Dunstaffnage Castle, tucked away on the coast near Oban, right at the heart of Argyll and Bute, Scotland, hides a mystical secret: it’s said to be haunted by the apparition of a woman known as the ‘Green Lady’. This haunting figure has become a part of the castle’s history over centuries, and many visitors claim to have seen her wandering in the castle, mostly during the night, but sometimes also at the crack of dawn or twilight. The Green Lady, as she’s known due to the verdant hue of her ghostly apparition, is said to be a harbinger of doom for the castle’s current residing chieftain. When she appears, it is taken as a sign that the chieftain is about to meet his demise. She was last seen in 1762, shortly before the death of the 21st captain, Angus. The origins of the Green Lady are steeped in mystery. She is frequently misidentified as Eimhir, the wife of the legendary Fingal, but research indicates she may be Ell-Maid, a Norse princess betrothed to a MacDougall lord. When he was killed in battle, she is said to have thrown herself from the top of the castle, dying from the impact. Her death was seen as a terrible omen, and it’s believed a curse was set in motion that day, tying the Green Lady’s apparition to the death of the castle’s chieftains. Her grieving spirit is said to walk the castle grounds, eerily reminding inhabitants of their impending doom. With each appearance of the Green Lady, the story of Dunstaffnage Castle becomes even more captivating, making it a prominent part of Scottish folklore.

Dunstaffnage Castle, tucked away on the coast near Oban, right at the heart of Argyll and Bute, Scotland, hides a mystical secret: it’s said to be haunted by the apparition of a woman known as the ‘Green Lady’. This haunting figure has become a part of the castle’s history over centuries, and many visitors claim to have seen her wandering in the castle, mostly during the night, but sometimes also at the crack of dawn or twilight. The Green Lady, as she’s known due to the verdant hue of her ghostly apparition, is said to be a harbinger of doom for the castle’s current residing chieftain. When she appears, it is taken as a sign that the chieftain is about to meet his demise. She was last seen in 1762, shortly before the death of the 21st captain, Angus. The origins of the Green Lady are steeped in mystery. She is frequently misidentified as Eimhir, the wife of the legendary Fingal, but research indicates she may be Ell-Maid, a Norse princess betrothed to a MacDougall lord. When he was killed in battle, she is said to have thrown herself from the top of the castle, dying from the impact. Her death was seen as a terrible omen, and it’s believed a curse was set in motion that day, tying the Green Lady’s apparition to the death of the castle’s chieftains. Her grieving spirit is said to walk the castle grounds, eerily reminding inhabitants of their impending doom. With each appearance of the Green Lady, the story of Dunstaffnage Castle becomes even more captivating, making it a prominent part of Scottish folklore.