Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle: A Timeless Scottish Icon

Recognised as one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks of Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle sits dramatically on an island where three mighty sea lochs converge—Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh.

Surrounded by breathtaking Highland scenery, it is easy to see why this location captures the hearts of visitors from around the world. But beyond the postcard-perfect views, Eilean Donan holds centuries of rich, often turbulent history, with stories that have shaped not only the landscape but the very soul of Scotland.

A Castle Born from Conflict

Although the island itself was first inhabited as early as the 6th century, it wasn’t until the mid-1200s that Eilean Donan saw its first fortified castle. Built as a stronghold to protect the lands of Kintail, the castle quickly became a vital defense point against Viking invaders who dominated the seas. Over the centuries, Eilean Donan Castle evolved, expanded, and contracted—shaped by the tides of history and the fortunes of those who called it home.

By the 13th century, the region was part of the Sea Kingdom of the Lord of the Isles, where clan chiefs ruled not by land but by the strength of their fleets. At its height, Eilean Donan Castle was a sprawling fortress, with towers and walls surrounding nearly the entire island. However, by the end of the 14th century, the castle’s defences were scaled back, likely due to the difficulty of defending such a vast structure with a small number of men.

Destruction and Rebirth

The Jacobite risings in the 17th and 18th centuries once again put Eilean Donan at the heart of conflict. In 1719, the castle became a focal point in the rebellion, garrisoned by 46 Spanish soldiers who were awaiting reinforcements to aid the Jacobite cause. But the English government soon discovered the plot. Three warships, The Flamborough, The Worcester, and The Enterprise, launched a relentless three-day bombardment on the castle. Though the castle’s 14-foot-thick walls withstood much of the attack, the Spanish soldiers were eventually overwhelmed. In a final, devastating blow, government forces detonated 343 barrels of gunpowder stored within the castle, reducing it to ruins.

For nearly 200 years, the remains of Eilean Donan lay abandoned, a haunting silhouette against the Highland landscape. But in 1911, Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap purchased the island with a vision of restoring the castle to its former glory. Over the next 20 years, he, along with Farquhar MacRae, painstakingly rebuilt the castle according to ancient plans. In 1932, Eilean Donan Castle was reborn—a testament to Scotland’s enduring spirit.

The Legacy Continues

Today, Eilean Donan Castle is not just a historical monument—it is a living piece of Scottish heritage. Still owned by the MacRae family, the castle has welcomed countless visitors, offering them a glimpse into the past while standing as a reminder of Scotland's resilience.

But beyond the beauty and history, Eilean Donan Castle harbours a different kind of mystery—one that touches on the supernatural. Tales of strange noises, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained phenomena have intrigued paranormal investigators and visitors alike. Is the castle haunted by the spirits of those who lived, fought, and died within its walls?

Paranormal Findings and Staff Experiences

Introduction to Paranormal Activity at Eilean Donan Castle

While Eilean Donan Castle is renowned for its historical significance and beauty, it is also home to numerous unexplained phenomena, reported by staff, visitors, and paranormal investigators. From full-bodied apparitions to strange noises and smells, the castle’s centuries-old walls seem to hold the echoes of its past inhabitants.

Below is a breakdown of some of the most notable paranormal occurrences in Eilean Donan Castle, organized by location within the castle.

Bedroom Paranormal Activity

The bedroom areas of Eilean Donan Castle are particularly active, with numerous reports of strange occurrences, from phantom smells to full-bodied apparitions.

• Apparition of Isabella: Multiple witnesses, including staff and visitors, have reported seeing a full apparition of an older woman named Isabella, dressed in a long grey flowing dress. One such sighting occurred when she was seen walking past a gentleman visitor before disappearing entirely. She is often described as short with grey/white hair.

• Rush of Air: Visitors in the four-poster room have reported a "rush of air" in a specific spot. One visitor experienced this twice—once during a visit and again a week later, standing on the same spot.

• Poltergeist Activity: Rope barriers in the bedrooms were knocked down with no one near them, witnessed by approximately ten people at once.

• Unexplained Movements: A portrait inside a glass cabinet in the bedroom has been seen shifting without any physical cause. The cabinet’s glass also mysteriously shattered from the inside during the Covid-19 lockdown.

