15 March 2023 , 13:16
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A Scottish castle that's famous for its connection to Shakespeare is less well-known for having a ghost that's believed to wander the passageways without any hands.
Paranormal enthusiasts will be keen to visit Cawdor Castle, near Nairn, due to the tragic presence of a woman who - according to legend - fell to her death from one of the towers.
For Shakespeare fans, Cawdor Castle will be familiar due to Macbeth with the character Thane of Cawdor, although the link is fictitious, reports the Daily Record.
History buffs will likely know the real-life Macbeth lived long before the castle was constructed and the Thane of Cawdor title did not exist during his lifetime.
Nonetheless, Cawdor Castle's link to one of the most famous plays of all time has made it a popular tourist destination.
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The drawing room at Cawdor Castle (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)The real-life castle was constructed around a 15th-century tower house that originally belonged to Clan Cawdor, before being passed to the Campbells in the 16th century. Today, Clan Campbell remained in control of Cawdor Castle.
Among the castle's most interesting features is that it's said to have been built around a holly tree that remains at the castle to this day.
Legend states the Thane of Cawdor decided on a site to construct the fortress based on where a donkey with gold tied to its back lay down to rest - and it chose a spot underneath the tree.
As with many castles, Cawdor has its own spooky tales of hauntings.
The gardens at Cawdor Castle (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)These are mostly related to Muriel Calder, who was one of the daughters of the Earl of Calder (how the name Cawdor was originally spelt).
According to local legend, Muriel was kidnapped as a child and forced into marriage to Sir John Campbell of Argyll. Some believe the two remained married until Sir John's death, with her forlorn ghost known to gaze intensely.
Others believed that Muriel genuinely fell in love with the member of the rival clan, with her father being furious when he found out.
As she was attempting to climb down from the window in the tower to escape, he chopped off both of her hands with his sword and sent her plummeting to her death.
Those who believe the second version of events said that the ghost of Muriel can be seen wandering the castle wearing a blue velvet dress and without any hands.