Scotland’s tales of witchcraft are being marked during the Year of Stories 2022 with a new Witch Trail created by VisitScotland.

Abbotsford © VisitScotland / Phil Wilkinson

Scotland’s national tourism organisation is inviting visitors to discover some lesser-known spooky stories, dark history and truly magical places through the new trail and map.

Witches and witchcraft make for a formative chapter in the story of Scotland covering history, women’s rights, superstition and the supernatural. There are numerous local tales spread across Scotland about witches and witchcraft based in both fact and legend. A key focus for Scotland's Year of Stories is highlighting these tales from communities passed down through the generations.

From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 encourages visitors and locals alike to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of stories, past and present.

The trail and map highlight a variety of locations and attractions with links to themes associated with witchcraft, including a love of nature and modern takes on the lore. They can be enjoyed year-round as part of a longer vacation or on a short trip.

The downloadable guide features 15 locations alongside a blog taking a deeper dive into the subject and offering even more witchcraft-themed visitor experiences. Experiences on the map include:

Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis - Standing for over 5,000 years, the Calanais Standing Stones have a rich culture of magical folklore. One legend tells how a fairy cow came to give milk to the starving people of Calanais. All was well until a rumoured witch seeking more than her share brought the giving to an end by milking the cow dry before vanishing. The stones are thought to have inspired the magical Craigh na Dun in the popular TV series Outlander.

Calanais Standing Stones © VisitScotland / Kenny  Lam

The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh - Located in an impressive 16th century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, this unique and atmospheric hotel and restaurant takes its name from the hundreds of women and men burned at the stake as witches on Castlehill. Today, visitors can dine in the luxurious surroundings of the original oak-panelled dining room and unwind in one of the lavishly decorated suites. Castlehill also features The Witches’ Well, a drinking fountain dedicated to those who lost their lives after being accused of witchcraft.

The Witchery by the Castle © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Kirkwall Witchy Walk, Orkney – This island was once a hotbed of allegations and accusations. Peer into Marwick’s Hole where those accused of witchcraft were imprisoned at St Magnus Cathedral and walk in the footsteps of the condemned to Gallow’Ha on a guided tour with Spiritual Orkney.

St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Blair Castle, Perthshire – This castle has a fascinating history of visitors, including Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and an alleged witch. Legend has it that the mountains overlooking the castle have acted as a hiding spot for a powerful witch who could shape shift into wildlife. Visitors should keep an eye out for creatures on a stroll around the grounds.

Blair Castle, Perthshire © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Abbotsford, Scottish Borders - The home of 19th-century novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford boasts a world-famous collection of rare books on witchcraft, demonology, and popular superstitions. Visitors to Scott’s stunning library can see his treasured “Witch Corner” overlooking the River Tweed. Find out how the facts inspired the fiction in some of the writer’s most iconic novels and explore how Scott used Abbotsford to help him bring the past to life.

Abbotsford, Scottish Borders © VisitScotland / PRImaging

Cat Leaver, VisitScotland Head of Brand and Content, said: “As we mark Scotland’s Year of Stories, it is important to showcase tales of all kinds and highlight some of the truly unique experiences on offer in Scotland.

“This new witch trail and map does exactly this and we know that pre-pandemic, the popularity of attractions thought to be associated with the supernatural and darker aspects of Scotland’s history were on the rise.

“Highlighting fun, educational, and engaging experiences like those featured in the map will help inspire people to discover Scotland’s rich and diverse stories for themselves.”

Witch Corner at Abbotsford © VisitScotland / Phil Wilkinson

Giles Ingram, Chief Executive of Abbotsford, said: “Generations of visitors to Sir Walter Scott’s home have been fascinated by ‘Witch Corner’, a cabinet within his library containing around 250 prized volumes dating from 1477 to 1832.

“Due to the popularity of Witch Corner, Abbotsford is currently building a sculpture trail inspired by the stories found within these books; from tales of witchcraft, to ourisks, elves, fairies and other mystical beings.” 

If you or your group would like to enjoy a witch-themed tour of Scotland, taking in some of the sights associated with the darker side of Scottish history as well as eerie locations linked to supernatural myths and legends, please do contact our team today.