**note: this entry still requires editing**.
By The Scottish Society for Psychical Research
Saturday the 1st & Sunday the 2nd of August 2009
Vigil Location Co-ordinator & Source Account Interviews
by Catriona Malan
Investigation Co-ordinator & Report
by Innes Smith
Introduction
Vigils are great research projects. They may not provide solid proof of the paranormal, but they always provide an ongoing education in best research practice whilst hopefully maintaining the enthusiasm and interest of the participants. It is a difficult balancing act as scientific protocol is rarely as exciting as the possibility of paranormal experience; and most – if pressed – would admit they would readily sacrifice the former for the latter.
But there is a reason why investigating the paranormal in ‘a scientific manner’ matters. It matters because a ‘vigil’ not guarding against expectancy, social contagion & hysteria won’t get beyond the individual psychology of the investigators to any possible underlying reality. And trying to find out what is really going on is the purpose of not just science, but any paranormal investigator worth his or her salt.
Running around hysterically with an infrared video camera isn’t science.
But there must be a balance. Investigators are not paid participants in a lab experiment with the convenience of a city centre location and a coffee shop next door. They are volunteers, willing to stay up all night in an often cold, draughty & remote location with few creature comforts. Regardless of their individual motivation, most want a bit of fun. Nothing happening isn’t fun.
So, Vigils have to satisfy the demands of both scientific rigour and the expectations of Investigators. It isn’t easy. I’ve been organising (not enough) vigils for a few years now, and it’s a continual learning process. Each Vigil should be an improvement on the last one. So what about this one?
It’s flawed. However, this is entirely my fault. There wasn’t enough thought put into the new protocol and enough communication between Catriona Malan & myself ~ who brilliantly liaised with the owner & staff of the Ben Lomond Restaurant and gathered the witnesses’ source accounts. If I had put a lot more thought into my new paranormal scoring protocol, I would have asked Catriona to gather scores from the witnesses themselves. But hindsight is a wonderful thing. You can judge for yourself if the new scoring is not entirely without merit. And as far as I’m concerned, judged against other data collected, the new scoring protocol has yielded an interesting correlation.
The best opportunity that a Vigil provides is the certainty that the next Vigil will be better. Slowly but surely, we’re getting there.
My Thanks go to the organisational skills & initiative of Catriona Malan & Mishka Lessnau who set up this vigil. Many thanks to the investigators who took part. And last but not least – the SSPR appreciates the hospitality & flexibility of the Ben Lomond Restaurant Owner, Lynn Nicolson and all her staff. Many Thanks.
Innes Smith
SSPR Case Coordinator
Source Accounts
Catriona Malan visited the Ben Lomond Restaurant several times during the month of July 2009. This is her report:
Alleged Phenomena
The Sound of cat meowing – stair area – Leanne – in the shop on the first floor – Lynn
Cutlery set at places on tables moved – dining room – staff?
A feeling of presence – kitchen – chef
Lights and kitchen equipment switched back on after having been turned off – kitchen – Leanne
Sighting of a blonde girl – outside the kitchen – Leanne. Leanne saw what she thought was one of the staff, a blonde, outside the kitchen entrance, behind the screen which hides the kitchen from the restaurant. She spoke to her. When the actual girl appeared, she asked Leanne ‘who she was talking to?’ and told her she had just arrived. It was only then that Leanne realised there had been no-one there. She reports that the girl looked real and solid, though she had only a quick impression, as she was doing something near the till and only glanced at her. She was not frightened.
Sound and visuals of male figure “in a ragged kilt” – toilets – female visitor(US)
Lynn maintains: she smells ‘ghosts’, especially to the right of the large window in the upstairs shop, close to the fire escape.
she often feels there is someone in the shop when she is working in the office just off the shop, and hears sounds as if someone is moving around. She catches ‘almost a glimpse’ of someone behind her shoulder in the building in general.
a previous visit from an investigative group resulted in a séance being held upstairs. The flickering of lit candles were used to signal ‘yes’ and ‘no’. She states that ‘she wouldn’t have believed it, if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes’. She was told that there was a Minister there who was looking after her. There were also small children.
During the last year she has had a run of very bad luck including her marriage break up, illness and death in her family, and the dangerous failure of her car during a journey, and her own surgery for a brain tumour with subsequent treatment.
