A Scottish explorer recently visited an abandoned chapel in Cromarty, and was left floored by what she discovered inside. It’s fair to say the experience was pretty spooky
Katie-Ann Gupwell Content Editor
08:17, 29 Sep 2025
She made the discovery while exploring Cromarty (stock image)(Image: Chris Griffiths/Getty Images)
A woman who spends her spare time exploring “hidden” parts of Scotland was left floored when she discovered an abandoned chapel, as she couldn’t believe what was located at the site, and it’s not the first time a building in Scotland has taken people by surpise. The woman, known as abandoned_scotland on TikTok, recently came across Cromarty’s Gaelic Chapel and graveyard, and the experience left her completely taken aback.
She shared footage online to show what the property looks like, and the abandoned site is pretty captivating. As well as being an impressive structure, it also homes what’s known as the “Pirates’ Graveyard”, and the name is enough to grab people’s attention in itself.
Here she uncovered gravestones that were decorated with skulls and crossbones, and it left her pretty intrigued. When you’re an urban explorer, you can come across all sorts of things, with one having found creepy abandoned tunnels in the past.
However, even though the area has become known as the Pirates’ Graveyard, there may be more to the story than meets the eye. This was clear as people began to comment on the video.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
One person wrote: “Common misconception, not pirates’ graves. Skulls and crossbones were frequently carved on graves in the 18th century.”
Another added: “The Pirates’ Graveyard makes me sad. It just seems forgotten.” While the scene is quite upsetting and eery, it’s also rather spooky, as the graves are very unique in their appearance.
Even so, there’s a story behind the chapel, that’s now disused. It lies in roofless ruin, and has been described as a remnant of its former self.
If you visit the site, you’ll see the walls are still standing and the bell tower and porch are still intact, but the roof has fallen in. It’s reported the chapel’s congregation was dissolved way back in 1918.
According to the Graveyards of Scotland, the Gaelic Chapel was built in 1783 and was constructed for Highlanders who had to get to grips with both new surroundings and a new language. It was built so they could worship in the language they knew well, and was spoken for years by their ancestors.
Back in the day, the Gaels travelled to Cromarty to find work as many workers were needed in the town; however, people who lived in the town spoke English. The chapel allowed them to have a place where they could speak and workship in their own language.
Meanwhile, some insight has also been given as to the real story behind the graveyard. Though some people may like to believe it homes former pirates, it’s not actually the case.
A post written in the Cemetery Club blog reads: “The Pirates Graveyard isn’t really a burial place for pirates, in fact the correct name is St. Regulus’ Graveyard, but as almost all the gravestones bear skull and cross bones the locals have named it thus. Tucked away at the eastern tip of the Black Isle, in the pretty village of Cromarty, Highlands, Scotland, the Pirates Graveyard is a tranquil yet evocative site.
“The graveyard itself is not signposted, but you will know when you have reached your destination as the entrance path is just opposite the servants’ tunnel (now disused) that leads up to the secluded Cromarty House.
“The graveyard has a particular significance to the highly-acclaimed writer and renowned geologist Hugh Miller. Opposite the Urquhart crypt stands the little headstone of Hugh and Lydia Miller’s first-born child Eliza, who died of a fever aged only seventeen months.
“In fact, this is the last piece of stonework that Miller carved. Several of his ancestors lie beside her and before their marriage, the Pirates Graveyard had been one of Hugh and Lydia’s trysting places during their long courtship.”