The haunting history of Windhouse

With Halloween just around the corner, we thought there was perhaps no better time than to explore the history and ghostly legends surrounding one of Shetland’s most haunted locations.

Known as one of the most haunted places in Shetland – and even the UK – Windhouse is a site steeped in history, mystery, and spine-chilling ghost stories.

Perched on a hillside near Mid Yell, Windhouse is an eerie ruin that commands both the landscape and the imagination. Once a laird’s grand home, this 18^th century structure now stands derelict, its silhouette casting a sinister shadow over the surrounding countryside.

A house built on history

Windhouse’s story stretches back through the centuries, its foundations quite literally built upon Shetland’s ancient past. Though the current structure was largely rebuilt in 1895, the original house was built in 1707. Recently, it was discovered that Windhouse stands upon an unmarked graveyard dating to the 13^th or 14^th century, after two skeletons were found buried just inches under the surface in 2017. An Iron Age broch is also found nearby Windhouse.

With such deep historical roots, it’s no surprise that Windhouse has developed a reputation for ghostly activity. This is a place where history comes alive – or perhaps refuses to stay buried!

The ghostly inhabitants of Windhouse

Among the ghosts said to roam the crumbling ruins of Windhouse, the Lady in Silk is perhaps the most famous. The tale goes that she met her tragic end by falling down the stairs. Visitors have reported hearing the rustling of her silk gown and ‘seeing’ her turn at the top of the stairs before she disappears into the shadows.

But the Lady in Silk is not the only ghost said to haunt the house. There is also the mysterious Tall Man, a figure dressed in a long black coat and a top hat. He is often seen prowling the terraced area outside the house before vanishing into the walls. Local lore suggests that he could be the ghost of a local tax collector who visited Windhouse and was never seen again. Adding to the mystery, the skeleton of a six-foot man was discovered behind the house during 19^th century renovations, buried without a coffin.

Then there is the Servant Girl, a figure often seen climbing an invisible set of stairs – likely belonging to the house’s original structure. Even a Ghost Dog is rumoured to roam here, with many reporting hearing howls and barking during the night.

More than just ghosts?

Ghostly spirits are not the only strange occurrences associated with Windhouse. A local folklore tale tells that in the 1800s, a shipwrecked sailor sought shelter at Windhouse on Christmas Eve. The family living there, however, were in the process of fleeing, warning the sailor of strange happenings that occurred every Christmas. The sailor chose to stay behind, only to face a monstrous troll during the night. He fought and killed the troll with an axe, and the spot where it fell has been marked ever since.

Abandoned in the 1920s, Windhouse has stood empty for a century. The elements have taken their toll, and today the house is little more than a ruin, its once grand structure now fallen into disrepair. Yet, despite its decay, Windhouse continues to captivate those who visit.

While entering the building itself is forbidden due to its unstable condition, photos and a short walk up the hill to view the house are allowed. As you stand before its crumbling walls with the wind howling around you, you might just feel the presence of who came before – some of whom may never have truly left.

By Amy Leith
Born and raised in Aberdeen with an admiration for Orkney and Shetland, loves to travel and visit new places, enjoys cooking, always listening to music, spends a little too much time on TikTok.

Pin it!