[She does, however, feel that it could have been a lot worse. e.g. she has recovered from her operation and was not killed in her mishap with the car on the motorway and is prepared to believe the medium’s comment about the minister].
She recounted a story sent to her by an American Visitor who had written. In the toilet, she hear taps or knocks on the door. On opening it she saw the figure of a man wearing ‘a ragged kilt’. The figure then disappeared.
| LOCATION | PHENOMENA | DIGEST | Witnesses | Assigned
Paranormal Score |
| Location A
Toilets |
Close but a blank.
Possibly could pick up phenomenon 6 |
Male figure in ragged kilt. | 1 | 1 |
| Location B
Kitchen |
Phenomena 3 and 4 | A feeling of presence.
Lights & equipment switched on.
|
2 | 3 |
| Location C
Foot of the stairs |
A blank, but possibility of hearing phenomenon 1 | Sound of cat mewing. | 1 | 1 |
| Location D
Café Area |
A blank, but could observe phenomenon 5 | Sighting of blonde girl. | 1 | 1 |
| Location E
Porch |
A blank | – | 0 | |
| Location F
Upper Floor |
A blank. Possible to hear unspecifically located sounds of phenomena 1 & 7 | Sound of cat mewing.
Feeling of presence/smells |
1 | 1 |
| Location G
Restaurant Area |
Phenomenon 2 | Cutlery being moved | 1+ | 2 |
| Location H
Upper Floor |
A blank. Possibility of hearing non-specifically placed phenomena 1 and 7 | Sound of cat mewing.
Feeling of presence/smells |
1 | 1 |
How each location is scored
The first two columns of this table were written by Catriona Malan.
As neither the witnesses nor Catriona were asked to rate the different locations on a scale of 0-5 for paranormality, I have decided to rate each location based on Catriona’s comments. The criteria for allocating a score is as follows:
- If a location is called ‘a blank’ it is given zero points
- If a location is called ‘a blank’ but Catriona says there is a possibility of witnessing phenomena nearby, then it is given 1 point
- If a location has one type of phenomena it is given 1 point; if it has two types, it is given 2 points and so on
- If a phenomenon has more than one witness, then an additional point is awarded per witness
- If an there is an unspecified number of witnesses (i.e. Loc G) then it is only given one additional point
Commentary
There are several problems with this methodology. It is based on an interpretation of an interpretation of witness accounts. Due to the arbitrary positioning of locations (which for consistency remain fixed during the vigil itself), there is no certain way of knowing if the locus is geographically near enough the original locus for a similar experience to occur. For example, Catriona Malan has marked both upstairs locations F & H as ‘blanks’, but has recorded that one witness, Lynn, ‘smells ghosts’ & ‘often feels there is someone in the shop’. Clearly Catriona believes that neither F & H qualify as being centred on any phenomena; therefore she marks them blanks. However, we have no way of knowing if the original witness would have marked these locations as blanks – or indeed, what score she would have given any of the locations.
Ideally, this experiment would compare a witness’s score with an investigators score, so that we are comparing like with like. At present we are dealing with an unsatisfactory interpretation of an interpretation.
Vigil Locations
Footnote
Location G was moved from the bottom right of the Restaurant Upper Level to the bottom left of the Restaurant Upper Level.
Vigil Protocol
AIM
Within an allegedly haunted property or site, a previous witness has described an anomalous experience that happened to them at a particular location within the property. The aim of this experiment is to see if participants – entirely naïve of the original witness accounts – can choose the same location (or locations) as described by the original witness (or witnesses).
METHOD
The lone criteria for judging success or failure in matching the target location (or locations) are the arbitrary numerical values that each participant ascribes to each location. Once all participants score all locations (based on how ‘paranormal’ they believe the location to be), then a score can be attached to each location. The score will range from 0 (not paranormal at all) to 5 (the most paranormal). The location with the highest score is therefore – on average – judged to be the most paranormal location. If this location matches a location mentioned by an original witness, then the experiment will be judged a success. Just how successful depends on – how many locations are ostensibly paranormal, versus those which are not.
Each participant was also asked to record any subjective impressions, thoughts or experiences during each ‘location shift’. This may provide corroboration to an original witness statement, but such statements are often difficult to interpret – both by the participant and the researcher. It is for this reason that the lone criterion for judging experimental success is the scoring system mentioned above.
