Paranormal Discovery

Katrina and Natalie run Paranormal Discovery in their spare time around family and work commitments.  Both consider themselves to be level-headed and down to earth. 

 Meet the team:

We believe that the diverse experiences, skills and knowledge of the individual investigators have been utilised effectively to create a well-balanced, reputable, dedicated and hard-working team of paranormal investigators.

Mike, Gordon, Steve, Tori, Katrina, Natalie

Katrina Boitz 

Organiser, age 40, senior community staff nurse

"I wanted to start up the group so I could pursue my interest in the paranormal and couldn't find any local groups to join."

" I used to be very sceptical and liked to look for rational explanations for things. However, since forming Paranormal Discovery I have  become convinced that paranormal phenomena do exist."

Natalie Boitz

Co-organiser, age 33, senior staff nurse

"Hi, I'm Katrina's sister and share her interest in the paranormal.  We formed Paranormal Discovery over a year ago now and have had many strange experiences on our investigations - far more than we could ever have anticipated"

"I started out as a sceptic before this bit have now experienced so many unexplained things that I now believe in the paranormal."

Tori Bruce

Team sensitive/developing medium, age 28, practising witch

"I would class myself as a sensitive.  This line of research is a personal quest for me to help develop this skill and to see how much I pick up is reflected in what the rest of the team detect (plus it helps me not to feel like I'm crazy).  I'm really looking to get a logical explanation as to what I see and what causes it."

"When I was 14 I started to get interested in paganism and was initiated as a witch at 15.  Now 13 years on I am still a practicing witch".

Mike Todd

Investigator/first aider, age 30, plant manager

"Due to having paranormal experiences when younger I am now searching for answers on both paranormal and scientific levels.  I am open minded but find myself very sceptical towards some theories."

Gordon Roberts

Investigator/cameraman, age 33, plant operative

"I've always been curious about the paranormal and have had a few strange experiences that lead to me wanting to find out more. T his, however, has simply reinforced my belief that there is more out there and only raised more questions about the paranormal." 

Steve Douglas

Technical advisor, age 51, electronic engineer

www.beautiful-world.co.uk

" I studied physics and electronic engineering and first started playing with computers and electronics in 1969. Paranormal things have happened to me, I don't profess to understand them but I'm also not willing to dismiss them as figments of my imagination, I'm happy to accept that things happen and we have no reasonable explanation for them - yet."          

We are often approached by people wondering what it is we actually do and are often asked about the running of the group etc.  For this reason we decided to include a Frequently Asked Questions page on the website.  You are, of course, welcome to ask additional questions either by e-mailing us or by adding a post to our forum.

Are you still looking for team members?

No, our team is now complete.  However, we are keen to hear from anyone interested in the paranormal and encourage those interested to join our forum.  It is our aim to involve regular posters on the forum in what we do, whether it be as a guest at an investigation or as a participant in one of our experiments.  We also hold open meetings for our regulars on the forum.

Do you work with other groups?

Yes, we are always happy to work with other reputable paranormal teams.  So far, we have carried out investigations with Scottish Paranormal and Spiritfinders Scotland.

Are locations to investigate easy to find?

There is no shortage of alleged haunted locations in the area.  However, we only investigate areas which are open to the general public and/or if we have permission from the property/site owner.  It takes a lot of effort and research to find a suitable location to investigate - not all haunted places are suitable as some are too dangerous.  We only investigate places that we know to be safe or following a pre-investigation visit to carry out a risk assessment of the site.  For this reason it is not our policy to carry out an impromptu investigation of a location we may pass every day, for example. All of our investigations are planned well in advance .

We also receive frequent requests from property owners to investigate their premises.  However, due to the fact that we operate in our spare time and because some of the venues involve travelling time and may take several hours to investigate properly, we have to prioritise and actually have a 'waiting list' at the moment.

Are there other paranormal teams in and around Dundee?

Yes, several teams have carried out paranormal investigations in the area.  Each team brings their own experiences and approaches to their investigations of Dundee's haunted locations.

Can you explain what Paranormal Discovery does?

Paranormal Discovery is a voluntary, non-profit making organisation which carries out paranormal investigations and research of related phenomena.  The team consists ofä members who carry out this research in their spare time.  Every member has different skills and experiences and the group as a whole is constantly learning.

