The ghost of ‘Bloody Bruce’ haunts this Scottish castle for sale

Real Estate

Buy if you dare.

A castle in Scotland said to be haunted by Sir Andrew — aka the Baron of Earlshall, who lived in the home in the 17th century — is up for sale with no particular asking price.

Over the years, visitors of the castle have claimed to have heard the footsteps of Sir Andrew, who goes by the nickname “Bloody Bruce.” Sir Andrew lived in the home in the 17th century.

Owners and visitors of the home say they hear the footsteps of Bloody Bruce on the spiral staircase in particular.

The Baron earned his nickname following his brutal victory at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 during the Scottish Jacobite uprising. He hacked off the hands and head of Covenanter Richard Cameron when defeating him in battle, according to the Savills website, which represents the listing.

After Bruce’s direct male line died out in 1708, the castles were bought and sold to different individuals throughout the years.

“I have sold Earlshall Castle twice before in my 35 year career,” Jamie Macnab of Savills told The Post. “It is a very special place. The present owner is wanting to move back to Holland to be nearer to his grandchildren.”

Images of the castle show its rural setting and rustic architecture.

The castle is situated on 34 acres.
The castle is situated on 34 acres.
Savills
The manicured lawn.
The manicured lawn.
Savills
The infamous spiral staircase where footsteps of Bloody Bruce are heard.
The infamous spiral staircase where footsteps of Bloody Bruce are heard.
Savills
One of several living spaces.
One of several living spaces.
Savills
The formal dining room.
The formal dining room.
Savills
The kitchen with navy blue cabinets and eat-in table.
The kitchen with navy blue cabinets and eat-in table.
Savills
A dining space.
A dining space.
Savills
One of 10 bedrooms.
One of 10 bedrooms.
Savills

The current owner purchased the estate back in 2019.

The castle was built in 1546 by Sir William Bruce, a famed architect at the time — with no relation to Bloody Bruce. It was later restored and renovated by Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer in the 1890s.

“The magic is all Sir Robert Lorimer, who restored the castle and laid out the gardens,” Macnab said. “It is a genuine castle with vaulted ground floor rooms, a Great Hall, secret spiral stairs and musket holes.”

A small room made decorated with historic memorabilia.
A small room decorated with historic memorabilia.
Savills
A sitting area.
A sitting area.
Savills
Another bedroom.
Another bedroom.
Savills
A wooden fireplace in one of the sitting rooms.
A wooden fireplace in one of the sitting rooms.
Savills
The gardens.
The gardens.
Savills
An engraved stone with the words "A nice wife and a back door often maketh a rich man poor."
An engraved stone with the words “A nice wife and a back door often maketh a rich man poor.”
Savills

The castle is made up of 10 bedrooms, eight reception rooms, two dressing rooms, six bathrooms and three cottages across the grounds.

Situated on 34 acres of land, features include the original granite fireplace in the Great Hall, coats of arms of European royalty and Scottish noble families, decorative ceilings and wood panelling, and exposed stonework.

Many of the windows throughout the historic property were installed for defensive purposes, with musket loops and smaller windows located in strategic places in case of attack.

High-profile visitors include Mary, Queen of Scots and James I of England.

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