The following list was shown to the participants explaining to them what would happen and what was required:
| 1 | PRE-VIGIL
A. HEALTH & SAFETY BRIEFING B. FAMILIARISE PARTICIPANTS WITH EACH LOCATION C. EXPLAIN METHODOLOGY & PROTOCOLS D. COMPLETE QUESTIONNAIRE
|
| 2 | VIGIL
A. KEEP MOVEMENT & NOISE TO MINIMUM B. RECORD ANY THOUGHTS, IMPRESSIONS & EXPERIENCES YOU THINK ARE RELEVANT. BETTER TO INCLUDE SOMETHING THAN EXCLUDE IT: IF IT”S NOT WRITTEN DOWN, IT’S NOT EVIDENTIAL C. AT THE END OF EACH SHIFT ASSIGN A SCORE TO THE LOCATION D. IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE OR UNWELL THEN ALERT THE COORDINATOR OR THE NEAREST PARTICIPANT E. THERE WILL BE A BREAK MIDWAY DURING THE VIGIL. KEEP CONVERSATION ON TOPICS THAT ARE NOT PARANORMAL & DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOUR OWN THOUGHTS OR EXPERIENCES REGARDING THE SITE.
|
| 3 | POST VIGIL
A. WITHOUT TALKING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES, ENSURE THAT YOUR PAPERWORK IS FILLED IN & EACH LOCATION IS SCORED B. HAND IN YOUR PAPERWORK C. COMPLETE YOUR FEEDBACK FORM D. THE ORIGINAL WITNESS ACCOUNTS WILL BE SHARED
|
Vigil Rota
Prior to the beginning of the vigil, each Investigator was randomly allocated a number from 1 to 8. The investigator then made themselves familiar with each location, which was marked on the map with a letter from A to H. All participants were advised to take note of any possible trip hazards, uneven steps, etc at each location and en route.
When in position, the participants were told to sit on the seat provided and not change the position of this seat.
| TIME | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |
| Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 1 |
| Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 2 |
| Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Break 2.30 – 3.00 | ||||||||
| Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Conditions the Participants were told to adhere to:
- Safety first. Watch your feet when moving and don’t run. If there are any out-of-bounds areas, then do not stray. Know who has the first aid kit & be aware of exits incase of fire.
- When situated at a location keep noise to a minimum. If you need to alert a colleague then do so with the minimum of noise.
- You must adhere to the experimental protocols. Take notes if you are asked to, complete the necessary questionnaires & record anything you think might be relevant.
- You must not talk about your experiences/impressions/feelings about any locations with any other investigators during the vigil. Do not make comments about any part of the building, e.g ~ “that corner was awfully dull”. During the break keep conversation to small talk.
- Relax. Enjoy yourself. Be honest in your feedback.
Pre-Vigil Statements
INVESTIGATOR 1
Have no knowledge of this building
INVESTIGATOR 2
Nothing
INVESTIGATOR 3
I know there is a cemetery out the back – and the business was a restaurant before called ‘The Black Sheep’ – and at some point – presumably when it was called ‘The Black Sheep’, the owners were called Black. I know the area is steeped in clan history – but I don’t know any details!
Just glimpsed a newspaper article about Lynne* seeing a ghost! Didn’t see any small print!
*The Owner.
INVESTIGATOR 4
Nothing
INVESTIGATOR 5
Former church. Converted to a restaurant some years ago.
INVESTIGATOR 6
I know that it used to be called ‘The Black Sheep’ just a few years ago, and that there is a shopping facility upstairs with some novelty items (for children?) and artwork/craft for sale. The building was a church in days gone by. I have been inside this property before – when it was ‘The Black Sheep’ and as ‘The Ben Lomond’. I was never in the building when it was a church.
INVESTIGATOR 7
Nothing
INVESTIGATOR 8
Nothing other than where it is situated. I have passed it often on my way to other venues.
The Shift & Location Reports
LOCATION A
Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15
11.50 SENSATION IN EARS
11.52 SENSATION GONE
11.59 PSYCHICALLY SAW A WOMAN IN A LONG GREY TIERED DRESS WEARING A LONG CREAM CAP.
– BEHIND MY RT SHOULDER
12.04 SCALP CRAWLING
12.10 SENSATION IN EARS AGAIN
12.13 GONE
INVESTIGATOR 1
Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00
NOTHING HAPPENED AT ALL
INVESTIGATOR 2
Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45
Got settled at 1.05. The Lights are on full! I replaced batteries in minidisk and started recording at 1.04.
