Highland haunting

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As a seasoned movie lover with a penchant for the macabre and the supernatural, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of BBC Sounds’ “Uncanny” on Friday. The chilling tale of Luibeilt Lodge in the Scottish Highlands resonates deeply with my own experiences; the thrill of venturing into the unknown, the allure of the eerie and the uncanny.

Uncanny is on BBC Sounds from Friday. Add it to your collection

On this bleak and tempestuous night, two individuals have traversed a challenging nine-mile hike against fierce winds and heavy downpour to arrive at a dilapidated cottage or shelter, known as a bothy, in the Scottish Highlands. However, will Luibeilt Lodge provide them with solace or an experience that defies their wildest fears?

Once upon a time, one of the individuals had previously visited this place on two occasions. In the year 1973, during his first trip, he stumbled upon a table meticulously set for a Christmas feast, yet strangely enough, there was neither a host nor a guest to partake or prepare it. This eerie situation quickly escalated into a full-blown horror tale, filled with ghostly footsteps echoing, books mysteriously jumping off the shelves, and even flying ice axes. During his second visit, he noticed an ominous warning scrawled on the wall: “Stay away from sleeping in this house.

On Friday, you can listen to “Uncanny” on BBC Sounds, and it will also be rebroadcast on Christmas Day on Radio 4. The story continues from the 2021 version that captivated its devoted audience – the account of mountaineer Phil MacNeill, whose life was significantly altered following a fateful night in the bothy more than five decades ago. This time, Phil is accompanied by Danny Robins, the host of “Uncanny” series.

It’s commonly believed that the Victorians and Edwardians originated the festive ghost story, but this isn’t entirely accurate, as tales of the supernatural have been an integral part of our culture since the beginning of oral tradition. So, what is it about this season that sparks such a chilling yarn?

Robins expresses his viewpoint: “Ghost stories seem to bring great solace,” he says. “At this time of year when things are at their darkest, it’s as if one is searching for a beacon of light. I believe these tales offer the uplifting hope that there might be life beyond our own existence. This idea carries a very positive message, especially during Christmas, with its themes of renewal and rejuvenation.

I’m banned from telling ghost stories in my own house!

As the season approaches when we gather and share stories, isn’t it so? Sharing tales has always been a significant means of communication for us. There’s something about mysteries that captivates us, which is why an Agatha Christie story becomes a tradition during Christmas. A ghost story embodies the ultimate mystery, a riddle we may never solve, the ‘whodunnit’ where the solution remains elusive. I hope that Uncanny has now become a piece of that cherished holiday narrative.

Is he prohibited from sharing chilling stories during the holiday season because his family finds them too frightening? His wife and kids are so petrified of ghosts that they strongly dislike my husband’s storytelling. The other day, I showed my wife a script I had written, and she read it unwillingly. Then, she woke up in the middle of the night with nightmares, screaming. And when I returned home that same night, she had all the lights on in the house.

From Robins’ perspective, his fascination with the supernatural can be traced back to his childhood years. He expresses, “I developed a knack for ghost stories as a child. I vividly recall the tales from the Usborne World of the Unknown series; the images still linger in my mind – like the monk-like figure on the stairs at Raynham Hall [in Norfolk] or the woman who claimed her leg had mysteriously caught fire. To put it simply, while some people discover their faith in God during their upbringing, I unearthed a passion for ghosts instead.

Frequent listeners are aware that every episode of “Uncanny” invites them to pick between Team Believer and Team Skeptic. After the latest incident at Luibeilt Lodge, where does Robins now dwell? Has he ever encountered a spirit?

I must admit, hearing those ghost stories has left me feeling a peculiar combination of dismay and liberation. As more people share their experiences, I find myself questioning my own bravery when it comes to facing the potential reality of encountering a ghost. It seems that everyone who’s had an experience was going through some sort of transition – from adolescence to university, dealing with loss, ending relationships, or moving homes.

A skeptic might counter, “Perhaps it’s merely due to your heightened anxiety or restlessness that you’re seeing things this way.” However, a believer could interpret those moments as instances where we become more receptive, having cleared ourselves from all the distractions and interference.

In Uncanny, it’s essential to understand that despite the engaging nature of real-life accounts, the show never disrespects individuals who share deeply personal stories. Unlike many paranormal shows, Uncanny does not employ night-vision goggles, mediums, or electromagnetic field meters. Instead, Robins values his contributors and treats them with sincere respect. He’s also mindful that the “spirits” people claim to see are unlikely to be those of their departed loved ones. Robins handles these topics delicately, providing a platform for both scientific skeptics and believers in the supernatural.

The two groups unite and appreciate these tales in their unique fashion. To me, Christmas symbolizes unity among people. Just like the legendary instance of opposing armies playing football during the First World War’s no man’s land, one might hope for some harmony and unity even in our current divided world. And it seems that ghost stories foster this feeling. Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, these tales offer an intriguing mystery, don’t they? Their origins, whether from the mind or beyond, hold equal allure.

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2024-12-02 23:08