Uncover Scotland's Witch Trail this Hallowe'en Season

1. BLACK MOON BOTANICA, EDINBURGH

This unique little shop is full of everything an aspiring witch could need and want, and is aptly located on a street named Candlemaker Row in Edinburgh. From scented candles, crystals and intriguing books to tarot cards, herbal oils and ritual kits, Black Moon Botanica stocks a range of spooky goods to add to your collections.

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3. THE WITCHES’ WELL, EDINBURGH

The Witches’ Well can be found at the foot of Edinburgh Castle and marks the spot where over 300 women accused of witchcraft were burned at the stake. This cast iron fountain and plaque memorialises those executed. As they were denied a proper burial due to the accusations, their remains were often left where they died.

It is a small and easy site to miss amongst the bustling atmosphere of the Royal Mile, but holds great significance as, during the 16th century, more women were murdered at this site than anywhere else in Scotland.

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4. BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL, EDINBURGH

This annual festival takes a deep dive into Scotland’s traditions during the Celtic lunar calendar and fire festivals. The largest of its kind, Beltane Fire Festival takes place on Calton Hill in Scotland’s capital. The festival consists of a procession, starting at the National Monument and journeying anti-clockwise around the path, meeting various groups along the way. The procession is driven by the beat of drums and at the head is the May Queen and the Green Man, followed by a parade of characters who are linked to them and the Celtic traditions.

The procession comes to an end with a huge bonfire being lit and the parades and communities of people coming together for warmth, food and drink.

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Find out about more fire festivals in Scotland

6. LEITH WITCHCRAFT MARKET, EDINBURGH

The Leith Witchcraft Market brings together traders, crafts people, witchy artists and more throughout the year for every Pagan Sabbat. Featuring local artists, makers and magical practitioners, you’ll find all sorts of trinkets, keepsakes, handmade crafts and more here. Led by local business owners Laura Cooper of Nymeria Bloom and Amelia Whitehouse, professional Tarot Reader and podcaster, it’s a great addition to your spooky season calendar.

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7. MAGGIE WALL’S MEMORIAL, DUNNING

Located in Dunning, just west of Perthshire, Maggie Wall’s Memorial is a mysterious monument where a woman, who according to records never existed, was burnt alive for supposedly being a witch.

Standing around 20 ft high, topped with a cross and decorated with gifts left by visitors, the memorial is also branded with ‘Maggie Wall burnt here 1657 as a witch’ in white lettering. Another mystery surrounding this is that there’s no record of the monument itself until 1866, though a forest surrounding the monument, called Maggie Walls Wood, was documented as of 1829.

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8. DUNDEE WOMEN’S TRAIL: GRISSELL JAFFRAY

Grissell Jaffray was a respectable Dundonian woman before she was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, and was reportedly the last person burned for so-called witchcraft in Dundee.

The records relating to the accusations have since been lost, however the names of the three responsible were leading ministers in the Dundee Presbytery at the time: Harry Scrymsour of St Mary’s, John Guthrie of South Church and William Rait of Third Charge (now St Paul’s). As well as the plaque on Peter Street as part of the Dundee Women’s Trail, you can see a flame mosaic depicting her punishment, both of which allegedly mark the spot of her death.

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9. CAILLEACH’S HERBARIUM AND SCOTT RICHARDSON-READ, SCOTTISH BORDERS

If you’re looking for a quirky folklore experience, you’re in luck! Cailleach’s Herbarium uncovers the realms of Scottish folklore, herbalism and folk practices, led by Scott Richardson-Read, the co-creator and researcher behind the Taibhsear Collective that brought to life Edinburgh’s ongoing annual folk scene.

Read up and learn all about foraging, folk magic, folk festivals and more, as well as the magical history of Scotland.

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10. THE CAULDRON CO., EDINBURGH

Fancy tapping into your inner Harry Potter or Hermione Granger and conjuring up some magic potions? Head over to The Cauldron Co. on Frederick Street in Edinburgh where you can immerse yourself in a cocktail class, complete with a cloak, wielding a working magic wand and using molecular mixology to brew drinkable elixirs.

Here you can also tuck into a Wizard Afternoon Tea where you can get involved in an interactive tea brewing experience. Not just your average afternoon tea, The Cauldron Co. let’s you brew two different types of teas, the first focuses on transfiguration and the second is a fun experiment session to help you find the perfect blend for your palette.

It’s a great afternoon experience to get you into the Halloween spirit, and with gift cards and vouchers on offer, it makes an ideal gift or present too.

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11. WITCHES CRAIG CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK, STIRLING

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay with mystery and history lurking overhead, you’re in the right place. Witches Craig Caravan & Camping Park is situated at the foot of the Ochils, a place that has had the rumour of witches associated with it for centuries.

The nearby Logie Kirk dates back to 1178 and it is said that a coven of witches were based in the hills behind the kirk, the most prominent of which is Carly Crag, or the Witches Craig. Legends and tales have circulated here for some time, including a minister claiming he saw the Devil dancing with his witches.

The presence of so-called witches in the area can still be seen today, with names such as Warlock Glen and Devil’s Loch found nearby.

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13. KIRKWALL TOWN AND ‘WITCHY’ WALK, ORKNEY

If you feel like embarking on a bit of an adventure, head to Orkney.

Uncover all the nooks and crannies of the historical town of Kirkwall with a witchy walking tour. Listen to all the intriguing tales and stories of Orkney, learn about the earliest Viking settlement of Kirkjuvagr and see the original Norse harbour, tour the most northerly cathedral in Britain – St Magnus Cathedral, and much more on this eye-opening excursion.

Listen to the fascinating insight of Orkney’s history that dates back centuries, with dozens of attractions and locations to visit along the way.

Explore Kirkwall Town and ‘Witchy’ Walk