Does a ghost roam Tantallon?

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Does a ghost roam Tantallon?
April 2, 2009
East Lothian Courier

A SPOOKY spectre caught ‘haunting’ Tantallon Castle, near North Berwick, could be the real deal after baffling experts investigating photographic evidence of life after death.

The snap of a ghostly figure (see picture), dressed in period costume and peering through bars at the 14th century ruins – now a popular tourist spot – was taken by Christopher Aitchison last May, and recently examined as part of the largest-ever paranormal study of photographic proof of ghosts.

The results of the investigation, which asked members of the public to submit ghostly images then vote on which ones they believed to be genuine, will be revealed as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival this week.

However, the ‘Ghost in the Castle’ image appears to have so far provoked the greatest reaction from members of the public and experts alike, who cannot explain the mysterious photo. It clinched the top spot as the photograph that the highest number of people believed to be genuine – of the votes cast, 39 per cent thought the Tantallon image contained a real spook.

Sceptics argue that the figure captured on camera at the popular tourist spot might be an unnoticed visitor or guide, an odd reflection of light against the wall, or digital manipulation.

The photographer claims to have been unaware of anyone at the opening when he took the picture, though a site visit to Tantallon Castle by investigators confirmed that the public can access the area occupied by the figure. However, no mannequins or costumed guides are used at the castle and three photo experts have publicly confirmed that no digital trickery was used.

On the investigation’s official website, www.scienceofhauntings.com, Steve Sayers, art editor of BBC Focus, is quoted as saying: “The image doesn’t show any signs of been altered at all, I’ve checked the RGB channels which is usually a give away, and also the level of noise, grain and focus.”

Professor Richard Wiseman, a psychologist from the University of Hertfordshire, said: “It is possible that the stonework there could give rise to some unusual shadows or perhaps a member of the public will recognise themselves and come forward.

“However, at the moment the explanation is not obvious and so, assuming that the image has not been digitally manipulated, it is certainly very curious.”

The ruins of Tantallon overlook the Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth, and the site was once the seat of the Douglas Earls of Angus, one of the most powerful baronial families in Scotland.

According to legend, in a 16th-century siege, the army of James V failed to conquer the fortress. In 1651, however, the castle did fall to Cromwell’s army after a 12-day siege. Less than 50 years later, the Marquess of Douglas sold the castle and it fell into ruin.

The entire findings of the paranormal study will be revealed and discussed by a panel of experts at ‘Hauntings,’ a one-day public event taking place in Edinburgh on Saturday.