Meet the team
Liam Shand : Team Leader
Background:
I have lived in Inverness all my life, and have always had an interest in the history, folklore and the ghost stories of the area. While I do not class myself as spiritually sensitive, I have had a few experiences, which resulted in me wanting to find out more. After discovering the popular television series “Ghost Hunters” in 2009, I decided I liked their approach and wanted to give it a go for myself.
Why I Joined Highland Paranormal:
When plans to join another group fell through in 2010, I formed Highland Paranormal with Anna MacDonald. I wanted to investigate hauntings, document them and try to make sense of them, and pass on what I learned, while also continuing my own journey with the guidance and experience of others in the paranormal field. Another driver for me was helping others get answers for their own hauntings, and it is something that I feel very honoured and proud to do.
What You Bring to the Team:
Along with leadership and a passion for the paranormal, I like to think I bring a level head and an open mind. I always look for a logical explanation for any evidence presented before going down the paranormal route, while also being sensitive to the beliefs of others. It is safe to say I live and breathe Highland Paranormal, and also love sharing my passion for history, folklore, and hauntings by carrying out walks and talks.
Hobbies and Interests:
I love photography, visiting historical sites, and old graveyards. I also love listening to music and collecting vinyl records. I am also a supporter of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club, and a former shinty player.
Other info:
Liam has appeared on television, radio and the press to discuss the paranormal. He also leads a monthly Ghost Walk around Inverness and is in the process of working on his first book.
Lyn Reid : Lead Investigator/Researcher
Lyn is the team's researcher working remotely on cases and collating information for both the team and clients. She is also an experienced investigator and although a believer, she always looks for a logical explanation to any paranormal activity. She also has a keen interest in Ufology.
Lindsay Dunn : Lead Investigator/Medium
Background:
I am originally from Glasgow, but I now live in Inverness (via a childhood in Dingwall).
I have always had spiritual/paranormal experiences since I was a young girl. My earliest paranormal experience was when I was in primary school. I was walking up past Tulloch Castle in Dingwall with my dad and brother. We were going up to the fields behind the castle to go sledging. A couple of people were waving at us from a window as we went up the lane at the side. I was waving back only to be questioned by my dad as to who I was waving at. I explained I was waving at the people in Victorian clothes (I knew what the Victorians wore as I used to dress up for a Victorian day that was held nearby in Strathpeffer). Neither my dad nor my brother could see the people waving.
I really got interested in the paranormal in a bigger way back in 2015 when I started going out on investigations as a paid guest. On my very first investigation, I was picking up loads of activity and getting names, smelling smells, noticing feelings, etc. I continued investigating as a guest for a few years (and still do it with some other teams on the odd occasion).
Why I Joined Highland Paranormal
I have been following the team for several years and I attended some open meetings back when they were held in the Victorian Market in Inverness. I really respected the team and their approach to investigations as there is no fakery and before they consider something paranormal, the team tries to debunk things. When I saw the advert in 2022 looking for new team members, I absolutely jumped at the chance to join the team. I really like working with our team. There are different personalities but we all genuinely like each other and get on. I really enjoy Team investigations, events, and working on private cases.
What You Bring to the Team
I am spiritually sensitive and sit in a spiritual circle in Inverness. I have a huge respect for spirits and love communicating with them in a friendly and open way. I would never provoke spirits or be disrespectful and I think that attracts good spirit communication.
I really enjoy visiting lots of fascinating places with the team and meeting members of the public. One of my favourite things is when sceptics attend our events, and they have a shot of the dousing rods, and they move. Some of the facial expressions I have seen are hilarious!
I am naturally a bit silly, so I like to think I bring a bit of humour to the team. I do however also know when to be quiet and serious as required.
Hobbies and Interests
I really enjoy pub quizzing, and I can be found quizzing a couple of times a week. I also like to go to see different genres of shows at the Theatre. I also enjoy live music and have been known to have a go on the karaoke – despite not being much of a singer!
Kyra Innes : Lead Investigator/Medium
Background:
I’ve lived in the North East of Scotland all my life and have always been fascinated with castles and historical landmarks.
I think I’ve always been spiritually sensitive, but it wasn’t until I had my first proper paranormal experience that things I had encountered prior to that made sense.
I must have been about 9 years old when our family took a trip to Dunrobin Castle. Walking down the empty hallway with only my Dad further ahead and no one behind, I was drawn to a particular room. Whilst looking at the room from the doorway, I felt a heavy weight pressing down on one of my shoulders, as if someone were grabbing it.
It wasn’t until almost a year later, when I was a bit older and better able to understand history, that I learned about the castle's history.
After that experience, I think I opened up to the idea of spirit even more, and my ability to pick things up grew as I got older.
Why I joined Highland Paranormal:
Investigating with like-minded people was something I had wanted to do for a while, to learn and develop both as a medium and as an investigator.
After attending one of the team’s events, I got the investigation bug!
When the team put up an advert looking for a medium to join, I had to apply, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this fantastic group.
What you bring to the team:
I like to investigate with a logical mindset, but an open mind. Where possible, I avoid knowing any history or claims of locations we visit to ensure anything I pick up on has come from spirit. I’ve always got my debunking cap on, though, because when you can’t debunk, and there’s no logical explanation, it’s really exciting!
Hobbies and interests:
I love music, whether it’s listening to it or going to gigs. If I could have music playing all the time, I would.
I take our cat Bruce out for wee walks in the better weather; he loves to roll about in the sun!
I also love exploring historical locations and travelling to different parts of the world, experiencing as much as possible
Laurence Alba : Documentarian
Background:
I was born in Clermont-Ferrand, France. I moved to Charente-Maritime when I was 2, then Toulouse when I was 12. I was a medical secretary for 20 years, before moving to Scotland in 2018.
