The Ghosts of the Orkney Isles
If you’re looking for a place steeped in history, mythology, and legend, then look no further than theOrkney Isles. The Orkney Isles are a group of over 70 islands located off the northern coast of Scotland. Though the isles are relatively small in size, they have long been a source of mystery and intrigue. Visitors to the Orkneys can expect to find ancient ruins, traditional Scottish culture, and…ghosts! That’s right, the Orkney Isles are home to a number of ghosts and ghouls that are said to haunt its many castles and ruins. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous ghost stories from the Orkneys.
The Green Lady of Birsay
The Green Lady is said to haunting the ruins of Birsay Palace on the island of Mainland. The palace was once the home of the bishops of Orkney, but it has been in ruins since the 16th century. The story goes that the Green Lady was a servant girl who fell in love with one of the bishops. When their affair was discovered, the bishop was forced to leave Birsay and the girl was left behind heartbroken. It is said that her ghost still roams the halls of Birsay Palace, waiting for her love to return.
The Ghostly Soldier of Keiss Castle
Keiss Castle is a small ruined castle located on Mainland Orkney. The castle was built in 1600 by Gilbert Hay, Earl of Erroll. According to local legend, one of Hay’s soldiers was accidentally killed during construction of the castle. It is said that his ghost still haunts Keiss Castle, and that his cries can be heard echoing through its halls on stormy nights.
The Phantom Drummer Boy of Stromness Museum
If you’re visiting Stromness Museum on Mainland Orkney, you may hear the sound of a drum coming from inside even though there is no drummer boy there. The phantom drummer boy is said to be the ghost of a young boy who died when his drumming woke up a sleeping dragon. The dragon then proceeded to attack and destroy Stromness town. The boy’s ghost is said to haunt the museum as a warning to never let such a disaster happen again.
The Ghost of Smoo Cave
One of the most famous ghosts on the Orkney Islands is the ghost of Smoo Cave. This cave is located on the island of Hoy, and it’s said to be haunted by the spirit of a woman who was murdered by her husband. Local legend has it that if you spend the night in Smoo Cave, you will be visited by the ghostly woman in your dreams. Many people who have stayed in the cave say that they have indeed seen her ghost in their dreams. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, spending a night in Smoo Cave is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
There are also more recent stories associated with Orkney’s ghosts. One of the most famous is that of Lady Dunrossil, who was killed in a car accident on her way to board a ship in Kirkwall harbour. Her ghost is said to haunt both the site of her accident and Kirkwall harbour itself. Another popular story is that of Janet Farquharson, better known as Jock o’ Da Voe. Said to be a giant of a man, Jock was a ranger on one of Orkney’s small islands who met a tragic end when he fell into a deep gorge while chasing after his runaway sheep. His body was never recovered and it’s said that his spirit still roams the island looking for his lost flock.
Are you looking for a truly unique vacation destination? If so, then look no further than the Orkney Islands! These Scottish islands are rich in history and folklore, and they offer visitors a truly one-of-a-kind experience. From ghost ships to haunted caves, there’s something for everyone on the Orkney Isles. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Orkney for an adventure you’ll never forget!