Boleskine House on the banks of Loch Ness has long harboured tales of mystery, magic and intrigue. Once owned by the English mystic Aleister Crowley and, in more recent times, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, the house is currently being restored after a fire and extensive vandalism.

This remote area of the Scottish Highlands boasts a plethora of folklore and superstition. A church once stood on the site of the house and a tragic fire is believed to have resulted in the deaths of the entire congregation. In the 17th century a local wizard is also said to have created panic by claiming to have ‘raised the dead’ in the small graveyard which still overlooks the most famous stretch of water in the British Isles. Indeed, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster is renowned the world over and perhaps it was this mystical allure which attracted the notorious Aleister Crowley to purchase Boleskine House in 1899.

Crowley required a secluded habitation to conduct a complex and dangerous magical working known as ‘The Abramelin Ritual’. Driven by a desire to unlock the innermost secrets of existence, the English occultist settled down to a lengthy period of isolation, fasting and barbarous incantations. The ritual involves communication with demonic forces beyond the realms of mundane existence and is most certainly not for the faint hearted.

However, Crowley would be interrupted at a critical moment and decided to abandon the project in order to assist MacGregor Mathers (the head of the Order of the Golden Dawn – an occult group Crowley belonged to) in Paris. Mathers was facing revolt inside the famous order and Crowley felt an overwhelming compulsion to support him. Some say that the decision to abort ‘The Abramelin’ was foolish and that the demonic forces summoned by Crowley continue to haunt the area to this day. They also insist that Crowley’s recklessness contributed to many of the tragedies which would befall him – and those who came within his orbit – for the rest of his life.

In 1970 Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page acquired Boleskine House. The musician had long cultivated an interest in Crowley’s occult practices. Mysterious tales began to circulate about possible supernatural occurrences during this time. Page’s housekeeper Malcolm Dent became convinced that the property was indeed a centre of paranormal phenomena; despite being an ardent sceptic prior to his arrival! Terrifying sounds and mysterious voices were often heard around the house, and heavy objects would be shifted by spectral hands. Dent also noted the strange effect the building would have on visitors and their mental well-being. Click link for more details: Tales of Boleskine House

At the time of writing the property is being restored by the Boleskine House Foundation. Find them on Twitter: @Boleskine_House or visit their website: Boleskine House Foundation. Loch Ness is one of the most beautiful and spectacular places to visit in the UK, and you can find out more at: Visit Scotland. The rich folklore, mystery and romance of this region continues to entice and enchant thousands of visitors every year.

Other links:

Planning on visiting Inverness or Loch Ness: Visit Inverness

A BBC documentary about Aleister Crowley: The Other Loch Ness Monster

The author of the article is David Fox, a professional entertainer and freelance writer based in the UK. Find out more at: David Fox Magic