The Drovers Inn, a 300-year-old hotel at the northern tip of Loch Lomond in Inverarnan, has been branded one of the most haunted in Britain. First opened in 1705, the property is rumoured to be filled with ghosts, and guests have reported spooky happenings, from strange lights to photos being taken as they sleep.
Ghostly sightings dating back to 1792
One of the most notable paranormal sightings dates back to 1792, otherwise known as the Year of the Sheep. A young crofting family was removed from their home so landlords could profit from sheep farming. With little means to support their young child, the family travelled south in hopes of starting a new life, but after being caught in a heavy snowstorm, they froze to death while trying to find shelter at the Drovers Inn.
Over the years, there have been accounts of people seeing a young family wandering the land during the winter months. One of the spookiest accounts recalls a couple waking up to a cold shiver and finding the family standing at the end of the bed as the young boy gave a cheery wave.
Room six and the flickering lights
The Drovers Inn has 15 uniquely styled rooms featuring oil paintings, rich colours and antique furniture. Room six is noted to be the 'haunted room'. A couple recently stayed in room six for a night in October. During their stay, the girlfriend allegedly woke up to seeing flickering lights in the room. After dismissing it as the fire alarm light, the boyfriend opened his eyes to see up to 20 white points of light dancing around in mid air. With the room said to be pitch black, the couple tried to rationalise it as fireflies, but staff dismissed this, saying they weren't likely to inhabit the area.
The mystery of the little girl in pink
Other guests have reported incidents after taking photographs at the inn. One woman was at the hotel for a birthday treat with her daughter and friends. A few days after her stay, she emailed the manager wondering if they could tell her who the little girl in the pink dress was that featured in their photo taken on the hotel's stairs. Her confusion peaked as she didn't recall seeing the child or any other children at the hotel that night. Her daughter, who took the photo, was adamant that the little girl was not there when she took the photo on her phone. The inn responded that there were no children staying or visiting at the hotel that evening. The mystery of the little girl has since remained just that, a mystery.
Other guests have also reported seeing and hearing a ghost wandering the halls screaming in pain, while others have woken up in their rooms feeling a "small icy cold and wet body" next to them in bed. Ghost enthusiasts can find out more information on the ghost stories and how to book a stay on the Drovers Inn website.
