| Ashintully Castle, Kirkmichael |
The castle dates back to the 1500's, and was built as a fortified tower house by the Spalding family.
The castle is reputed to have numerous ghosts, its most famous being a figure dressed in green known as 'Green Jean', who is thought to be the spirit of a young woman murdered by her uncle. It is said that her footsteps can still be heard as she walks the castle in sadness. In some tales she was murdered in a green dress, and then stuffed unceremoniously up the chimney by a servant. She is also said to wander the family burial ground. Green Ladies are common ghosts in Scottish castles, with a surprising number of them called Jean or Jeanie, suggesting a supplanted tradition.
The castle is also thought to be haunted by the ghost of a tinker, hanged for trespassing by one of the Spalding Earls. He cursed the family, warning that the family line would soon come to an end, the prophesy being fulfilled a short time after his death. He is said to haunt the spot near where he was hanged, by an avenue of tall trees.
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The Spalding family must have had something of a reputation for cruelty, as the other ghost said to haunt the grounds is that of a misshapen servant, murdered by another member of the family. He is known as 'Crooked Davie' on the account of his hunched back.
The castle also has a tunnel legend, a tradition often found associated with ancient residences. This tunnel was said to link up with the now ruined Whitefield Castle.
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| Map ref: NO 100 613 |
| Directions: Reached from the B950 to the Northeast of Kirkmichael. |
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