Whilst this is for the team's enjoyment and to help answer any personal questions each of us may have on the subject, the team remains serious about obtaining credible evidence.  The reputation of Paranormal Discovery is paramount and we all abide by a 'Code of Conduct' which covers such aspects as group safety and respect for property.

Although the team as it stands was formed in 2006 and is still in its early stages, we feel we have as much to offer as any other paranormal team.  The current team has a good mix of sceptics and believers.  All of us share the same goal of gathering evidence of paranormal activity.  Our approach is mainly scientifically based but we do have team members who are sensitive to spirit.

Do you want any recognition for what you do?

Each team member puts a lot of hard work into the running of the group.  We really appreciate feedback from places we have investigated and comments from those who have enjoyed the website.  Constructive criticism is always welcome and is necessary for the group to evolve. 

Do you make any money from paranormal investigations?

No, none at all!  The team is self funding and we do not charge for carrying out an investigation or for the investigation report.  Donations are always welcome!!  

Does a group like yours need insurance?

Yes.  We have public liability insurance to the sum of ٟ million.  The insurance premium is the team's single most expensive outlay but is essential to cover the team for any accidental damage to property or injury to others, eg guests at investigations.  It is foolish to operate without insurance in this day and age.  Anyhow, most locations will not allow a paranormal team into their property/site if they cannot prove that they are properly insured for carrying out paranormal investigations. 

Do you perform exorcisms or spirit rescue?

If you are in need of advice and/or assistance please contact us and Tori will get in touch with you. She has the relevant experience and knowledge to be able to offer help and support.

• All members must be at least 18 years old no person under 18 is allowed to join us as a team member or at any investigation even if accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Absolutely no alcohol or recreational drugs to be brought along to investigations and no-one will be allowed to participate if they are under the influence of drink/drugs
• No trespassing at any time, eg no climbing over any fences/gates even if these are inside an accesible area/building
• All participants at investigations to bring a torch and spare batteries with them
• All members and guests to carry some form of ID during investigation
• Suitable clothing to be worn, layers are best and remember waterproof clothing for outdoors and non-slip footwear(no squeaky shoes either, please).  The team members will wear their team uniform and/or a name badge
• Fire (indoor locations): assembly point will be arranged prior to start of investigation.  Any incidence of fire should be dealt with by setting of fire alarm and evacuating the building via nearest fire-exit.  The no smoking laws will be observed at all times
• A safe area/break room will be decided on before each investigation.  If any member feels unwell/frightened he/she should make way to this area accompanied by another team member
• The organiser will check the online BBC weather report for each area the team is to visit prior to the event.  All participants will be notified of weather prediction and advised on what to bring with them for safety/comfort, eg hot drinks, walking boots, waterproof clothes etc
• The organiser or another designated team member will visit each venue in daylight hours before the team visits in order to check for any potential hazards whenever possible
• Whenever possible investigation events will begin before darkness falls so that we can walk around the area to become familiar with the layout and for any potential hazards to be pointed out to everyone
• The organisers will bring a first aid kit to every investigation and will administer first aid when required. We have a registered first aider as part of the team
• No wandering off alone and no lone vigils (evidence and safety are  the key issues - always pair up so there is a witness to any paranormal activity).  Lone vigils will only be allowed as part of any controlled experiment in which case the lone person will have a 2-way radio for communication and/or be under surveillance on cctv

• The investigation area will be left as we find it. find it.  Any litter will be tidied up and furniture repositioned if it has been moved during the investigation
• Respect for the dead to be shown at all times:  no taunting or trying to anger spirits to get 'results' will be tolerated
• No ouija boards will be used on invetsigations
• Respect for property and professionalism to be shown at all times.  We remember that our behavior will reflect on our reputation in the paranormal community   

• All mobile phones should ideally be switched off or set to vibrate only
• No smoking except in designated smoke area (we don't want any anomolies caught on camera to be blamed on cigarette smoke)
• For the sake of EVP -  no whispering during investigation.  Please speak in normal voice.  If a noise is heard and you know what it is, state what it is and time heard eg. clock chiming, stomach rumbling, bird hooting etc
• No  perfume/aftershave to be worn when on investigation (paranormal activity often manifests as a 'smell' and we don't want to confuse this with member's perfume etc)
• If in charge of camera/camcorder long hair must be tied back - one loose hair floating in front of lense can give a false positive for paranormal sighting
• Similarly camera straps should be removed whenever possible