• Phantom Handprints: In the lace bedroom, a consistent handprint has been found on the bedspread in the same spot, even after being cleaned.

• Olfactory Phenomena: A strong smell of lemon has been reported near the bedroom/bathroom area, and at times, the scent of cloves has permeated the air.

• Following Presence: Staff members report the sensation of being followed, particularly while opening up the bedrooms, with floorboards creaking behind them despite no one else being present.

• Night Vision Equipment Malfunctions: Cameras placed overnight in the bedroom corridor repeatedly switched off after only a few minutes of recording, even with fully charged batteries and empty memory cards.

• K2 Responses and Stick Figures: A K2 meter went off repeatedly in the morning, seemingly responding to questions, and the Ghost Tube SLS app detected stick-figure anomalies near the chaise longue in the corridor.

Bookroom Paranormal Activity

The bookroom also holds an eerie atmosphere, with several reports of unsettling phenomena.

• Unseen Follower: One staff member reported feeling as though they were being followed while opening up the bookroom, resulting in a strong sense of unease.

• Music Box Sounds: A staff member heard what sounded like a music box playing, though initially mistaken for a ringtone, no source could later be found.

• Phantom Knocking: While showing new colleagues around, staff heard three loud knocks from the gate at the stairs.

• Footsteps: Footsteps were heard in the dress bedroom, with the K2 meter reacting to the activity.

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Billiard Room Paranormal Activity

The billiard room is another hotspot for strange phenomena, with frequent reports of objects moving and unexplained sounds.

• Swinging Lights: On numerous occasions, the lights in the billiard room have been observed swinging without any apparent cause. On one occasion, the light seemed to stop mid-swing, as if someone had grabbed it.

• Rocking Chair Sensation: A visitor seated next to the drums reported the sensation of the chair rocking beneath them multiple times, though no one else noticed the movement.

• Drum Activity: The drums in the billiard room have been known to roll forward on their own. Visitors and staff alike have also heard the sound of the drums being hit, though no one was near them.

• Phantom Gunshots: Gunshots have been heard on several occasions, even when no one was in the vicinity of the room.

• Vanishing Stones: Stones appear overnight in the billiard room, only to be removed and found in strange places again the next morning.

• Tobacco Smell: A strong scent of tobacco was reported lingering in the room with no explanation.

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Banqueting Room Paranormal Activity

The banqueting room is the site of some of the most significant paranormal activity in the castle, with multiple staff and visitors witnessing strange occurrences.

• Apparition of Isabella: Isabella has also been seen in the banqueting room, often sitting on a chair near the entrance to the laird's chamber.

• Swinging Lights: During an event rehearsal, the lights in the room began swinging one by one in different directions, despite no wind or drafts in the room. This was witnessed by eight staff members.

• Dark Shadow Figures: On two separate occasions, staff reported seeing a dark shadow in the pulpit area of the room.

• Phantom Cannon Fire: There have been reports of the sound of a cannon firing and loading, with some witnesses also hearing the door latch being opened after hours, despite no one else being present.

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Additional Activity Throughout the Castle

• Courtyard Lights: Three staff members, including a skeptic, witnessed flashes of light above the castle after dark.

• K2 and Catball Activity: Both K2 meters and cat balls have responded repeatedly, especially in key areas like the courtyard and the corridors connecting the billiard and banqueting rooms.

• Lavender Smell: A strong smell of lavender has been consistently reported on the north side of the castle exterior.

  
  

Conclusion

The spirits of Eilean Donan Castle appear to be active and numerous. From apparitions like that of Isabella to the frequent occurrences of smells, sounds, and moving objects, this ancient stronghold continues to captivate both those interested in history and the paranormal. Our team’s investigations and the reports of staff suggest that the castle holds many secrets yet to be uncovered. As our exploration continues, so too will our understanding of the phenomena that linger here.

Eilean Donan Castle: December 2022 Paranormal Investigation Findings

Billeting Area

The billeting area showed high levels of activity during the investigation, with team members and visitors reporting various sensations and visual phenomena:

• Feeling of Unease: Multiple participants reported feeling uneasy, particularly in certain areas of the room, as if there was a presence nearby.

