Our first video explores the story of Grissell Jaffray, famous in Dundee’s history for being the last witch to be burned in public in 1669. In this video we explore the story told of Grissell, as few of the facts remain, and how witchcraft was feared and those accused were tortured in this dark timeRead more ⟶
Author: DD Tours
DD Tours is run by Stewart and Louise, 2 local tour guides who love sharing the stories of Dundee's history on our walking tours.
Is the truth out there?
Ghost stories and tales of spooks, hauntings, devils and witches have been around for millennia, with variations of the same theme caught up in folklore all across the world. Throughout history, we have told stories not only to define our behaviour, but also our cultural identity. When it comes to ghost stories, however, the recurrentRead more ⟶
The White Lady
Nearly everywhere seems to have a story about a White Lady, so let’s have a wee look at some of our own local legends concerning mysterious ladies in white… The White Lady of the Coffin Mill Now, we all know the media likes a headline, but by and far, this is one of the best.Read more ⟶
On this day – Dundee’s Royal Arch Demolished
Dundee’s Royal Arch was erected in 1853 to commemorate the Royal visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1844, the first visit to the city by a monarch since the 17th century. The Queen often visited Dundee which was on her way to Balmoral. The Arch was commonly known as Victoria Arch to Dundonians,Read more ⟶
Glamis Castle
Whilst not actually in Dundee, per se, we couldn’t let a wee treasure like Glamis Castle fly under the radar. Steeped in centuries of dark, blood-soaked history and with more legends attached to it than almost any other castle in Scotland, Glamis Castle was too hard to resist. The Castle was presented to Sir JohnRead more ⟶
The Monster of Glamis
One of the most famous legends associated with Glamis Castle is that of the ‘Monster of Glamis’; a child born to the family and so hideously disfigured he was isolated in secret chambers within the castle walls, which were sealed upon his death. Legend has its beginnings in 1821 when the first son of theRead more ⟶
On this day – Councillors business interests questioned in trial
Whether any of the parties were found guilty, we don’t know, having not looked at the court records. But back in the 1980s there were just as many suspicions, and likely backhanders and deals going on. So much of the corruption and greed that went on from our elected officials we will never know, butRead more ⟶
The Battle of Pitalpin
Long before the city of Dundee arose, the land around the Tay estuary was the site of many a battle and skirmish. There is evidence showing the Law being used as a fort back to the Iron Age, and remains from Roman times can also be found…but evidence of any long-ago fought battles is lostRead more ⟶
Did William Wallace make his first kill in Dundee?
Dundee was certainly a pivotal city in the life of William Wallace, he was certainly educated here and did reclaim the city from the English during the wars of independence. But did he in fact, strike his first blow in the war that was to shape his life, here in Dundee? The story starts inRead more ⟶
Hurkle Jean
Grissell Jaffray is undoubtedly the most famous witch of Dundee, having been the last witch to be executed in Dundee, but Dundee’s superstitious side was still alive and well in the 19th century, when Janet Kindy, or ‘Hurkle Jean’, was believed to be responsible for a number of afflictions that allegedly beset the town. SicknessRead more ⟶