New: Comlongon Ghost Tour!
They say the grass never grows where she fell… Famously haunted by Lady Marion Carruthers, the stunning countryside retreat of Comlongon Castle will host a thrilling new Mostly Ghostly tour this autumn. Comlongon Ghost Tour is the result of a dynamic partnership between the castle team and Mostly Ghostly Investigations, which aims to promote tourism in Dumfries and Galloway, and entice local visitors to discover this historic haunt. September 25th sees the launch of their eerie venture, which coincides with the anniversary of Marion’s grim demise…
Situated near the village of Clarencefield, Comlongon is a world-famous wedding venue and hotel, setting the scene for countless joyous unions. Over four hundred years ago however, one young woman, promised to a man she didn’t love, lost her life in tragic and mysterious circumstances.
Lady Marion Carruthers is believed to be The Green Lady, allegedly a victim of suicide but most likely, murdered by associates of Sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig. Sir James saw great potential when Marion’s father died; he was granted ward and marriage of both Marion and her sister when they were just young girls. Determined to gain control of their lands, Douglas set about ensuring his legacy, which involved marrying the two lasses off to suitable partners - his allies of course. Marion strongly opposed his wishes and proved a formidable match for Douglas, a woman of independence and strong-will, Marion believed that marriage should be a choice. And so began a long and bitter battle, sowing the seeds of future tragedy…
Given its extensive, fascinating and at times, dark past, Comlongon is the ideal location for a castle ghost walk. The team have been busy researching Comlongon’s history and gathering a collection of ghost stories to include in this unique new tour for Dumfries and Galloway. Eye witness accounts are in abundance, many of which are connected with wedding celebrations. Jewellery is often moved or goes missing, only to be found in the most unusual places. Eerie lights have been witnessed and there are several famous photographs believed to show ghostly manifestations. Perhaps the best known is an image taken in The Great Hall, purportedly showing a strange misty shape by the fireplace.
This exclusive new tour aims to be exciting, thought-provoking and darkly dramatic, creating a powerful experience guests will never forget. Arriving at this stunning floodlit venue, you’ll be welcomed into the hotel where a complimentary drink awaits. From there, you’ll be met by your Mostly Ghostly tour guides, who’ll present fascinating accounts in the atmospheric grounds and ancient candlelit keep - a crackling log fire completes the scene…
For guests wishing to make an evening of it, you can book a delicious meal to follow the tour - mouth-watering food in magnificent surroundings. And if anyone is feeling particularly daring or simply wants to enjoy a special treat, you can opt to spend the night or a short break at Comlongon – you can even sleep in a haunted room! If you happen to sense a strange presence, hear a curious thump in the night or are lucky enough to witness the forlorn spirit of Lady Marion herself, please let Mostly Ghostly know!
Comlongon Ghost Tour launches Sunday 25th September at 6:30pm
For meal and accommodation enquiries, please contact Comlongon Castle
For tour enquiries, please contact the team through our website or by phoning 07791 047835 or 07912 145865. To contact the castle, please ring 01387 870283. You can also FOLLOW us on Twitter and LIKE us on Facebook.