1.14 – Feel quite comfortable here. Far more relaxed than the first two locations.
INVESTIGATOR 3
Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30
GENERAL AREA VERY COLD.
SMELLED URINE AGAIN BUT WAS NEXT 2 TOILETS.
FELT QUITE DRY IN THE THROAT IN THIS AREA; GAVE A COUPLE OF LITTLE COUGHS (BEEN FINE UP TO THIS POINT).
30 MINS IN HEARD A HUMMING/THROBBING SOUND – LIKE A CAR OUTSIDE BUT WENT ON TOO LONG.
INVESTIGATOR 4
Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45
3.10 settled. Brightly lit. That’s it!
INVESTIGATOR 5
Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30
The lights were on in this location and my attention was drawn (in curiosity) to the marks etched into the stone infront of me a well as the stairway to the right.
04.07am Although I did replace the layer of clothing which I removed in the last location, I have not felt particularly cold in this location, nor have I been aware of any draughts, so far.
I have the impression of a hooded, monk-like figure of kindly nature, talking to a very young girl (perhaps 10 or 11 years of age) who wears a longs skirt with an apron over it (late 1800’s/very early 1900’s).
INVESTIGATOR 6
Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15
Starts 4.30 am
No incident
End 5.15am
INVESTIGATOR 7
Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00
Hair being played with Cobwebs on forehead.
Feeling that I am on a speed boat quite near to shore.
The ground does not feel steady – it is as if I am rocking (not on a boat) and the ground is moving.
Closing my eyes I picture a gentleman with a twitchy nose.
INVESTIGATOR 8
LOCATION B
Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15
23.55 COOL BREEZE LEFT TO RIGHT THEN IN FRONT – LASTED TIL 00.01 POSSIBLY AIR VENTS ABOVE LEFT WALL.
23.58 – EDDIE GALLAGHER 1901
00.08 COOL BREEZE AGAIN AS BEFORE LASTED ONLY A MINUTE OR SO
00.10 BUG FRIER WENT OFF – JUMPED OUT OF MY SKIN!!
00.17 COLD BREEZE AS BEFORE
SMALL DOG – JACK RUSSELL TYPE
OLD BLUE FORD TRANSIT LATE 70/EARLY 80’S
ALMOST SURE BREEZES ARE FANS/EXTRACTORS
INVESTIGATOR 2
Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00
Way-Hey! Now in the Kitchen!
It’s now 12.35. Spent a few minutes attempting to get up the recording equipment – Doesn’t work – batteries are almost out/dead!
Very noisy refrigeration equipment in here. Also UV lights are on:
Feel a tad uncomfortable – but this is probably due to me hearing Investigator 2 being alarmed earlier!!
12.45 – very slight cool draught coming from corridor facing chair (the corridor from dining room)
12.50 – Heard refrigeration unit switch on – this was mildly startling! I assume this is what alarmed Investigator 2??
INVESTIGATOR 3
Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45
10 MINS IN. A WHIFF OF SOMETHING LIKE URINE.
LATTERLY – COOLNESS AROUND ANKLES – THEN BECAME WARMER AGAIN.
INVESTIGATOR 4
Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30
1.50 am Noisy location – fans and refrigerators at the rear with blue glow from insect device.
2.01 am watched light from under the door leading to the toilets fluctuate as if someone was walking behind and blocking the light. After 3rd time, I opened the door and Investigator 4 said that no-one had been moving.
INVESTIGATOR 5
Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45
03.24 Having felt warm since entering this location, a sudden wave of cold air wafted across in front of my legs (seemed to be from the right again, but the door to my right has a large gap at the foot of it). This location did not feel unduly cold otherwise (infact, I took a layer of clothing off as soon as I entered and felt no need to put it back on again).
03.42 No further cold draughts, but feeling of tickling sensation across my nose for a few moments.
INVESTIGATOR 6
Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30
Start 3.45am
No incident
End 4.30am
INVESTIGATOR 7
Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15
Fridge noise is loud here. One can hardly think it dominates so much.
About 5.05 heard what must be a ring from another investigator’s mobile phone. This kitchen area has a ‘friendly feel’ about it (strange thing to say, I know but it is what I feel).
Some cobwebs & hair being touched.
