At this time of year, when the shadows are long and the days are short, we all like a good old fashioned ghost story, and this tale of a paranormal sighting at a Scottish castle might just be the one you need today.
It’s considered to be one of the best photos ever captured that purports to show a ghost, and it was taken in 2009 by a man called Christopher Aitchison.
Aitchison was out with his camera at Tantallon Castle near to North Berwick, East Lothian.
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The castle, which stands on a remote and windswept headland, dates all the way back to the 14th century, and was ruined badly by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1651.
Over the years, it’s fair to say that the castle has seen some s**t, and that could mean – if you believe in this sort of thing – that there are some memories and spirits floating around within the walls that sometimes head across to this plane of reality.
That’s where Aitchison’s photograph comes in, as it seems to show a figure in the castle wearing a ruff and old clothing, scurrilously sneaking a glance out of one of the windows.
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You could think that it was just a peek behind the scenes of a re-enactment, or someone getting way too into their day out.
However, no mannequins or guides in traditional costume are used at the castle.
What’s more, experts have confirmed that there was no digital editing or trickery used to make the photo.
Which begs the question – who or what is the mysterious figure standing high in the castle tower?
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For his part, Aitchison said: “I was not aware of anyone, or anything, being present in my picture.”
Professor Richard Wiseman, who lectures in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, has had a good study of the picture and said: “The figure appears to be in period costume but we know 100 per cent that Tantallon Castle is not the sort of place that has castle as a base dummies or costumed guides."
Not everyone is so convinced though.
Alex Pryce, from Edinburgh Skeptics – a pro-science organisation – told Edinburgh Live: "When the picture is enlarged, it is quite obvious it is a woman with a carrier bag in her hand and her handbag over her shoulder.
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“It is a woman in a pink jacket coming down some stairs with a shopping bag."
Whatever you believe, it’s certainly an intriguing tale, and the mystery continues.
Featured Image Credit: Christopher Aitchison