Killin
Sunday, 8th April 2007
The team headed North in anticipation of a triple investigation of various locations around Loch Tay. A preinvestigation visit of the the locations to be investigated had not been possible due to the distance involved so 3 of the team arrived first in daylight to take some photos and to ensure that the locations were safe.
Breadalbane Folk Centre, Killin
McNab Burial Ground (first location)
The McNab burial ground lies on the island of Inchbuie in the river Dochart at Killlin. It has been the burial ground of the McNab chiefs for 350 years. There is a walled enclosure containing 15 graves, 9 of which are clan chiefs. Less noble clans people are buried outwith the enclosure and graves can be seen. This island is the only piece of land still owned by the McNab clan whose motto is "Dread Nought". The McNab crest features a bearded head surmounted by a boat. Click here to read the story behind the crest and motto.
We had planned to carry out a mini-investigation of this site. We knew beforehand that visitors to the burial ground have a maximum of 30 minutes to get to the graveyard, look round and return the key. However, our time was even less than anticipated due to difficulty opening and closing the padlocked gate. On arrival at the walled area it became apparent that an investigation would not be possible due to lack of time, the fact that the enclosed area is actually locked and the possibility of other visitors arriving at any minute (we did not realise that there are several keys which are signed out to visitors).
However, the visit itself was worthwhile and allowed us to get some photos of the burial site.
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Lawers Village (second location)
See separate report for the village
Finlarig Castle (third location)
Investigators present: Katrina, Natalie, Eric, Bozzie, Laura, Mike, Tori
Outside conditions
Weather: temp 6-11C (variable), dull, Westerly wind
Moon: waning gibbous
History
The castle was built in 1609 by Sir Dunacan Campbell, "Black Duncan". It conforms to the Z-plan and was built on the site of an earlier fort. The castle is now in ruins and dangerous in parts. Only 2 towers with connecting walls survive. Notable features of the castle are the Mausoleum, the hanging tree and the beheading pit. The hanging tree is said to be where common folk were executed and the beheading pit where nobility were executed. However, archaeologists are of the opinion that the pit is nothing more than a water tank. The Breadalbane Mausoleum is a tudor chapel which was erected in 1829 on the site of an earlier chapel and burial ground founded in 1523.
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Summary
After a quick walk around the castle, it was decided that we should spend time at 3 different areas: the Mausoleum, the hanging tree and in the remaining vaulted room within the castle itself (this room may have been a kitchen or cellar).
As with our first investigation of the night at Lawers village, we have no evidence for the experiences that we had at the castle and our report relies on subjective accounts from the team members. Here is a summary of the significant events that took place during our short time at the castle:
The Mausoleum
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The team spent a little time inside the Mausoleum pictured above as Tori had felt drawn to it for some reason. Whilst inside Tori had the distinct impression that we were being watched. The chapel is now in ruins and quite dangerous as the ceiling has collapsed and now lies as rubble on what was once the floor.
The Hanging Tree
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The team had hoped for some activity near the hanging tree given its gruesome past. However, nothing was reported by anyone in this area and Tori did not sense anything different up on the mound by the tree either.
The Vaulted Room
Our last vigil was inside the castle. We settled down in the vaulted room. Tori quickly became wary of the corner behind her and felt that there was something standing there. She felt so uneasy that she had to move places so that she could be facing that particular area. She soon saw some bright flashes of light in the corner and at the same moment Katrina saw a bright flash of light in the doorway behind Laura. Tori became aware of a black figure with a pale masculine face inthe room with us. She stated that this being was surprised at having been seen and would have lashed out if he had felt threatened in any way. The figure soon made its way over to the corner and disappeared up by the roof. Tori said that the atmosphere kept changing in this area and had felt her spirit guide, 'Charlie', draw close. In fact, he had been warning her about the castle all day. Tori said that in general she felt that the atmosphere at the castle was pleasant enough but had felt very uneasy in the vaulted room. Strangely, Bozzie's camcorder malfunctioned during this vigil, turning itself off.
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