Leith Hall, Scotland - Saturday 29th March 2008
Leith hall was the family property of the Leith, later known as Leith-Hay for over 3 centuries when it was brought to a tragic end after father and son died within four months of each other. The National trust Scotland was given the property in 1945 by Henrietta Leith Hay. The family was renowned for their local activities and long standing military achievements, in fact most of the families medals can be seen in the now museum.
The property was also used as a military hospital during the First World War, nursing injured soldiers from war in Belgium. Today it is used as a museum and boasts both pictures and war memorabilia acquired over the years by the family. James Leith (1610- 1701) built the hall in 1659, James married Margaret Strachan of Gleneden. Next there was three John Leith in succession the most famous of which was the third John Leith (1731-1763) who married Harriot Steuart in 1756. Harriot was expecting their fourth son when John was shot in the head on the 21st of December 1763 at Archie Campbell?s tavern in Aberdeen.
There is witness that John and Abernethy of Mayen were arguing in the tavern, it is believed that the couple engaged in a fight, when John got shot in the head. He wasn?t killed instantly but was found wondering the streets in Castlegate; he was taken to a neighboring house but died on Christmas day as a result of his injuries. Abernethy fled the country but was later tried although not found guilty he was forced to pay out 150 pounds in fines.
John?s eldest son, John died aged 21 years after suffering with consumption since birth. The hall passed to his younger brother Alexander (Sandie) who not only gained the hall but also another title. It is believed that Alexander?s uncle had died with no heir to his estate.
The estate was given the Alexander on request that he carried on the family name. Therefore he became General Alexander Leith-Hay. Alexander sold his uncle?s property and used the funds to carry out extension and refurbishment work to the hall in 1797. Alexander married Mary Forbes and together they had five children. His eldest son Colonel Andrew Leith Hay (1785-1862) was the next to inherit the hall and married Mary Margaret Clark.
Colonel Alexander Sebastian Leith-Hay (1818-1900) inherited the hall after the death of his father; he married Christina Hamilton in 1860. Alexander had a very successful career in the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders. Alexander died in 1900, with no children to inherit the estate the property passed to his nephew, Charles Edward Norman Leith-Hay (1858-1939)
Charles died in May 1939 leaving his estate to his only surviving child, son, Charles Arthur O?Neil Leith-Hay. Four months later Charles was traveling to rejoin his regiment when he crashed on wet roads causing his death, he was 21 years old. The estate stayed with his mother Henrietta until she gave it to the National Trust in 1945, although she continued to live in the property until her death in 1963.
Paranormal Activity:
There are reportedly many spirits that roam the rooms and corridors, as well as the grounds. The most famous is that of John Leith who has been seen wandering the corridors. Strange ghostly figures have been seen in the Leith Bedroom and the sound of children laughing has been heard.