Creepy treats and eerie encounters are making their way to a number of Historic Scotland sites this Halloween. 

Edinburgh Castle will open its gates to Halloween Hijinks from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 October and again on Thursday 31 October, inviting visitors to come and explore some of the darker tales of history. There will be an activity trail, special Halloween activities, chances to pose with pumpkins and maybe even dress like a King, Queen or Court Jester. Living History performers will also be sharing stories of ghosts, witches and dastardly doings.

Also on these dates at Edinburgh Castle, visitors can go on a journey through the grounds and explore the castle’s veiled past as well as the shadows and whispers left behind with the Whispers from the Past tour. Tours are at 11am and 2pm, and are for 18+ only.

Delve into the dark side of Stirling Castle’s history during the Halloween themed ‘Lantern Tours: Mystery and Malice’ on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October, where a ghastly guide will lead visitors through the castle by lantern light and regale the mysteries, murders and malice that echo through the Castle’s long history. Not for the faint of heart! 

On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October, Halloween Shenanigans will take over Craigmillar Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle as visitors will be able to uncover scary tales and Halloween stories from the history of each iconic site. At Urquhart Castle visitors will also have the opportunity to meet some ghostly characters from Scotland’s history and hear their stories as they wander around the Castle. From Plague Doctors to Siege Engineers, they all have a few scary stories to tell.  Ghosts may also invite visitors to take part in tasks such as helping the Picts to hunt out the brown bears hiding around the Castle or joining in a special training school to learn how to survive in the event of a less than friendly encounter.

Linlithgow Palace will once again welcome the Silver Scream on Friday 25 October, where visitors can get into the Halloween spirit with a screening of Edison’s 12-minute version of Frankenstein followed by Carnival of Souls (1962), all held within the Palace walls. 

At Trinity House on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October, a resident storyteller will share Halloween Tales of mysterious ships, strange superstitions, hangings, and vanishings. This unique experience includes a twilight tour of Trinity House and the lantern lit sixteenth century vaults. Tours at 4pm and 7pm. The 4pm tour is suitable for 5yrs+. The 7pm tour is suitable for 12yrs+.

Running from Saturday 12 October until Sunday 3 November, the Potion Maker’s Trail will be taking place across a number of sites. Included in the cost of admission and for children of all ages, can you free our ancient places from a magic spell? Find the plants scattered around the sites to assemble the clues, then chant a rhyme to lift the curse. 

For further information and to book tickets, visit historicenvironment.scot/whats-on. Daytime entry is free for Historic Scotland members.