Borthwick Castle
A 15th-century tower castle 12 miles south of Edinburgh, where Mary Queen of Scots took refuge in 1567. Visitors report voices, clicking noises and lights, and the Red Room is said to hold the spirits of a murdered mother and child.
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Borthwick Castle at a glance
- Ghosts reported
- The mother and child of the Red Room, Mary Queen of Scots, Voices and lights
- Most haunted spots
- The Red Room and the Great Hall
- Built
- 15th century
- Verification
- Verified Haunt
- Reported activity
- ApparitionAuditoryPhotographic AnomalyChild Spirit
About
Borthwick Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval tower houses in Scotland, now a retreat with 12 bedchambers. Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell's cannon and a tragic servant girl all feature in its history and its ghost stories.
The ghosts of Borthwick Castle
The mother and child of the Red Room
Seen: The Red Room
The Red Room is said to be inhabited by the spirits of a murdered mother and her child.
Mary Queen of Scots
Seen: The halls
Legend says the queen, who sheltered here in 1567, still wanders the castle at night.
Voices and lights
Seen: The Great Hall and elsewhere
Visitors report voices, clicking noises and unexplained lights.
Ghost stories and sightings
The Red Room
The Red Room is the castle's most haunted chamber. It is said to be inhabited by the spirits of a mother and her child who were murdered, and it's the room guests most often ask about.
Mary Queen of Scots
In 1567 Mary Queen of Scots took refuge at Borthwick with the Earl of Bothwell. When the castle was surrounded by rebel lords, she escaped disguised as a page. Legend says her ghost still walks the halls at night.
Voices and lights
Visitors describe voices, clicking noises and light anomalies, especially in the Great Hall.
History of Borthwick Castle
Borthwick Castle was built in the 15th century by the Borthwick family, a tall twin-towered keep with walls several metres thick. Mary Queen of Scots sheltered here in 1567, and in 1650 the castle surrendered to Oliver Cromwell's army after a short bombardment; damage from the cannon fire can still be seen on the walls.
Tips for staying at Borthwick Castle
- The castle is about 12 miles south of Edinburgh, so you'll need a car or taxi.
- Ask for the Red Room if you want the castle's best-known ghost story.
Brave enough to stay at Borthwick Castle?
Check room prices and availability for your dates.
Check prices & availabilityon Booking.comBorthwick Castle: FAQs
Is Borthwick Castle haunted?
Borthwick Castle is said to be haunted by The mother and child of the Red Room, Mary Queen of Scots and Voices and lights. Reported activity includes apparition, auditory, photographic anomaly, child spirit.
Which rooms at Borthwick Castle are haunted?
The most reported areas are: The Red Room and the Great Hall.
Did Mary Queen of Scots stay at Borthwick Castle?
Yes. She took refuge there in 1567 and escaped disguised as a page when rebel lords surrounded it.
Which room is haunted at Borthwick Castle?
The Red Room, said to be inhabited by the spirits of a murdered mother and her child.
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