Roslin, a small village in Midlothian about seven miles from central Edinburgh, has been named Scotland's "creepiest" village, making it a fitting destination for a spooky October day out. It can be reached from the city in around 30 minutes by car or less than an hour by public transport.
A list of the most unsettling places across the UK compiled by travel experts placed Roslin at number one for Scotland. According to legend, the village was founded by Picts in 203 AD, and it is said to be home to numerous ghosts and spirits.
Haunted landmarks and legends
Roslin is best known for Rosslyn Chapel, an Episcopal chapel dating back to the 15th century. It has long been believed to be haunted, with the spirits of an apprentice stonemason murdered by his master and mysterious phantom monks said to roam the grounds.
For hundreds of years, the chapel has also been the subject of conspiracy theories linking it to the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. An even more unusual rumour claims the crypt inside Rosslyn Chapel holds the mummified head of Jesus Christ.
Rosslyn Castle, a partially ruined castle with a history going back to the early-14th century, is another spooky spot. One ghost story claims the castle is haunted by the spirit of a dog killed with its owner in a bloody battle in 1303.
Literary connections and a historic inn
Book and movie fans may recognise Rosslyn Chapel from its prominent appearance in The Da Vinci Code, both the 2003 novel by Dan Brown and its 2006 movie adaptation starring Tom Hanks.
For a meal after exploring, the Original Rosslyn Inn has been in business since 1837 and has counted Robert Burns, William Wordsworth, and Sir Walter Scott among its patrons. It offers separate brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, with dishes made from fresh and locally sourced produce, including a traditional Sunday roast with slow-roasted 28-day-aged beef served with homemade Yorkshire pudding, gravy, seasonal vegetables, and roast potatoes.
