Your Ghost Hunt at Old Gala House
Step into the spectral world of the Old Gala House, a historical marvel dating back to 1583, nestled in the heart of Galashiels, Scotland.
As darkness descends upon Galashiels, the Old Gala House, a formidable structure dating back to 1583, casts long, haunting shadows. This once grand residence of the Lairds of Galashiels, now a museum and gallery by day, morphs into a chilling playground of the supernatural by night.
This impressive building, once home to the Lairds of Galashiels, is now a vibrant museum and gallery, but when the sun sets, it transforms into a hub of paranormal activity.
The Old Gala House, originally a tower house built by the Pringle family in 1457, has been the stage for over 400 years of history. It has seen the rise and fall of families, the evolution of the town, and the passage of countless souls. The house is known for its painted ceiling dating from 1635, a testament to its rich past, and the Thomas Clapperton Room, dedicated to the locally-born sculptor.
As the night draws in, both staff and guests have reported a variety of eerie occurrences. Strange lights flicker in the corners of your eyes, and the statues adorning the house seem to shift when unobserved. The air is often filled with the disembodied sounds of children’s laughter and a chilling, spectral whistling. Some have even reported the sensation of a tall man leaning over them, his presence as cold as the Scottish winter.
Join us for a night of ghost hunting in this historic location. Experience the thrill of the unknown, the chill of the unseen, and the mystery of the unexplained. This is not just a ghost hunt; it’s a journey through time, a peek into the spectral world, and a night you will never forget.
Spots will fill up quickly for this one, so hurry and book now!
Deposits are available for just £20 per person.
What's Included?
For just £49 Per Person, you will enjoy the following:
- Free parking on site,
- Hot drinks and biscuits,
- Use of our equipment which includes, ghost hunting gadgets and mediumship tools,
- Expert advice and discussion about the paranormal,
- Taking part in spiritual experiments including séances and glass divination,
- Ghost hunting vigils in the dark,
- Exclusive access to the location, including all the most haunted areas,
- Friendly and experienced team offering help and advice,
- Your chance to ghost hunt in a haunted location at night!
Old Gala House History
The Old Gala House, located in the Old Town area of Galashiels, Scotland, is a remarkable building with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The house was originally built as a tower house in 1457 by the Hoppringill (Pringle) family, who were granted the lands of Gala by the Earl of Douglas.
In 1583, Andrew Hoppringill carried out significant improvements and extended the house, making it the family home. The house underwent further expansion in 1611, and in 1635, ownership of the residence passed to the Scott family through the marriage of Jean, Sir James Pringle’s daughter, to Hugh Scott.
The Old Gala House is known for its painted, wooden-panelled ceiling dating back to 1635, which was rediscovered in the middle of the 20th century. This beautiful painting commemorates the remodelling of the house by Pringle and Scott and is one of around thirty Scottish-style Renaissance ceilings that remain intact.
The house also features the Clapperton Room, which houses permanent displays dedicated to Galashiels’ outstanding and globally-renowned sculptor Thomas Clapperton. The ornate eighteenth-century plaster ceiling in the Christopher Boyd Gallery is another testament to the house’s historical significance.
The Scotts of Galashiels stayed at Old Gala House until 1876 when they moved to New Gala House, an impressive residence designed by eminent Scottish architect David Bryce on behalf of Hugh Scott, the then-Laird of Gala. New Gala House was demolished in 1987.
Today, Old Gala House is a vibrant museum and gallery that tells the story of the town and its people. It hosts local graduation ceremonies, meetings, weddings, and the archives of the Borders Family History Society. The house also plays a central role in the annual Braw Lads’ Gathering, a local tradition based on a poem written by Robert Burns about Galashiels.