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 full 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.

What's Included

For just £49 per person you will enjoy:

• 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!

History of Old Gala House

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.

Access & Parking

Event Location: Old Gala House, Scott Cres, Galashiels TD1 3JS

Time: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Arrive from earliest 7:45 PM)

Parking: There are parking spaces in the paved courtyard directly outside the front entrance and a disabled parking space to the rear of the building. There is also free parking on Scott Crescent.

Accessibility: There is level access at the rear of the building. The upper floor can be accessed via a chair lift.

Please Note: All guests must be 18 years or older. Not suitable for those who are heavily pregnant. Guests are strongly advised to wear comfortable shoes and warm layered clothing on colder nights.

What to Bring

You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, though we will be providing paranormal equipment to use.

The investigation will be in darkness so please bring a torch with you.

Although snacks and drinks are provided, you’re welcome to bring your own. There are also facilities to make both hot and cold drinks, which are provided also.

And of course, bring your phone/camera with you, the more pictures we have the better chance we have of capturing something!

Other than that, just yourself and an open mind!

What to Expect

On your ghost hunt with Haunted Rooms, you will have full exclusive access to the most haunted areas of this historic location. Together with our friendly team of investigators, you will join others on structured vigils, where you’ll have the chance to use some paranormal equipment and join in on group vigils such as Ouija board sessions and seance.

Our event starts at 8.00 pm, but you can arrive at the earliest 7.45 pm. Structured investigations will end around 12-1 am. At this point, you will have the opportunity to investigate this location on your own using the techniques and information you have been provided with.

You will have the chance to look around the building before the event to familiarise yourself with its layout. Shortly before the event kicks off, we’ll run you through a quick induction and safety briefing, followed by a short talk and introduction from our team. You’ll then split into smaller groups with your family and/or friends if you’ve come together, and we’ll begin our vigils for the night!

If you have your own paranormal equipment, we encourage you to bring it, if not, we can provide them free of charge. Snacks, refreshments, and treats will be provided at intervals throughout the night, and we’ll have facilities to make hot and cold drinks too.

We do endeavour to have mediums and sensitives with us for every event, although circumstances out of our control can sometimes prevent this. Anybody with sensitive abilities, we encourage you to come forward, as it only increases the energy and enjoyment for all in attendance.

To get the most from the evening, we encourage you to try your hand at as many things as you can. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you should give a lone vigil a try, as well as join in with our table tipping experiments as we try to commune with the spirits and ghosts of the building.

Please dress weather appropriately, with extra layers of clothing if it’s cold, plus comfortable shoes and a torch if you need one.

Nearby Accommodation

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