Craigievar Castle
A pink-harled fairy-tale tower house in Aberdeenshire where the Blue Room carries a persistent chill and a Gordon clansman is said to have been pushed from the balcony.
History & haunting lore
Craigievar Castle near Alford in Aberdeenshire is a seven-storey tower house completed in 1626 for William Forbes. Its pink-harled exterior and cluster of turrets make it one of Scotland's most recognisable castles. The National Trust for Scotland has managed the building since 1963.
The Blue Room on the upper floors carries a reputation for unexplained cold spots and an oppressive atmosphere. Legend holds that a member of the Gordon family was pushed from the balcony window during a dispute and that his presence lingers in the room. Guides and visitors have reported hearing footsteps above the top accessible floor.
The castle opens seasonally with timed entry due to limited internal capacity. The approach is a short walk uphill from the car park. Interior access involves steep and narrow turnpike stairs — the Trust advises visitors with mobility concerns accordingly.
Current site status
National Trust for Scotland property open seasonally with timed entry tickets due to limited interior capacity. Short uphill walk from car park. Interior involves steep narrow turnpike stairs with restricted access for mobility-impaired visitors. Rural Aberdeenshire location; car essential. Grounds open year-round.
Activity at Craigievar Castle
Field notes and sightings tagged to this haunt.