It’s nearly time for the spookiest time of the year - with people busy organising fancy dress, pumpkin (or turnip) lanterns and creepy decorations for Halloween.
While the occasion may have become somewhat Amercanised in recent decades, Scotland is very much the home of Halloween - or Samhainn, to give it its traditional Celtic title.
It’s the boundary between summer and winter - light and dark - when the harvest ends and the walls between our world and other realms weakens, allowing long-dead ancestors and supernatural fairies to roam amongst us.
We’re certainly a nation that embraces the celebration, with plenty of events planned up and down the country.
Here are 10 that caught our eye - from free family-friendly fun to terrifying immersive experiences.
9. Carve a turnip lantern at Laurieston Castle
Yet another castle getting into Halloween this year is Edinburgh's Lauriston Castle. From 10.45 (sharp) on Sunday, October 27. There will be a range of family-friendly fun. Find out about the origins and traditions of Halloween in Scotland during a themed tour of the castle, listen to ghost stories in the library and engage in some spooky art and crafts activities, including helping to carve a scary lantern from a turnip? A light snack will also be provided. | Canva/Getty Images
10. More Samhain celebrations
The Scottish Crannog Centre, on the banks of stunning Loch Tay, is marking Samhain - "the night when the veil between the spirit world and the mortal world disappears" - on October 31. The reconstructed Iron Age village will come alive with stories and songs, a ritual wicker burn on the beach, live fire acrobatics and traditional music. Running from 7-10pm, hot drinks, food and a bar will be available. | Canva/Getty Images