Dating back to the 12the century, it's no surprise that Edinburgh Castle has many gristly tales and legends surrounding it. 

The fortress has been the site of many deaths, tortures and executions in its time- some of which are said to have led to the spirits that walk the grounds to this day. Many visitors to the castle have claimed to have got more than they bargained for when they bought a ticket, but who exactly are people bumping into? 

It's said that Edinburgh Castle is one of the most haunted locations in Scotland, and if we're to believe some of these stories then it must be true. From feeling unwelcome presences to seeing shadowy beings, the reports are endless. 

Here are just some of the creepy characters that visitors have had an unwanted experience with:

Unfortunately for him, the wheelbarrow was thrown from the battlements instead, and he broke his neck on Castle Rock. 

Several visitors to the castle have claimed to see a ghostly man, who smells of manure and attempts to push people off the battlements to meet the same end that he did. Talk about being bitter.

Several have spotted a scruffy black dog trotting around, with a ghostly look. As spirits go, this one wouldn't be too bad to bump into.

3. The Leather Apron Man

One of the lesser seen apparitions, this one was spotted by a group of volunteers in 2001. 

Working for a research project, 240 volunteers headed into the depths of Edinburgh Castle to see what experiences they may encounter. Several reported feeling a burning sensation on their arm, and feeling as if they were being watched. 

They claimed to see a man in leather apron walk through one of the doorways.