The Drovers Inn: Scotland’s Most Haunted Pub
The Drovers Inn, Scotland is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in Britain.
Some guests reported seeing the ghosts of an entire family who froze to death during one of Scotland’s fierce winters.
Dating back to 1705, the Drovers Inn is located on the north shore of Loch Lomond in the Trossachs.
In its early years, it hosted drovers (cattle herders) after which it is named.
Each year, the Scottish drovers would make the long trek from the highlands where the cattle grazed to the lowlands where they would sell their animals at the market.
The most famous guest of the Drovers Inn was none other than the local folk hero, Rob Roy, known by many as Scotland’s Robin Hood.
Rob Roy’s grave is located in front of Balquhidder Old Kirk next to the present parish church and remains a popular tourist attraction.
The decor and furniture, in deference to the past, remain as authentic as The Drovers itself.
As you enter the reception hall you are faced by a full grown, stuffed grizzly bear, an assortment of other animals and the assured feeling that this place is going to stay in your consciousness for a long time to come, for all the right reasons.
Their staff will show you to your seat, so you can sit back and soak in the years of history.
The pub has a wide range of Scottish Whiskys, Draught Lagers & Ales, plus a range of spirits to keep your thirst quenched throughout your visit.
You can also relax in front of the lovely roaring fire, with food from their menu of classic pub favourites!
You may just hear a bump in the night as guests over the years came across many unusual sights and sounds, with spine tingling ghost stories to share.
The Scotsman named the popular pub as one of Scotland’s most haunted.
Ghost stories
In the late 18th century, in the winter of 1792, the year which later became known as ‘The Year of the Sheep’.
A young crofting family were forcibly removed from where they lived; their landlords having decided that the land would turn more of a profit, if it was used for sheep farming.
With nowhere to live, and little money or means to support their young child, the family had no option other than to head south in the hope of creating a new life for themselves in the Scottish lowlands, or maybe even emigrate to one of the new worlds.
On their long journey south in the winter months, one night they got caught in a heavy snowstorm. They had been trying to reach shelter and safety at The Drovers Inn.
However, with the visibility very poor, and the family being exhausted from their journey, they took a wrong path somewhere on the way.
Their journey ends in tragedy, with the family freezing to death while wandering the land, desperately trying to get back on the track that leads to The Drovers Inn.
Over the years, there have been many accounts of people witnessing the young family wandering the land in the winter months, trying to find shelter.
On more than one occasion, they have even appeared to have arrived at their destination that fateful night.
One account goes, that a couple who were staying recently in The Drovers Inn, in room 2, woke during the night with a cold shiver.
Only to find that the young family were standing shivering at the foot of their bed, their breath visible in the now freezing air.
The young boy waving up to the couple, as if he was happy to have finally found what they were searching for.
The Girl Who Drowned
In the early century, there was a young girl that stayed nearby.
She had been playing with her beloved doll, Anabel in the normally shallow and placid waters of the River Falloch, which runs just behind The Drovers Inn.
On this fateful day, earlier, there had been a lot of rainfall, so the river had swelled, and had stronger undercurrents.
Anabel fell into the swollen rive and tragically, the young girl got swept away and by the time that anyone noticed she was gone, she had perished in the icey waters.
A search party made up of her family, local farmers, and cattle drovers eventually found her just downstream, but it was too late to save her.
They carried her lifeless body to The Drovers Inn, and laid her on the bed of room 6.
There she stayed while her family grieved, and prepared the burial ground in the nearby graveyard.
It is said that in the years that have passed since that tragic occurrence, many guests that have slept in room 6, have been woken through the night having felt a small icey cold and wet body next to them in bed.
There have also been sightings of Anabel, who has been searching for her owner, who she was sadly never reunited with.
Ghostly Child
A lady recently stayed at The Drovers one Thursday night with her daughter and friends for a birthday treat.
A few days later, she emailed the pub wondering if they could tell them who the little girl in the pink dress was in the photograph they’d taken on the stairs.
She said she was not with their party and they didn’t recall seeing any children in the hotel that night
Her daughter, who took the photograph, swears the little girl was not there when she took the photo of the staircase with her mobile phone.
They were totally spooked out by the photograph but felt sure the pub would be able to give them an explanation.
Unfortunately not though, there were no children staying at the hotel that evening, nor any children visiting. Spooky!
Drovers Inn Rooms
Within The Drovers Inn, they have 15 uniquely styled hotel rooms.
Their Inn rooms are filled with antique furniture, oil paintings and rich colours, but equipped with today’s modern comforts, including central heating, a hairdryer, and tea & coffee making facilities.
Each room is unique, meaning they can offer a variety of options including single, twin, double and family rooms.
They have a range of twin and double rooms with the option of shared bathroom or ensuite bathroom including Room 6 – the Haunted Room (not for the faint hearted).
They also have a family room with double bed in main room and separate room with twin beds.
It’s worth noting that noise from the bar can be sometimes be heard from some of the inn rooms.
Despite the ghosts, the reviews about this pub on TripAdvisor are great! One recent visitor said: “The Drovers Inn could not be more unique. Stories and memories guaranteed.
”I was particularly struck by the hospitality and kindness of the staff-- who kept a fire going round the clock and a constant friendly patter.
”Alan, Scott, and Rory took incredible care of me and other guests-- I can't wait to return.”
Another person added: “Amazing atmosphere, live music was outstanding. Food was amazing especially the venison stew. Staff were brilliant and very friendly, going the extra mile.
”Fantastic scenery. I would recommend this area for walkers and people that love to take in beautiful scenery.
”Along the road a beautiful waterfall which was breathtaking.”
The lovely pub is located by Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in mainland Britain.
Spanning approximately 24 miles in length and boasting more than 30 islands, the loch is a mesmerising tapestry of water, mountains, and woodlands.
The shimmering expanse of water is surrounded by the Trossachs National Park, adding an extra layer of allure to this Scottish gem.
For those with a taste for adventure, Loch Lomond offers a playground of activities.
The surrounding hills and mountains beckon hikers and climbers to explore their peaks, while the expansive waters provide a canvas for water sports enthusiasts.
The West Highland Way, one of Scotland's most famous long-distance walking trails, passes through the eastern shores of Loch Lomond.
This trail invites hikers to traverse diverse landscapes, from charming villages to rugged terrain, with the loch as a constant companion along the way.
Loch Lomond and its surrounding areas are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts too.
The loch is home to a variety of fish, including salmon and trout, making it a popular destination for anglers.
Birdwatchers will delight in spotting ospreys, eagles, and a myriad of other bird species that call the area home.
If you’d like to visit this lovely pub, the address is: The Drovers Inn, North Loch Lomond, Inverarnan G83 7DX.
If you want to book a table in advance, you can call: 01301 263108 or email them through their official website.
The Drymen Inn is another lovely pub situated nearby on the edge of Loch Lomond, it’s a great position for exploring the local landscapes and seeing amazing sights.
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