My bum is numb sitting on these hard chairs.
INVESTIGATOR 8
Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00
Nothing written by INVESTIGATOR 1
LOCATION C
Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15
11.45 – 12.25
Arrived at location 11.47
Switched Hall/Stairway lights off.
Now sitting in almost pitch darkness
From my position I can hear creaking wood and movement from Location G – I assume this movement is to due to Investigator shifting about. From 11.51 to 11.55.
Midnight: I am now certain that these creaking noises are due to investigator movement.
12.10 Heard somebody shout ‘Jesus!’ – sounded like Investigator 2 at Kitchen Location! Woo! This will tend to bias my expectations of that location!
INVESTIGATOR 3
Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00
Thoughts of monks carrying torches (not electric) going upstairs.
Not surprising as this was a church.
CREAK 2 LEFT
INVESTIGATOR 4
Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45
1.20 am settled. colder location, downward cold draught from loft hatch and a little light from there, and/or from exit doors.
1.20 am Increasing sounds of water falling outside – rainwater?
1.31 4-5 taps outside exit doors. Running water (gutter leak?) louder now. Passing lights from cars thro’ window.
1.42 am Lights from outside the windows periodically that are not car headlights. Possible motion-activated light?
INVESTIGATOR 5
Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30
02.08. The draught seemed to continue but, although the outside doors were to my left, and the stairway was in front of my position, the wafting cold air seemed to be coming from the right of me (i.e. from within the restaurant area or its entrance).
02.18 I tried to determine whether or not the breeze was coming from the right of me by dangling my camera strap, but was unable to see properly in the dark. A bigger gust at this point did nothing to determine what I felt as being fact.
02.30 The breeze coming from my right was very definite and particularly strong.
INVESTIGATOR 6
Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45
No incident. Change at 3.45am.
INVESTIGATOR 7
Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30
Noise is loud from the rainfall
Couple of sharp blasts of cold air.
Touches to my hair – cobwebs on face.
Movement of what some call ‘spirit’ into my body firstly on RHS slowly moving across then LHS slowly moving across.
Ground feels as if it is moving – not steady.
INVESTIGATOR 8
Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15
Nothing written by INVESTIGATOR 1
Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00
05.42 HEARD VOICES AND CROCKERY CLANKING AS BEFORE FROM KITCHEN AREA
INVESTIGATOR 2
LOCATION D
Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15
Cold draught drifts by – PROB DUE TO STAIR.
Head CLICK 2 RIGHT.
LITTLE AGITATION AFTER 25 MINS.
INVESTIGATOR 4
Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00
12.32 approx settled.
12.53 approx. Sounds from raised area of ground floor. May have been fellow investigator moving.
1 am car lights via windows creating fast moving lights on ceilings and walls.
INVESTIGATOR 5
Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45
01.08. This location feels cold, especially around my legs.
Cold air wafting across infront of my legs. And face.
The breeze continued intermittently throughout.
Had an impression ‘The font was here’.
INVESTIGATOR 6
Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30
No incident. Break at 2.30
INVESTIGATOR 7
Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45
3.10 Noises of ‘conversation’ from the kitchen! It is as if there are 2 people talking.
3.20 Noises in the lower dining room – again as if at least 2 people are talking. Appear to come from corner near porch opposite toilet entrance. 2 words “I can”
3.40 Sounds like people talking in the kitchen.
General noise – hum of chill cabinets + electricity
Draughts from point C – round corner.
Some very cold.
Touching of hair & cobwebs.
INVESTIGATOR 8
Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30
4.00 COLD BREEZE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
INTERMITTENT COLD SPELLS UNTIL 4.30 ALWAYS THE SAME DIRECTION
INVESTIGATOR 1
Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15
THOUGHT I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A RADIO. TALKING & MUSIC. SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM KITCHEN. ALSO AGAIN HEARD SOUND LIKE CROCKERY BEING MOVED IN KITCHEN.
INVESTIGATOR 2
Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00
5.30 I feel as if this location is slightly ‘charged’. I have an ‘electric tension’ up my spine.
However ~ I am aware that – yet again – I could be influenced by expectancy.
I will switch off my torch and see what happens.
Good Low level light spots in lower restaurant – and now daylight coming in windows…
At 5.33 Investigator 4 comes in from the Porch (Loc E)
At 5.35 Investigator 4 is now tidying up cups! (?)
