The Castle of Mey, King Charles' beloved summer retreat, has long been shrouded in mystery and superstition. While its picturesque setting on the Scottish coast has made it a favorite among the royal family, the castle's dark past has also given rise to tales of the supernatural. The story of the Green Lady, believed to be Lady Fanny Sinclair, adds a layer of intrigue to this already captivating residence.
The legend of the Green Lady is a chilling one. It tells of a young woman who fell in love with a stablehand and was subsequently banished from the estate. Her heart broken, she was locked away on the top floor of the castle, waiting for her lover's return each night. When he never came, her despair led her to a tragic end. Some versions of the tale claim she jumped out of a window, while others suggest she fell to her death after being caught trying to escape. Either way, her spirit is said to linger, causing strange occurrences at the castle.
Staff members have reported feeling a strange presence when approaching the top floor, where a bricked-up window remains a silent reminder of her tragic fate. Visitors have also encountered unexplained phenomena, such as doors closing by themselves and lights turning off unexpectedly. These experiences have fueled the castle's haunted reputation, despite the lack of historical evidence to support the ghostly tales.
The Castle of Mey's haunted history dates back to the 1560s when the 4th Earl of Caithness built it as a gift to his second son, William Sinclair. The tale of William's brother, John, adds another layer of darkness to the castle's past. John was imprisoned at the family home, Girnigoe Castle, and later murdered his elder brother for revealing his secret. This tragic event is believed to have contributed to the castle's eerie atmosphere.
While the stories of the Green Lady and the imprisoned brother may be just that - stories - they have undoubtedly added to the allure and mystique of the Castle of Mey. The castle's dual nature, as both a beloved royal residence and a place shrouded in superstition, makes it a fascinating destination. As King Charles enjoys his summer break, he may find himself immersed in the castle's rich history, both royal and supernatural, as he relaxes in this picturesque Scottish setting.