• Lady Irene Apparition: A sensitive within the group sensed the presence of Lady Irene, coming through in an almost protective manner.

• Gentle Tap on the Fireplace: On several occasions, investigators felt a soft tap emanating from the fireplace, adding to the tension in the room.

• Flashes of Light: Three distinct flashes of light crossed the ceiling, which were followed by audible clicks resonating throughout the space, despite no physical cause being identified.

Banqueting Room

In the banqueting room, a range of physical sensations and auditory phenomena were reported:

• Birdsong: Several participants heard birds singing, even though no birds were present within the castle.

• Cold Sensations: Coldness enveloped participants' hands and legs, particularly on the gallery steps where the cat ball began flashing inexplicably.

• Voices and Mumbles: Low murmurs were heard throughout the room, as if multiple individuals were talking amongst themselves. Additionally, two distinct whistles were noted by investigators.

• Shadow Anomalies: A shadow was observed hovering over a portrait of young Isabella, a recurring apparition connected to the castle.

Sensitive group members further commented that they felt the strong presence of a man within the gallery, adding to the atmosphere of unease.

Exhibition Area: 10th December 2022

The exhibition area also yielded significant activity:

• Bishop Donan's Cat Ball Activity: The cat ball near Bishop Donan’s figure went off repeatedly (nine times), each time coinciding with temperature fluctuations and unusual thuds on the outer walls.

• Bright Light and Freezing Spots: A bright light was observed in the barrel room, with freezing cold spots where bones felt chilled, indicative of strong localized energy.

• Music Box and Audio Anomalies: A music box, which had no external input, started playing while investigators reported hearing creaking and popping from the floorboards.

Voices Captured: Several voices were captured on a recorder, including phrases like:

• "Do it!"

• "Listen"

• "Haste"

• "Richard?" (a name that was consistently mentioned during the session)

  
  

On GhostTube, voices were heard saying:

• "You’re welcome"

• "It’s a link"

Kitchen and Below: 10th December 2022

In the kitchen area, investigators faced a variety of physical sensations and equipment malfunctions:

• Draughts and Cold Legs: Draughts were felt around investigators' legs, specifically from the knees down, often paired with an uneasy sense of swaying, as if the ground beneath them were unstable.

• Light Anomalies: Light from the kitchen window flickered and moved as if someone were passing by, though no one was physically present.

• Device Malfunctions: Devices switched off by themselves and the battery of a camera drained suddenly despite being fully charged earlier in the session.

• Footsteps and Mist Forming: Footsteps were heard coming from above the kitchen, followed by the appearance of a mist that was visible to the team, though Greg (present during the time) could not see it directly.

Physical Contact: Some investigators felt the presence of someone standing close to them, with one reporting that they felt touched on the wrist.

General Observations from 9th December 2022

Additional findings from the billeting area and banqueting room on the previous day include:

• Spirit of Two Gentlemen: Two male spirits were seen by Lee, one of whom invited the other to join them. Both appeared to be military-connected, and only their upper bodies were visible. One was described as mischievous, moving chains in front of people and making noises intermittently.

In the bedrooms:

• Apparition of Isabella: Isabella was spotted once again by Lee, who described her as an older lady with short grey hair. The spirit greeted him with a "Hello," giving him a sense of welcome, though there was also an uneasy energy present.

Voices Captured on Alice Box and GhostTube

During the investigation, several intriguing voices were captured on both the Alice Box and GhostTube, providing more evidence of spiritual communication within the castle.

Voices from Alice Box:

• "Elephant foot" and "attic": These terms were eerily significant, given the presence of an attic within the castle, confirming a link to the environment.

• Elsie and Catherine: Names that were mentioned multiple times, suggesting a connection to historical figures or past residents.

• "Duncan", "Anne", and references to "20 & 2000": Potential spirit identities or symbolic numbers. The name "Duncan" has come up before, adding weight to this recurring presence.

• "I see you": A chilling declaration, potentially indicating the awareness of the spirits to the investigators.

• "Hello" in a child’s voice: An especially poignant moment, giving credence to the possible presence of child spirits within the castle walls.