At 5.40, any sense of tension is gone – I’m quite comfortable now.
For the remainder of this shift, Investigator 4 remains seated at the table.
INVESTIGATOR 3
LOCATION E
Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15
12.06 am settled now. Atmospheric with 2 armoured figures beside me and moving shadows from traffic light and noise from outside wind and surrounded by reflective glass.
12.20 am Dull thump heard from inside..
INVESTIGATOR 5
Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00
00.43. Smell of aniseed
Name: Malcolm Mawhinnie
INVESTIGATOR 6
Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45
Steady traffic both ways on the road
INVESTIGATOR 7
Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30
1.50 – Very wet looking man walking up the road – wearing a kilt – cream coloured socks on. Purposefully striding, arms swinging! A lot of noise from rain on the windows. Unsettled here! (I am sure it is from the man walking by) Thoughts kept turning to WWI rifles and men marching. Looking out the windows I would not be surprised to see an army.
I feel area around the church might prove to be very interesting.
INVESTIGATOR 8
Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45
Nothing written by INVESTIGATOR 1
Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30
NOTHING TO REPORT
INVESTIGATOR 2
Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15
Outside in reception porch.
Dawn is now breaking – and the streetlights provide plenty of illumination!
At 4.47 am, I saw Investigator 2 (through the glass door) walk over to the café/bistro counter and look at (or look for) something for a couple of seconds. She was looking in the direction of the Urn.
I spent the majority of this shift looking through the glass doors at the bar/dining area (restaurant lower level).
At 5.05 I hear a mobile phone (?) alarm of ringtone go off. I see Marianne switch off a phone.
INVESTIGATOR 3
Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00
Nothing
INVESTIGATOR 4
LOCATION F
Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15
- It was raining heavily outside & water was occasionally dripping, to my left, from the roof.
Facing Roof Shape
My attention being drawn to the spot marked X and below it.
INVESTIGATOR 6
Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00
No noises or anything at all. Move at 1 am
INVESTIGATOR 7
Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45
General noises from the building – groaning etc. Rain dripping onto floor.
Hair played with throughout this shift. Cobwebs on face throughout this shift.
INVESTIGATOR 8
Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30
Nothing written by INVESTIGATOR 1
Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45
NOTHING TO REPORT
INVESTIGATOR 2
Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30
Upstairs! Cooler temperature. Good light. 40w light bulbs directly above.
Nothing of interest to report!
INVESTIGATOR 3
Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15
Nothing, but extremely cold.
INVESTIGATOR 4
Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00
Nothing here except bric-a-brac.
INVESTIGATOR 5
LOCATION G
Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15
Start: 11.46pm All quiet by 11.50.
12.17 Furniture crack at RHS. End 12.30
INVESTIGATOR 7
Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00
Much better with a table below.
Much warmer too.
12.45 – heard the sound of bowls as if someone was stacking bowls – this came from the direction of the kitchen.
1.00 Name popped into my head – Douglas McNaughton – do not know anyone with this name!
Noise – constant hum of chill cabinets, hum of lights.
INVESTIGATOR 8
Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45
Nothing Written by INVESTIGATOR 1
Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30
02.27 – Noise from Kitchen area like crockery being moved
INVESTIGATOR 2
Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45
Delayed start 3.05, before people get to their locations.
Lighting conditions – a few dim spots, Low light in one half of the room – near dark in other.
3.30 Decided to write down ‘stream of consciousness’ ~ random things that jump into my head. Will be AMAZED if anything is relevant!
– “Linklater…Ireland…Out with the blacksmith…”
3.40 – A fellow investigator drops something! A mundane act of sleep-deprived clumsiness is suspected!!
INVESTIGATOR 3
Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30
Nothing
INVESTIGATOR 4
Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15
4.35 am Settled. Evocative environment with stuffed animals and empty chairs, but nothing else.
INVESTIGATOR 5
Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00
Over to my left…a figure – Catriona! (unofficial location)
INVESTIGATOR 6
LOCATION H
Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15
When I first sat down at 11.40 I looked straight ahead at the Rose Window and expected to ‘see’ a young couple. They were there for a few minutes & then left. ‘See’ outline of and ‘knowing’ that it was a young couple.
11.50 What appeared to be a little girl was between table directly infront of me and my chair. The name Sophie is associated with the girl – but not necessarily her name.
