’s one that still fascinates those who know of it. Join us as we explore the history and details of this eerie tale.
Thank you so much for all your incredible support throughout the year - it truly means the world to me. 
I hope you enjoy this wee story and had a wonderful Christmas and are ready for an exciting year ahead - lang may yer lum reek!

The Witches Ghosts: The Haunting of Abergeldie Castle

This week, we venture into the haunted halls of Abergeldie Castle, a stunning fortress found in the heart of Deeside, Scotland. With centuries of history etched into its walls, Abergeldie is more than just a relic of the past—it’s a place where legend and tragedy collide.  
At the heart of the castle’s story is the tale of French Kate, a 16th-century servant accused of witchcraft and executed on the nearby Creag nam Ban. Her ghost is said to haunt the castle’s cellars and clock tower, with countless reports of strange sightings and unexplained sounds adding to her legend.  
We’ll explore the dark history of Abergeldie Castle, from its role in rebellious times to the shadow French Kate has cast over its halls. 
For those fascinated by witchcraft trials, I highly recommend Contagious Enemies: First-hand Accounts from the Aberdeen Witch by Dee Lawlor. It’s a gripping exploration of Scotland’s witchcraft history that provides valuable context to stories like Kate’s. If you’re drawn to tales where history and the supernatural intertwine, this is one you won’t want to miss.

The Haunting of Ash Manor: Secrets in the Shadows

In this episode, the second and final story I'll be sharing from my upcoming book Hidden Haunts: England, we explore one of the country's most fascinating hauntings—Ash Manor and the mysteries surrounding this historic home.
Uncover the story of Mr and Mrs Keel from 1934, who found themselves entangled in the dark history of Ash Manor, a location that even captured the attention of the legendary investigator Nandor Fodor.
Join us as we piece together the fragments of its chilling legacy and unravel the truth behind one of England’s most intriguing haunted locations. 
Time to turn off the lights, get comfortable, and step into the darkness. Welcome to the chilling tale of Ash Manor.  

The Haunting of Parliament Square: Edinburgh’s Darkest Secret – A Halloween Exclusive

In this Halloween exclusive, we bring you the most incredible ghost story you’ve never heard: The Haunting of Parliament Square. A story I believe rivals the most incredible ghost stories in the world.
Buried beneath the stones of this historic Edinburgh square lies a dark secret that terrified two flatmates in late 2006, eventually forcing the terrified women to flee the property.
The Haunting of Parliament Square was relayed to me by Anna, a conflict photographer, whose chilling experience was later corroborated by Ruth, a BBC journalist. Both seasoned professionals and not easily rattled, these women shared accounts of a terrifying presence in the heart of Edinburgh's Royal Mile—an encounter that has stayed with them ever since.
This isn’t just another ghost story; it’s a story where Edinburgh’s violent past collides with the supernatural in a way that defies belief. Prepare yourself for an encounter with the unknown that you won’t soon forget.
And don’t miss out! My new book, Ghostly Tales of the NC500, is now available on Amazon. Join me as I uncover the haunted histories along Scotland’s most iconic road trip route, packed with over 50 tales of restless spirits and eerie legends.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghostly-tales-NC500-Scotlands-enigmatic/dp/B0DKG2MGRH 

Ghosts of Craigievar Castle: Tales of Betrayal and tragedy

In this episode, we explore the chilling history and hauntings of Craigievar Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic and haunted strongholds. Known for its fairy-tale appearance, Craigievar hides a much darker side—tales of ghostly apparitions and tragic deaths that still linger within its walls. From the Fiddler, who is said to haunt the castle with the sound of eerie music, to the infamous legend of a naked man forced to leap from the tower to his death, Craigievar’s haunted past has terrified visitors for centuries.
A special thanks to Owen Staton, the incredible Welsh storyteller, and Effie from the amazing Mums, Mysteries, and Murders true crime podcast for helping bring these ghostly tales to life with their incredible voice work.
Join me as we delve into the supernatural stories surrounding this pink-hued castle and discover why it remains one of Scotland's most haunted locations.

The Haunting of Durness Manse: The Phantom at the door

In this episode, we explore the chilling haunting of Durness Manse—a tale that has endured for centuries, wrapped in mystery and supernatural whispers. 
The remote Scottish highlands set the scene for eerie occurrences, with the Manse itself standing as a dark reminder of ghostly encounters and unexplained events.
Discover the story of the ghostly hand said to appear at the Manse door, and the restless spirit that has terrified visitors and residents alike. 
What secrets do the walls of this historic building hold? Could the Caoineag , the Banshee like spirit have been responsible for the death of a visitor to the Manse? 
Join us as we delve into the haunting legends, the eerie sightings, and the history behind one of Scotland's most chilling paranormal tales.
If you enjoy tales of the supernatural, make sure to subscribe for more chilling stories and hidden haunts from across the country!
📚 Get your copy of *Hidden Haunts: Scotland* here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Haunts-Scotland-W-J-Gilbert/dp/1954528868/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38XEFPV57PY24&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vTKoIAxrRkOc-jEeBSnb8uzsRktYqrx0FFxUspLIK8KOoyJYxSf3MCrOyqNnLsXY.Br9sXnq507P-grgwH7DUwiXTL5qv2nRqVhQ_gOIbwrM&dib_tag=se&keywords=hidden+haunts+scotland&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1727619697&sprefix=hidden+haun%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1
✨ Pre-order my upcoming book *Hidden Haunts: England* here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Haunts-England-W-J-Gilbert-ebook/dp/B0DGHY788W/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8ep68xlTT6bZXEoNtANFQWidjsnGE3rKFyyLrATy4Xd7mrvXr8expuzHNEwzpOX49kBNGF4u8Mc-d3sHYLL4j17Nbd3WV3shRTaX3OWb55EcxEMHsXskxJ0XlKKAc_CYFvy5h8N9aXDypM3olHDrNhnayPFPa755uyorsH1O54m-lwdqAQWhTR70Fp0_rO6sQxm_BDJwFVjkSjJevPHZ5KBOjlaNYkaS2WgSaSgcCbg.sy8ar9Yj8bELmArYEg2LZm2J2ZcixMXik1HFg4brHxM&dib_tag=se&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1727619775&refinements=p_27%3AW.J.+Gilbert&s=books&sr=1-3&text=W.J.+Gilbert