HAUNTED EDINBURGH

As spooky season casts its spell, head to the Scottish capital for a weekend of ghoulish antics

As the evenings draw in and with Halloween on the horizon, what better place to visit than Scotland’s bewitching capital, Edinburgh?

One in three of the city’s residents claim to have encountered an otherworldly presence, and with its imposing castle, abundance of ghost stories, Gothic architecture and Harry Potter connections, it has earned a reputation as the country’s paranormal hot (or should that be cold?) spot!

We checked into the impressive Prestonfield House and then its sister property, aptly named The Witchery by the Castle – both serving up Halloween with class.

A host of celebrities have crossed their thresholds over the years, too. During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, festivalgoers at Prestonfield were entertained by Sir Cliff Richard, Julian Clary and former Strictly judge Dame Arlene Phillips, while its royal visitors have included the Princess Royal, King Charles and, in 2006, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

At The Witchery, diners have rubbed shoulders with A-listers like Margot Robbie, Justin Timberlake, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Leonardo DiCaprio and The Phantom Of The Opera composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

SPOOKY HAPPENINGS