To my right there appeared to be some sort of animal – big cat, small dog + indeed small bear came to mind. Stayed for about 20/25 minutes.
Throughout the time my hair was being played with, Cobwebs on my face on 2/3 occasions.
Draughts from LHS, but I was beside a window. Draughts coming on 3 occasions.
12.20/23 Noise from foot of stairs as if something had been dropped!
INVESTIGATOR 8
Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00
Nothing Written by INVESTIGATOR 1
Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45
THERESA
NOTHING ELSE TO REPORT
INVESTIGATOR 2
Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30
Got settled at 1.50 am. Minidisk still recording.
In upstairs craft/gift shop.
Dim lighting at other end of the room.
Have to use torch to write.
2.20 am – Keep thinking I see ‘movement’ in corner of this room. I am entirely certain that this is due to tiredness! Getting tired – due for a break!
p.s – The corner is the one directly opposite me
INVESTIGATOR 3
Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45
Nothing.
INVESTIGATOR 4
Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30
3.50 settled.
4.25 approx. Several vehicles passed and I noticed how the loft seemed to resonate and/or magnify the road noise in advance, creating a whooshing sound.
INVESTIGATOR 5
Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15
04.46 Still raining heavily and a gust of wind blew through this space. Noise of rain on roof and dripping continues.
04.51 Another very loud gust of wind followed by less fierce wind noise.
04.57 Strong wind & heavy rain increased, as did the sound of same. Temperature dropped too.
INVESTIGATOR 6
Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00
Start 5.15
No incident (daylight starting)
End 6am.
INVESTIGATOR 7
Investigator Paranormality Scoring
| TIME | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |
| Shift 1 11.30 – 12.15 | 1
2 |
2
0 |
3
1 |
4
0 |
5
1 |
6
1 |
7
0 |
8
1 |
| Shift 2 12.15 – 1.00 | 2
0 |
3
1 |
4
0 |
5
1 |
6
1 |
7
0 |
8
0 |
1
0 |
| Shift 3 1.00 – 1.45 | 3
0 |
4
1 |
5
1 |
6
2 |
7
0 |
8
1 |
1
0 |
2
0 |
| Shift 4 1.45 – 2.30 | 4
1 |
5
2 |
6
2 |
7
0 |
8
0 |
1
0 |
2
0 |
3
0 |
| Shift 5 3.00 – 3.45 | 5
0 |
6
1 |
7
0 |
8
2 |
1
0 |
2
0 |
3
0 |
4
0 |
| Shift 6 3.45 – 4.30 | 6
1 |
7
0 |
8
2 |
1
0 |
2
0 |
3
0 |
4
0 |
5
0 |
| Shift 7 4.30 – 5.15 | 7
0 |
8
1
|
1
0 |
2
1 |
3
0 |
4
0 |
5
0 |
6
1 |
| Shift 8 5.15 – 6.00 | 8
1 |
1
0 |
2
0 |
3
1 |
4
0 |
5
0 |
6
1 |
7
0 |
| Totals | A
5
|
B
6
|
C
6
|
D
7
|
E
2
|
F
2
|
G
1
|
H
2
|
| Average Total | 0.625 | 0.75 | 0.75 | 0.875 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.125 | 0.25 |
Correlation between Coordinator Score & Investigators’ Score
Thalbourne’s Paranormal Belief Scale
| Participant | TPBS Score | Sex | Average Paranormal Score (out of 5) |
| Investigator 1 | 69 | F | 0.25 |
| Investigator 2 | 61 | F | 0.125 |
| Investigator 3 | 52 | M | 0.375 |
| Investigator 4 | 51 | F | 0.25 |
| Investigator 5 | 67 | M | 0.625 |
| Investigator 6 | 74 | F | 1.25 |
| Investigator 7 | 39 | M | 0 |
| Investigator 8 | 76 | F | 0.75 |
| On-Site Co-ordinator | 40 | F | n/a |
Commentary
With this small sample of data there is little that we can empirically prove; however future meta-analysis may reveal some interesting patterns. Keeping that proviso in mind, the data we have for this vigil yields the following:
| Minimum Possible TPBS Score | 18 |
| Maximum Possible TPBS Score | 90 |
| Average Possible TPBS Score | 54 |
| Average TPBS Score for Group | 59.4 |
| Average Score for Female Participant | 66.2 |
| Average Score for Male Participant | 52.6 |
Findings
The Paranormal Scoring re: Source Accounts v Investigator Scoring
From our small sample we can conclude that our investigators/participants did not match the experiences of the witnesses. It is noted that this methodology is flawed and future investigations/vigils will ensure that the witnesses themselves score source accounts.
