The Green Lady Ghost of Castle Stirling

Stirling Castle
Click photos to enlarge.

Sitting atop an impressive volcanic crag sits Scotland’s, Stirling Castle. This castle dates back thousands of years with reports it was first built as early as the 1100s.

Standing at a crossroads, it has been the site of many battles. This violent history has resulted in it being built and rebuilt several times.

The English often occupied the castle starting in 1296, but it was returned to Scottish control after a 6-month siege in 1342. James IV created much of the castle that sits on the crag today when he used the fortress as his residence and the royal court.

This is a drawing done of the castle in 1693
by John Slezar. It shows James lV's now
demolished forework.

Other famous figures with connections to Stirling are Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots who was crowned at the castle.

There are several legends told about Castle Stirling including a claim that it was the home of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table--a myth that has been repeated often in print.

Most believe Stirling Castle is haunted--the tale told most is about a ghostly lady that wears green. This Green Lady is considered the castles most active ghost. Stories have been told about her for centuries.

Her ghost takes an active interest and is even entertained by the daily lives of the living. She often watches people. She has a knack for appearing at unexpected times.

In one famous incident, dinner failed to arrive for the army officers that were stationed at Stirling. The Green Lady was fascinated by the chef’s dinner preparations.

This cook sensing he was being watched turned around and saw what he described as a misty green figure, which appeared to be engrossed in his cooking--he promptly fainted--I imagine this is why the dinner was not served.

It is not known for sure who the Green Lady was while she lived but one old tale states she was a “poor lass.” who starved to death within the castle walls during King Edward’s siege of the castle.

Two other tales follow.

Some believe the Green Lady was the daughter of Stirling’s governor. She was betrothed to an officer stationed at the castle. It is said her father accidentally killed this officer.

Beside herself with grief his daughter threw herself from the castle battlements--she died on the rocks 250 feet below.

Mary Queen of Scots

In another story, it is stated she was an attendant to Mary Queen of Scots. One night she dreamed the queen was in danger. Jolted awake, she ran to the queen’s bedchamber to find the bed curtains on fire.

She awoke the queen and rushed her to safety. In one dramatic version of this tale, it is stated this maid then died of wounds sustained in this fire.

During this rescue, it is said this maid wore a green dressing gown. This is the reason put forth as to why she is seen in a “green mist.”

Her apparition is still seen at Stirling Castle today. In fact, her ghost is considered a harbinger. For when she appears sometimes disasters have happened just after--including several fires.

Because of this her appearances are taken seriously, and all are documented.

Some are afraid of her ghost, but others feel the opposite, they believe she is performing a service by warning people of danger.

Two other ghosts often are seen at the castle, including a Pink Lady believed to be Mary Queen of Scots and a Highland Spirit who likes to pose as a tour guide.

The 1935 photo below was taken in Castle Stirling.

Click to enlarge