Transylvania might have Count Dracula and Salem might have its witches; but Scotland is arguably the home of Halloween – or Samhain as it was originally known.
It will also play host to many thrills, chills and scary events this 31 October.
Halloween originates from the ancient Celts’ celebrations and is based on their ‘Feast of Samhain’. The eve became known as All Saints’ Eve, All Hallows’ Eve, or Hallowe’en. All Saints’ Day, 1 November, is said to be the day when souls walked the Earth.
From ghost tours and history walks, to magic schools, light shows and zombie jogs (yes, really), as well as a month-long celebration of Halloween at the Edinburgh Dungeon, there is something for everyone this October in Scotland…
Even those who don’t want to be scared (but might like to be told an interesting story instead).
Serious chill-seekers can also extend their trip with a visit to one of Scotland’s spookiest locations. The country is home to ‘true’ myths, legends and superstitions, the likes of which horror fiction cannot compete: the Loch Ness Monster; Burke & Hare; the ghosts of Culloden; Edinburgh, one of the most haunted cities in the world and Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire, which inspired Bram Stoker when writing Dracula (and was voted the most haunted castle in Scotland!.)
Read on if you dare…
Séance – Is Anybody There?, Edinburgh Dungeon, 6 October–4 November.
On 31 October, 1828 Burke and Hare, the notorious Edinburgh anatomy murderers killed their last victim, Madgy Docherty. Eight years later a collection of miniature coffins containing wooden dolls were found on Arthur’s Seat, now housed in the National Museum of Scotland. SÉANCE will tell visitors of the theory that these coffins represent the Burke & Hare victims and that their existence was an attempt to provide the murdered with a symbolic final resting place. But…. are their souls really at rest?
In addition to a new show, Edinburgh Dungeon is also offering an exclusive Coffin Sleepover night on 27 October, to be launched on social media towards the end of September. Also expect Halloween make-up sessions and much more gruesome fun.
GlasGLOW, Halloween Light Show, Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, 27 October–11 November, various times.
After selling 30,000 tickets for this event already, seven more nights have been added to what has been described as a “world-class” Halloween light show coming to Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens this October. The brand-new outdoor experience (which lasts around 90 minutes) has also been called ‘Spielberg-esque with a nod to 80s nostalgia’ and will take visitors through an immersive landscape of light and sound, weaving together installations that will ‘surprise and delight’.
Tickets are prices £11.50 for children (3+) and £18 for adults.
Fans of Robert Burns can head to his birthplace this October for a darker insight into his life with ‘Alloween. “Ghostly guides” will provide a tour of the bard’s birthplace and Alloway’s Auld Haunted Kirk. Guests will wander the streets of the town discovering tales of hauntings, suspicious deaths and maybe even the devil who “might have business on his hand!”
In addition there will be a spooky Halloween afternoon tea, which is ideal for families, with scary treats on offer, including green ghoul jelly shots and ghost cupcakes.
Booking is essential. See website for more details and ticket prices.
Gory Stories – Halloween for Kids, Mercat Tours, Edinburgh, 28 and 29 October 2018, various times.
Halloween is the time for reliving Edinburgh’s creepier past. Brand-new for 2018 is this family tour that will show spook-lovers some horrible haunts including the famous Blair Street Underground Vaults.
Recommended for ages 5+. Ticket prices: Adults – £12; Children – £9; Concession – £12; Family ticket (Two adults, two children age 5-15 years) – £37.
Paisley Halloween Festival, 26 – 27 October 2018.
Expect some ghoulishly good fun for all the family with a full weekend of activities. On Saturday, 27 October the town will be transformed as more than 500 costumed young people and specialist outdoor performers parade through the streets which will include floats designed by young people. Following the parade a 50-strong cast of young people will perform “The Flying Witches” – a daring, breath-taking aerial performance in the town.
Throughout the eerie weekend enjoy a Horror Festival of frightening films, workshops, trick or treat booths, pumpkin carving, family-friendly activities and monster balls for all ages.
Free event.
Halloween Magic School, Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh, 20 October, 10.30am-noon.
Learn, create and perform magic at a spooky, magic workshop this Halloween. Learn to perform incredible magic and make new wizard friends. No previous magic experience necessary. Just bring a costume and a magic wand and let the magic experts do the rest.
Recommended for ages ages 7-11. Tickets cost £7.
HalloWild, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling, 13-28 October, 10am–5pm.
Home to over 350 animals – including lions, giraffes, bison and chimpanzees – HalloWild will see added thrills with an Alice in Wonderland-themed fright room, a monster hunt and pumpkin picking.
Prices: £16.25 for adults and £13.25 for concessions. Price includes a full day admission and all activities.
Halloween Zombie Jog, Bowhill, Selkirk, Scottish Borders, 27 October, 2pm.
Any visitors to the Scottish Borders in the mood to get chased by zombies (or dress up as one themselves) can take part in this zombie jog, for one mile or five kilometres. Dressing up to look ghoulish is encouraged. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Prices: from £5.50 for an adult and £5 for children.
For more information on Halloween in Scotland, go to: www.visitscotland.com/halloween.
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