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Writer's pictureRyan O'Neill

The Ghosts of The Pearce Institute

Imagine the chill of static-laden air brushing against your skin as you tread through dimly lit corridors. The faint echo of footsteps reverberates in the silence, yet no one is visible. A ghostly woman drifts silently across the foyer, her presence both mesmerising and unsettling. The air sharpens, growing colder, as though the very breath of the past lingers at your neck. This is the Pearce Institute—a place where the line between the living and the dead blurs, leaving you to question whether you are ever truly alone....

The Pearce Institute Ghosts

In the heart of Govan, Glasgow, stands the Pearce Institute—a place rich in history, mystery, and whispers from the past. Established in 1906 by Lady Dinah Pearce in memory of her husband, Sir William Pearce, the institute was designed to serve as a sanctuary for the local working-class community.


Over the years, it has hosted countless events and supported numerous charitable endeavours. But some believe it’s not just the living who inhabit its halls. Numerous reports over the years suggest that the Pearce Institute is also home to spirits who refuse to move on.


Ghostly Encounters At The Pearce Institute


One of the most well-known spirits is a woman in the foyer, often seen gliding gracefully across the space as if tethered to a moment in time. Her appearance is so vivid that witnesses are often left questioning reality. In the main hall, the spectral figure of a man in a brown overcoat and distinctive hat has been seen wandering the hallways, his presence unnervingly silent. And then there’s the organ music – a chilling melody heard by a caretaker, despite the instrument being in disrepair and completely unplayable.


Adding to the eerie atmosphere, taps are known to turn on by themselves, and doors open and close as if guided by invisible hands. The caretaker has often described feeling uneasy, with an inexplicable sense of being watched.


Lady Dinah Pearce The Pearce Institute

The Mystery Beneath


Beneath the Pearce Institute lies a network of tunnels stretching under the streets of Govan, their purpose now relegated to storage. Yet their history—and proximity to the sacred grounds of Govan Old Church and its ancient stones—adds an intriguing layer to the story. Could these tunnels act as a conduit, amplifying the energy and creating a "thin place" between this world and the next? Many believe so.


The Pearce Institute Tunnels


Unexplained Phenomena


The paranormal doesn’t stop with fleeting apparitions. On one occasion, investigators and guests reported phantom dog smells, that wet dog smell you can get from your beloved pet, but these were followed by dusty pawprints mysteriously appearing on a guest’s jeans. 


What makes this unique is that during our audio sessions, we captured the unmistakable sound of a dog barking. Interestingly, Janice Dodds and Chris Huff, both mediumistically inclined, had previously mentioned sensing the presence of an active dog in the area, further validating the experience.


This was accompanied by loud, unsettling bangs from the tunnels that very evening, so intense they drove even the bravest among us to retreat. Could these eerie manifestations be warnings, or is something more significant trying to break through?


The Pearce Institute Paranormal Activity and evidence

Emotional Connections


Beyond the physical phenomena, the Pearce Institute has a way of connecting on a deeply personal level. During one investigation, a guest experienced a poignant moment of spiritual communication. Through ITC devices, messages came through that left her in tears. “It’s my brother,” she said, overwhelmed by the connection. For five minutes, the communication flowed with words and phrases only she could understand. It was as if the Pearce Institute’s unique energy facilitated this profound encounter, creating a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. Then, as suddenly as it started, the interaction shifted, returning to the lighter, more playful tones that often dominate these sessions.


The Pearce Institute corridors are haunted

Unseen Energy


In the billiards room, physical sensations and auditory anomalies abound. Cold spots move around the space, as though energy is circling those present. Clicks, bangs, and thuds emanate from the corners, especially a back area that seems to serve as a focal point for activity. The room’s atmosphere is both compelling and disconcerting, as if the walls themselves hold secrets waiting to be uncovered.


The Pearce Institute Organ plays ghostly music

A Hidden Gem


While the Pearce Institute may not carry the fame of Scotland’s castles, jails, or underground vaults, it remains a treasure trove of paranormal activity. Its history, combined with its inexplicable phenomena, makes it a location that stands apart. With spirits lingering and mysteries waiting to be unraveled, one has to wonder: what stories are yet to be discovered within its walls?


Ghost Events Scotland At The Pearce Institute

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