Ghost of Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle is located along the Cawdor Burn, a tributary of the River Nairn, in the foothills of the Grampian Mountains in Nairnshire, Scotland.

 

The current castle dates from the 15th century and came under the ownership of the Campbells after they kidnapped the heiress of the Calder family, who was then married to John Campbell when she turned 12 years old. The castle has remained in the Campbell family since that time.

Cawdor Castle has had a peaceful existence, only ever being involved in conflict as an afterthought of the Battle of Auldearn, when the Thane's barnyards were burned to ashes.

Despite its peaceful existence, the castle has a resident ghost or two …

A male ghost wearing blue velvet has been seen in the castle, reportedly being the spirit of John Campbell, 1st Lord Cawdor.

The most interesting manifestation is from more recent times, dating from the early 19th century. This spirit is of a woman who has no hands. It is said that the ghost is the daughter of an Earl of Cawdor who fell in love with a young man from a rival family. The Earl discovered her secret romance when he came upon the couple in their secret meeting place. Infuriated by her treachery, he cut off her hands with his sword so she could never embrace the young man again.