EVIL IN THE EAST

Reading the review of the Goblin Ha’ in Gifford in the January issue of Scottish Field [Not-so-super Sunday p114] I was reminded of the local legend that gave the pub its name.

Yester Castle is a ruin that lies in deep woodland, less than two miles south east of Gifford. The castle was rebuilt after the Scottish Wars of Independence as an enceinte. However, the original keep is thought to have been constructed on this site during the 13th century. Above the ground, only the remains of the rebuilt south east tower and a 15th century north curtain wall remain. But beneath the crumbled castle lies a subterranean room which is the only part of the building to remain intact. This room is known as the Goblin Ha’ or Hall of the Goblins.

We know that the castle was built by Sir Hugo de Giffard, a grandson of the first Laird of Yester, who served as guardian of Alexander III of Scotland. Sir Hugo was also known as the ‘Wizard of Yester’ and was considered to be a powerful warlock and necromancer. Legend has it that Hugo made a pact with the Devil that enabled him ro raise an army of hobgoblins to carry out his will. This army is said to have built Yester Castle and its underground vaulted chamber as a place for de Giffard to carry out his evil magic and worship the Devil.

The Goblin Ha’ is still accessible today with care, but I will add that I’ve never been brave enough to venture down the old stone steps myself! Margaret T Horner, East Lothian