Investigation into Alleged Paranormal Activity at Historic Highland Pavilion

The Strathpeffer Pavilion, a structure over 140 years old located in the Victorian-era center of the Highland village of Strathpeffer, has a notable history, having hosted figures such as suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and The Beatles, who visited after canceling a performance in Dingwall. Following recent unusual occurrences, some individuals suspect the venue is haunted. This reporter participated in an investigation with BBC Scotland’s The Social and a team of paranormal investigators to explore these claims. On a mild autumn afternoon, the Strathpeffer Pavilion was exclusively available to the group. This investigative team included members from Highland Paranormal, recognized as the oldest established paranormal society in the north of Scotland, with a record of investigating over 180 locations throughout the country. The purpose of their visit was to examine a series of seemingly inexplicable incidents. These included instances where, despite the building being closed, internal CCTV footage showed what appeared to be mist ascending in the main hall and lights in the bar flickering on and off. Additionally, a decorator working solo reported hearing doors forcefully close, followed by a growl near his ear. Paranormal investigators Liam Shand, Lyn Reid, and Lindsay Dunn have been seeking evidence of spectral presences. Liam articulated their investigative approach, stating: “As a group our philosophy is always to look for the logical.” He further elaborated, “If a door opens is it a draught? If we can’t find that draught you then have to go down the route of did someone push that door?” Adjacent to the main entrance, a photograph of Anne Hay-Mackenzie, Countess of Cromartie, was observed, a figure speculated to be a potential spirit. The Countess was instrumental in developing Strathpeffer from an agricultural area into a thriving spa resort, attracting affluent Victorians from distant places like London who believed in the therapeutic properties of the local sulphur and iron-rich waters. She contributed to the village’s planning and designed the pavilion. The photograph depicts the aristocrat with an intense gaze, prompting speculation that she might have been feigning annoyance or was in a poor mood when the image was captured. It is also noted that she reportedly harbored a strong aversion to her husband, the 3rd Duke of Sutherland. The group proceeded to a balcony that offers a view of the main hall. Reports indicate that men have experienced discomfort in this specific area of the building, leading Highland Paranormal to hypothesize that the Countess is responsible. The investigators utilize various pieces of equipment, which they claim can offer indications of potential paranormal activity. This includes EMF meters for identifying fluctuations in electromagnetic fields, as well as audio recorders and a camera. Dowsing rods were distributed among the participants for them to experiment with. These tools resemble divining rods, which some assert can locate water and have historically been employed by UK water companies to find subterranean pipes. Within the context of paranormal investigations, spirits are prompted to manipulate these rods to provide “yes” or “no” responses to inquiries. BBC producer David Gray attempted to use the rods for the first time. Following several questions, he inquired if a spirit was present and, if so, could it indicate the location of presenter Grace Nicoll. The rods gradually moved in Grace’s direction. David remarked, “They like you.” Subsequently, a spirit box was deployed. This electronic device rapidly cycles through AM frequencies, a method paranormal investigators suggest can be influenced by spirits to articulate words. The device emitted static, interspersed with brief musical fragments and spoken words. A member of the group posed the question of whether they should depart from the balcony. The word “yes” was audibly produced by the device. The decision was made to bid farewell to the countess, if present, and to examine a small attic located upstairs on the opposite side of the hall. Since their arrival, subtle thuds and knocks had been heard emanating from that section of the building. This raised the question of whether these sounds were merely the result of an old structure settling in the sunlight or indicative of something supernatural. The group traversed the hall. On the wooden floor, the team had arranged “triggers”—collections of objects potentially recognizable to a spirit. For this particular investigation, these items included war medals and bandages. During World War One, the pavilion functioned as a US Navy hospital, with the hall accommodating beds for casualties. It has been theorized that a nurse and an injured sailor are among the resident spirits. Additionally, cat toys—small plastic balls that illuminate upon contact—were placed on the floor. This reporter inadvertently kicked one, causing it to slide across the floor, which generated a brief moment of anticipation before an apology was offered, clarifying that the movement was accidental and not caused by a ghost. From a dimly lit corridor, the group ascended a narrow, winding staircase leading to the attic. The attic space was compact, featuring a low ceiling and warmth from the pavilion’s heating system. A young person’s spirit is rumored to inhabit this attic, and Liam quickly noted an increase in activity on a meter. Grace, who was also using the dowsing rods for the first time, similar to David, received them. She inquired if the spirit was pleased by their presence, and the rods crossed, signifying “yes.” Grace then asked if it could spin one rod, which promptly began to rotate quickly. She subsequently requested it spin the other rod, which also rotated continuously. The question of whether the observed activity is attributable to ghosts was then addressed. Lyn and Lindsay contend that their experiences defy simple explanation and propose the potential presence of at least three spirits. Conversely, Hayley Stevens, a writer for The Skeptic magazine and a paranormal activity researcher with approximately 20 years of experience, offers a different perspective. She posits that involuntary muscle movements can account for the movement of dowsing rods. Stevens explained, “It’s like why we close our eyes when we sneeze – things we don’t do on purpose but our body does to respond to a situation.” She further stated her “golden rule of ghost-hunting”: “if you have to touch something to allow the spirit to move it then it’s you that’s moving it.” Hayley suggested that spirit boxes could intercept frequencies from radio stations or taxi services, thereby generating an “audio illusion.” She noted, “Humans are very good pattern-seekers and find meaning in the random.” Hayley further elaborated, “The power of expectation is always going to have a role here, and the power of suggestion.” She concluded, “If you are told a lady haunts a location the chances are you are going to interpret sounds as being associated with that ghost.” Ultimately, both skeptics and believers could likely depart from Strathpeffer with their respective viewpoints reinforced. As the group prepared to leave, a thud was heard from above, originating from a vent near the attic. This left open the interpretation of whether it was merely an old building settling as the afternoon cooled, or a playful spirit bidding farewell.