Brave enough to spend Hallowe'en at a Scottish jail or historic haunted house?
This Hallowe'en, touring a crematorium, having a sleepover at an abandoned jail, or ghost hunting in a castle, haunted mansion or library is now something you can do, thanks to events marketplace Eventbrite.
Eventbrite currently lists around 3,500 Hallowe'en-themed events across the UK, and more than 150,000 fans of the scary season have already signed up to them. Most of these events take place in London, followed by Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Eventbrite’s Sebastian Boppert says: “We’ve noticed a growing number of immersive events hosted at unusual ‘haunted’ Scottish venues this year including a sleepover at a former 19th century Scottish jail and a haunted house tour.
"It appears many historic venues and buildings are opening their doors this Hallowe'en to help introduce new revenue streams and create some frightful fun for the bravehearted. A lot of these events have sold out already proving there’s a real appetite for immersive experiences on the most haunted night of the year.”
There are lots of haunted and Hallowe'en events in Scotland on Eventbrite, here are a few examples below:
Hallowe'en Sleepover at Jedburgh Jail - Jedburgh Jail is a sinister place that echoes the signs of its violent past. With a heavy and oppressive atmosphere, many have fled investigations on a night or refused to go into certain places. The jail, built in 1823, has seen much torture and violence so it is no surprise that the energy still lingers here. Apparitions and dark shadows have been seen and cell doors have slammed shut of their own accord. Flashes of light are regularly seen and cold spots, breezes and blasts of air are felt when they could be no other explanation. Over 18s only. NOT for the faint of heart or easily scared!
Haunted House of the Binns Tours in West Lothian - The House of Binns is one of the most haunted historic houses, hidden atop rolling countryside overlooking Blackness. On this horrifying haunted tour of the house, guests will learn about the darker history and frightful legends surrounding the Dalyell family that have lived in this house for over 400 years! From dealings with the Devil to frightful tales of torture and bloody battles, it takes a brave soul to join.
Extreme ghost hunting at Sterling Old Town Jail – Stirling Old Town Jail, known for its dark past and ghostly inhabitants, sets the perfect stage for a hair-raising adventure. You will navigate through the eerie corridors and dimly lit cells and use specialised equipment and techniques to communicate with spirits and uncover their untold stories. For seasoned ghost hunters and curious novices alike, a team of expert paranormal investigators will be there to guide you through this heart pounding experience.
7 Charlotte Square – After Dark in Edinburgh - Step into the strange world of 7 Charlotte Square, where body snatchers and beheadings, hauntings and hangings are just the beginning. Explore 7 Charlotte Square by candlelight after hours, just as the original residents and servants would have 230 years ago. Uncover the house's chilling links to infamous murderers, cunning thieves, and notorious traitors as you delve into its dark history.
Burning Witches and Exorcism: Witchcraft Imagery in Taylor Swift's Music – a curious online seminar exploring the history and beliefs of witches, demons and the supernatural in Taylor Swift’s lyrics and visuals. Designed to coincide with Halloween, this curious event will study the history of the witch-hunt alongside Swift's witchcraft imagery of demons, exorcism, burning witches, ritual magic and Tarot. This event is hosted by Dr Dorka Tamás, Lecturer and researcher in twentieth-century literature, post-war American poetry, modernism, magic and witches.