Shambellie House Set For First Public Ghost Hunt

Mostly Ghostly to host overnight paranormal investigation in New Abbey

Award-winning storytellers and tour guides Mostly Ghostly will present A Good Old-Fashioned Ghost Hunt at Shambellie House on Saturday 16th May — the first public paranormal investigation to be held at the venue.

Running from 8pm to 2am, the evening will allow participants to explore the house after hours through a structured programme combining historical context, observation and traditional investigative methods.

A Scottish Baronial house built in 1856 for the Stewart family, Shambellie has long been part of the New Abbey landscape. More recently it was home to the National Museum of Costume, and today hosts a varied programme of events and activities.

The house has been associated with a number of strange incidents including; accounts of unexplained footsteps, a sense of movement and presence in certain rooms, and a particularly curious report from a former resident of a distinct ‘slithering sound’ within the house. A Grey Lady is said to be seen in the nearby woodlands, adding to the sense of atmosphere surrounding the property.

As part of Mostly Ghostly’s Good Old-Fashioned Ghost Hunt series, the evening has been designed to be participant-led, encouraging guests to reflect on their surroundings and interpret their own experiences as the investigation progresses.

Working in small groups, guests will take part in a series of sessions using traditional tools such as dowsing rods, alongside dedicated time for reflection and discussion. Participants will be encouraged to use their senses and report any unusual or unexpected occurrences they experience. The emphasis is on atmosphere, awareness and a strong connection to place.

Team Founder Kathleen Cronie shares more about the event:

‘Shambellie House, with its atmospheric gardens and woodlands, creates an intriguing backdrop for our investigation. Having held storytelling nights at the house previously, it’s wonderful to develop that relationship further and bring something quite different to new and returning guests.

Spending time in the house after hours gives people the chance to pay close attention to their surroundings and reflect on whatever impressions or feelings emerge through the night. We’re delighted to be working with our friends at Shambellie and look forward to welcoming everyone.’

Previous visits point to the more unusual occurrences within the house.

Team Member John Hill recalls a previous visit to Shambellie:

‘I recall a strong feeling in one of the rooms at Shambellie. Kathleen was sharing a story about the life of former resident Charles Stewart, and as soon as I entered, there was a noticeable heaviness in the atmosphere. On another occasion, in the basement area, I experienced something similar, along with a sharp mustard taste in my mouth — something I’ve encountered during other investigations. I’ll be very interested to hear what our guests pick up on during the evening.’

Founded in 2008 as a paranormal investigation and research team, Mostly Ghostly has spent over 17 years exploring the haunted history of Dumfries and Galloway.

Through collaboration with venues and communities across the region, the team continues to create events that bring together history, storytelling and curiosity, offering new ways for people to engage with local heritage.