Voices on GhostTube:

• Multiple voices were captured, including female shouts and phrases such as:

  • "You're welcome"

  • "It's a link"

  • "Oh dear"

  • "She's dead"

These interactions appeared to confirm attempts at communication, with some voices possibly in Spanish, expanding the scope of the investigation.

Sensitive Group's Comments

The sensitive individuals in the group reported notable impressions of specific figures and energies, adding layers of context to the investigation:

• James, 17 years old: Described as arrogant, playful, and fond of hunting. He tragically died in a hunting accident and is believed to have strong ties to the castle. His energy was reported as interactive but easily agitated if asked "basic" questions.

• Duncan: A shy young boy who seemingly wanted to communicate but was too scared, often hiding under tables.

• Lachlan: Another spirit figure mentioned during the session, though further details were not immediately clear.

The group also noted the presence of:

• Cold breeze around their legs, contributing to the physical sensations often reported during paranormal encounters.

• Frequent mentions of David, potentially a soldier or castle worker, who appeared multiple times in the recorded voices.

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Kitchen and Below Area (10th December 2022)

The kitchen and its surrounding areas displayed some of the most intense paranormal activity during the investigation:

• Draughts and Cold Legs: Strong cold draughts were felt around participants' legs, particularly from the knees down.

• Light Flickering: The light from the window flickered repeatedly as if someone was passing by it, though no one was physically present.

• Swaying and Unease: Several investigators reported feeling off-balance and swaying, accompanied by tingling sensations as if a presence was moving through them.

Activity with Devices:

• Equipment Malfunction: Devices turned on and off by themselves, a common occurrence in high-activity areas.

• Jacket Pulled: A strong energy seemed to pull on one investigator’s jacket.

• Footsteps and Banging: Multiple reports of footsteps in the kitchen above, along with loud banging noises in the chair room.

Mist Formation:

• Investigators witnessed a mist forming in the room, though only some of the group could see it, adding a layer of mystery.

• Cat Ball Activation: The cat ball was constantly activated, responding to the energy in the room.

Voices Captured on VoiceApp

The VoiceApp yielded some striking responses:

• "I'm here", "Get out", and "It's freezing" were just a few of the direct interactions with the unseen presence.

• The voice "David" came up repeatedly, indicating a strong connection to the castle’s past or potentially a key figure in the investigation.

• Questions about past battles were answered with the term "British", potentially referring to events from the castle's long history.

• "What King or Queen?" and the answer "Two Lords", hinted at the castle’s historical ties and possibly even unresolved conflicts from centuries past.

Yes/No Box Responses

The Yes/No Box provided some intriguing insights:

• Spirits confirmed their identities as boy, David, and a butler. David was further revealed to have siblings.

• When asked if the spirits worked for the MacRae family, the answer was affirmative, strengthening the connection between the castle's history and the paranormal presence.

• The responses also revealed that they were preparing for Christmas, indicating a strong link between the castle’s seasonal activities and its spirits.

Exhibition Room (10th December 2022)

Significant paranormal occurrences were recorded in the exhibition room:

• Cat Ball Activity: The cat ball near Bishop Donan was highly responsive, going off numerous times throughout the night.

• Temperature Fluctuations: Both rapid cooling and warming were detected in the room, contributing to the chilling atmosphere.

• Cold Spots: Participants felt localized freezing spots where the temperature suddenly dropped.

• Tapping and Popping: Unexplained tapping sounds were heard in the barrel room, and the boards near Bishop Donan creaked and popped as if being walked upon.

Voices Captured:

• Multiple voices were captured on a recorder, including:

  • "Do it!"

  • "Listen"

  • "Richard?" (believed to be a two-syllable name)

  • "Get out of here"

The session was filled with chilling and aggressive responses, with one voice demanding the investigators leave.

Final Observations

The investigation into Eilean Donan Castle has provided compelling evidence of paranormal activity, with voices, physical sensations, and temperature anomalies occurring throughout the session. The connection between the MacRae family, Isabella, and potential soldier spirits, including David, creates a layered and complex narrative of spirits residing in the castle.

As more evidence is gathered and analysed, it’s clear that Eilean Donan Castle continues to be a rich site for paranormal exploration, with new findings emerging from each investigation.

2023 Report & Findings to be added!