Urquhart Castle will come alive with ghostly tales and family-friendly frights this weekend, as Halloween takes over one of Scotland’s most iconic Highland landmarks.
The historic site on the banks of Loch Ness is set to become Urrrr-quhart Castle on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, when costumed performers, mythical creatures, and eerie encounters take centre stage as part of a nationwide programme from Historic Environment Scotland.
Families can expect a weekend of spooky storytelling and hands-on history, as Living History actors summon the spirits of Pictish warriors, medieval knights, and long-forgotten prisoners to retell the darker legends of the Highlands.
Visitors can take part in talks and gruesome demonstrations exploring ancient crimes and the punishments once handed out in castles like Urquhart, where myth and history often blur under the shadow of its ruined towers.
Alongside the storytelling, younger visitors can meet owls and creepy crawlies up close, or test their courage and coordination in the Halloween-themed Squire School assault course.
For those seeking a gentler thrill, the Mythical Mystery Hunt invites families to track down creatures from Scottish folklore across the castle grounds, part of a nationwide trail running until Sunday 2 November, also featured at Fort George and other Historic Scotland sites.
Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland, said the events offer a fun, engaging way to explore the darker side of the country’s past.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors across the country for a ghoulishly good time this October,” Reid said.
“Halloween is a great way to explore the chills and thrills of the darker parts of these iconic historic sites.
“From Living History performers sharing eerie stories, to activities and the family-friendly Mythical Mystery Hunt, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into the Halloween spirit.”
The weekend’s events are included in standard admission, and members of Historic Scotland can also collect a limited-edition History Hunt Halloween card during their visit.
Daytime entry is free for members, with more details and ticket bookings available at historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.
