Dunbar Castle

The shattered ruins of Dunbar Castle cling to jagged rocks where the harbor meets the North Sea, its strategic position having made it one of Scotland’s most contested fortresses for over 600 years. What remains of the castle is a shadow of its former strength, having been deliberately demolished in 1567 on orders of the Scottish Parliament to prevent it from ever being used militarily again. Yet the most famous period in its history—and the source of its most active haunting—is the Siege of 1338, when Agnes Randolph, Countess of Dunbar, earned her nickname “Black Agnes” through her fearless and mocking defense against English forces.

In January 1338, the Earl of Salisbury laid siege to Dunbar Castle while the Earl of Dunbar was away fighting in England. His wife, Countess Agnes, took command of the defense with remarkable courage and wit. For five months, she held the castle against the English army, personally appearing on the battlements to taunt the besiegers. When the English bombarded the walls with stones from siege engines, Agnes had her maids ostentatiously dust the battlements with handkerchiefs, mocking the futility of the attack. When the English built a siege tower called a “sow,” Agnes ordered a boulder dropped on it, then called out in verse, “Beware, Monsieur, for farrow shall thy sow!” Her defiance became legendary, and when a Scottish relief force arrived, the demoralized English withdrew in defeat.

The ghost of Black Agnes still walks the ruins of Dunbar Castle, appearing as a tall, commanding woman in dark medieval dress—the darkness of her clothing, dark hair, and tanned complexion gave her the nickname “Black” Agnes. She is most often seen on the remains of the castle walls overlooking the sea, appearing to survey the approaches as she once did during the siege. Witnesses describe her as appearing completely solid and real, standing proudly with her arms crossed or gesturing as if giving orders to defenders who are no longer there.

The anniversary of the siege’s most dramatic moments—particularly in March and April—sees increased paranormal activity. Visitors have reported hearing a woman’s voice laughing defiantly from the ruined towers, the sound of stones striking walls, and phantom cheering from Scottish soldiers celebrating their successful defense. Some witnesses have described seeing spectral figures on the battlements, soldiers in 14th-century armor manning defensive positions, before the entire scene fades like morning mist.

The castle ruins, now surrounded by modern harbor works and houses, retain an atmosphere of defiant resistance. Cold spots manifest near the remaining walls, and visitors occasionally report feeling an invisible presence standing beside them, as if Black Agnes herself is checking on those who visit her domain. Some have described sudden feelings of fierce courage and determination while walking the ruins, as if the countess’s indomitable spirit influences those who enter her territory. Dogs often bark at empty air near the castle remains, and electronic devices frequently malfunction or drain batteries rapidly when near the ruins.

Local tradition holds that Black Agnes appears most vividly when Scotland faces threats from England or when her family’s honor needs defending. In recent decades, her ghost has been reported less frequently, but those who do encounter her describe the experience as inspiring rather than frightening—meeting the spirit of a woman who refused to surrender, a medieval warrior whose courage transcended death itself.