With its granite grey buildings and this week’s foggy weather, Aberdeen is once again shaping up its spooky ambience in time for Halloween.
Witches, ghosts and devils will be parading the streets in full force come tomorrow night, with plenty of themed events taking place across Aberdeenshire.
HAZLEHEAD PARK
More than 170 school pupils have already signed up to a number of races in the city’s Hazlehead Park on Saturday, October 31.
Donning the racecourse in full costume, the children, aged between four and 15, will plough their way through a variety of distances, from a 600-metre fun run to a 5K challenge, where, with thanks to Dandara, the first girl and boy over the finish line will win £100.
There will also be prizes for winners of other races, as well as awards for the best costumes.
The fun day will also include Halloween surprises, and youngsters will have the chance to try out some outdoor sports with equipment provided by the Denis Law Streetsport programme.
CRATHES CASTLE
Thought to be haunted by the mysterious Green Lady and another strange young woman, Crathes Castle, near Banchory, has the perfect backdrop for ghostly entertainment.
From now until Saturday, October 31, the historic venue will be oozing with paranormal tales and running its very popular ghost tours through its dark hallways and enchanting gardens.
For more information visit www.nts.org.uk/ Events/Crathes-Castle-Garden-and-Estate/Ghost-Tours
CASTLE FRASER
Take a splash of milk and a dash of jelly and mix with a sploosh of oil and a boot that’s smelly and you’ll have plenty of hubble and bubble this weekend at Castle Fraser.
This Saturday and Sunday, visitors will be mixing potions and finding out about some of the more gruesome practices of medics in centuries. But be warned, although this will be fun for the whole family, it’s not for the fainthearted, or those under 13.
For more information visit www.nts.org.uk/Events/Castle-Fraser-Garden-and-Estate/Marvellous-Medicinal-Mayhem
BANCHORY LODGE
Popular Aberdeenshire hotel Banchory Lodge is having a traditional children’s Halloween party.
From 4.30pm-6.30pm, there will be exciting games including ducking for apples, doughnut chopping and pumpkin golf.
Tickets for the fun-filled afternoon are £12.50 and treats will include stovies and macaroni cheese. Special Halloween cocktails will also be available.
To book call 01330 822625.
VICTORIA HALL, ELLON
Make sure you’re dressed to scare for the family Halloween disco tomorrow from 6.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets are available on the door: don’t forget your pumpkin and picnic.
BURNETT ARMS HOTEL, BANCHORY
The 1st Banchory Girl Guides Senior Section is having its Halloween disco. Primary one, two and three can attend from 6pm-7.30pm, while primary four to seven can join the fun from 7.45pm-9.30pm. Tickets are available at the door.
ROYAL DEESIDE RAILWAY, MILTON
OF CRATHES
Hop aboard for spooky steam train rides, 4pm-7.45pm tomorrow and Saturday. For more details visit www.deeside-railway.co.uk
ARTS CENTRE AND THEATRE, ABERDEEN
A Halloween gala celebrating the very best of local talent takes place from 7.30pm.
FYVIE CASTLE
Spook yourself out with lots of spine-chilling tales and legends of the castle’s dark and distant past. To book, call 01651 891266. The event takes place from 1.30pm-2.30m.
SATROSPHERE SCIENCE CENTRE, ABERDEEN
This Saturday, 2pm-4.30pm, a whole feast of scary workshops and ghoulish games take place at Satrosphere Science Centre. To book, call 01224 640340.