Nairn’s Spooky Side: Celebrating Halloween in the Highlands

While Nairn is famous for its stunning beaches and sunny disposition, the town and surrounding area take on a delightfully eerie feel as autumn deepens and Halloween approaches. More than just costumes and sweeties, Halloween in Scotland is a celebration of community, local folklore, and ancient traditions.

Step into the spirit of the season with a stroll through the town, where you’ll find houses decorated with ghoulish glee. But for a true taste of Highland Halloween, you need to look to the past. The tradition of “guising,” the Scottish version of trick-or-treating, involves children dressing up and performing a song, joke, or poem to earn their treats. This practice has roots in ancient Celtic festivals, where people disguised themselves to blend in with spirits believed to be roaming the earth.

For those who love a good scare, the area’s rich history offers plenty of spooky sites. The ruins of Rait Castle are said to be haunted by the ghost of a handless maiden, while the shifting sands of Culbin Forest hold a buried village, a place where some say a ghostly voice can still be heard. These local legends, passed down through generations, add a truly authentic and chilling layer to the Halloween festivities.

The community spirit of Nairn shines through in its events, from family-friendly craft sessions at the local arts centre to spooky-themed parties for the adults. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Halloween in Nairn is a time to embrace the strange and the supernatural, all while enjoying the warmth of a close-knit community.

2025 Halloween Events in Nairn

Find details of all Halloween events and more in our Events Calendar.