Source Accounts v Investigator Reports
There is one notable success: During Shift 1 in Location H upstairs, Investigator 8 notes ‘To my right there appeared to be some sort of animal – big cat, small dog + indeed small bear came to mind. Stayed for about 20/25 minutes’.
Compare this to the ‘Alleged Phenomena’ list compiled by Catriona Malan; ‘The Sound of cat mewing – stair area – Leanne – in the shop on the first floor – Lynn’.
TPBS v Investigator Scoring
There is strong correlation between strength of belief in the paranormal & a willingness to attribute paranormality to an alleged paranormal location.
This tallies with previous research done regarding expectancy, but it is acknowledged that this is a statistically insignificant data set. All future vigils should record such data to see if a genuine correlation emerges.
Post-Vigil Feedback
INVESTIGATOR 1
My first experience was very positive.
Everyone v. friendly – helpful
Well explained.
Never at any time felt uneasy.
INVESTIGATOR 2
Generally well organised
Segments may be a bit too long,
and can it be warmer next time?
INVESTIGATOR 3
I think it was an error to have myself as research officer and participant, due to the tendency of Catriona to discuss the movement of vigil locations. I would suspect that the vigil locations of interest are A,B,C & D, because Catriona didn’t sit loc. G exactly as she marked it on the map, and discussed the possibility of dropping locations E,F & H at some point in preparing this vigil.
Also, because I’m analysing the data – I really shouldn’t be analysing my own experiences!
Otherwise, I think the vigil went well.
INVESTIGATOR 4
Organisation – Excellent
Suggest half hour sessions, not three quarter hour.
The only place that I felt ‘anything’ in the venue was at the table downstairs where we were all sitting. Felt as if ‘something’ was there.
INVESTIGATOR 5
We didn’t use the equipment that was brought.
Even temperature readings might have been useful.
Not operating in pairs within sight of each other reduces the chances of corroboration.
Placing a chair in such a way that most of the room is behind you, and saying not to move the chairs, is not a good idea – it induces a feeling of unease.
We need to give some thought to the basis for choosing vigil locations and develop roles and basic competency in using equipment.
Nonetheless, I appreciate the opportunity and the preparation and leadership of the event did make it hassle-free. Thanks!
INVESTIGATOR 6
Interesting location. Some intriguing moments, particularly on my last shift (noted on that page)! Well organised and executed by Innes Smith & Catriona Malan. The score sheets make it easier. (Just wish Catriona had said she was going to be in that last location – ‘G’ – I thought I’d seen something worth reporting!)
INVESTIGATOR 7
This was nicely put together, everyone moved smoothly without errors.
Pity nothing showed up!
INVESTIGATOR 8
The vigil was well organised. For me the real issue was the hard seating!
Positive things, e.g. not to speak about anything even in casual conversation, writing thoughts, feelings etc at each location and the scoring of each location.
What can’t be helped was the creaky chairs syndrome – no matter how one tried to move quietly the chairs did not allow it.
The venue was warm – this is good but could also result in closed eyes.
I did not like the porch and I am sure that this had to do with the fact that the outside door was unlocked – did leave me unsettled – would prefer that this situation did not happen again.
The level of lighting varied from place to place. Should we consider having a purpose to a vigil & not just investigating something we don’t know; i.e. stating what it is we are doing – this is probably not a level playing field – do we all know nothing? A little? Etc.. Do we need to articulate – we will be investigating …. at …… etc?
VIGIL ON SITE CO-ORDINATOR
It was very well organised, and obviously every effort was made to eliminate anything the sceptics might come up in the way of criticism.
Personally I would like to make more of an attempt to “meet” anything that may be here – in the way of being in all the suspect spots, calling out and asking for some form of response, asking questions & leaving the tape to pick up any kind of reply, etc. As I feel that sitting in ‘dead areas’ seems a waste. This because no one knows what has gone on – whatever visual, auditory, tactile, etc so that makes it a clean slate. Sitting, waiting, is like visiting a friend and waiting for them to come out without ringing the bell!
The Scottish Society for Psychical Research 