Scottish Ghost Stories for Christmas Eve

Our new YouTube video is the perfect background for a cosy (but spooky) winter night of storytelling. Watch it below.

The history of Edinburgh often runs dark, and the city is no stranger to ghost stories in English, Scots, Gàidhlig and more. In every language, dark stories take shape within the city’s labyrinthian streets. 

The capital of Scotland, people have been living here and telling stories for centuries. In fact, one of our longest-lasting traditions is storytelling. 

The shorter days and darker nights of winter are the perfect time to indulge in a ghost story. There’s something about a cold, dark setting that makes spectres and shadows that much spookier. Perhaps that’s why Christmas ghost stories formed. 

Beloved Christmas ghost stories like A Christmas Carol were once told around the fire, both cosy and spine-chilling. That Victorian Christmas tradition lives on today. 

Love a ghost story audiobook, but need something a little shorter, something to listen to as you settle in for the night? Join Mercat Storyteller Nicola as we explore three of our favourite Edinburgh ghost stories.