I am an animal lover, and was volunteering with an association in France for 30 years. I have also studied as a veterinary assistant.
Why I Joined Highland Paranormal:
I joined Highland Paranormal as I want to investigate in a team. Since I was 9 or 10, I started to watch documentaries with my mother about mysterious stories.
In France in the 90' and 00' it was a bit difficult to admit in public you have this kind of interest.
With the internet, people started to watch programs from other countries and even though it was more difficult to find someone to speak about ghosts than in the UK, the subject started to be more common.
I like that the group is serious in its approach to investigations, always looking for rational explanations for activity.
I have never been lucky enough to see an apparition yet but maybe I will see one when I am not expecting it!
What You Bring to the Team:
I am insatiably curious and love to learn and try to find logical explanations. I love photography and I am happy to be a part of the team to take photographs and videos of the investigations.
Hobbies and Interests:
Animals are important to me and I have been lucky to share my home with a few dogs (sharpeis, great danes and fox terrier), many rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and a mouse) and turtles. I also did pet sitting for an association.
I love meeting all my friends, books, going to gigs and exhibitions, classical music, singing, watching films, series and documentaries of all sorts (I love to learn on many subjects!) walking in nature, especially close to the sea, discovering Scotland and its history, creating jewellery and Lego models, and also playing Magic the Gathering.
Colin Reid : Investigator
Colin has been helping the team at events since 2017, and joined the team officially in 2023 as an investigator.
Claire Rehr : Investigator
Background:
I am originally from Lancashire, but have lived in Inverness for the last 26 years.
Growing up, I’d always experienced moments of unexplained uneasiness. The feeling of being watched by something unseen. Walking into a room and feeling the energy shift. Experiencing cold chills suddenly without explanation. At first, I thought it was just my imagination running wild. But when it started to occur more frequently, I began to take note. Every place that I had these unexplained moments, I looked into the history , and without fail, there would be some sort of paranormal story associated with it that other people had experienced too. I began to feel a little less mad!
A weekend away to Edinburgh was the catalyst for me to explore my paranormal side a little more. To name a couple, a visit to the South Bridge Vaults, which left me feeling unexplainably emotional. Followed by a closing time visit to The Mitre, where something pushed me on the back of my head whilst I was sitting at the bar. There was only a handful of people around at the time, and nobody behind me when I turned to look. Once I was home, I researched some of the locations and found quite a few people had reported similar experiences. I also discovered what a person like me was known as in the paranormal world: a sensitive.
A sensitive is someone with a heightened awareness of spiritual or paranormal energies. Someone who can sense the presence of spirits and pick up on the emotions and energies in a room. Suddenly, everything began to make sense!
Why I Joined Highland Paranormal
I was officially introduced to Highland Paranormal through a very good friend. I began following the team on Facebook and watched/interacted with a couple of livestreams. I had the opportunity to attend public events and open meets at Touchwood House. I was always intrigued and fascinated by the team's stories and felt accepted and acknowledged for all I’d experienced. I was invited to investigate Touchwood as part of the team, where I had my first try using the dowsing rods, which was an experience I’ll never forget! I helped with a couple of public events before being invited to join the team.
We have such a wonderful team, and we all bring something different and unique to it. I love investigating new and previously explored locations with them all.
What you bring to the team:
I am spiritually sensitive. The more I investigate, the more I seem to pick up on. I guess it’s like anything else you put your mind to, you slowly start to become better at it. I feel I have a good connection with spirit. I always treat spirit with dignity and respect when they come through. And, it turns out, I’m a dab hand with the dowsing rods! They certainly seem to work well for me, at least.
I have a great respect for my team members and everything they bring to the group. I hope to expand my abilities as we investigate together. We get to explore some pretty amazing locations, and for that, I am very fortunate. I feel privileged to be a part of Highland Paranormal.
Hobbies and Interests
I love photography and art. I am happiest sitting by the sea listening to the waves or watching the aurora dancing through the sky. I am a practising pagan and meet regularly with my fellow witches to celebrate the turning of the wheel. Oh, and I love the gym and hiking.
Barry Fairbairn : Investigator
Background:
Although born (quite a few years ago!) on the south coast of England I can trace my ancestry back to a village near Jedburgh in the 1600’s. To me that means that living in the Highlands is coming home.
Why I Joined Highland Paranormal:
The paranormal has held a certain fascination for me over a long period. Like others in the Highland Paranormal Group I started going to open meets in Inverness some years ago. This sharpened my interest and enthusiasm. After being a helper on public demonstration nights and investigations I decided to apply to join when there was an investigator vacancy. Luckily I was accepted and enjoy working with the group. Although not being naturally sensitive I am learning to read signs and nuances: an ongoing process which I both enjoy and relish. Now with a few investigations under my belt I feel that I’m integrated with the group and hope to do much good work in the future.
What You Bring to the Team:
I spent my working life in architecture in various architectural practices, designing for various public and commercial organisations. On building sites I learned to use dowsing rods to find buried services like drains and electric cables – a useful skill when related to investigating the paranormal. In my professional life I was also lucky enough to deal with the alteration and the preservation of many old buildings. This means I can bring to the group a working knowledge of their construction and may often help to explain creaks and bumps that might otherwise be misconstrued as ‘activity’.
Hobbies and Interests:
Over twenty years ago I developed an interest in runes – an ancient Norse writing system – which was also used for divination. Nowadays I am pleased to call myself a runecutter, making runes in both wood and ceramics. The products of my work have ended up as far away as Australia and America. Combine that with a life-long interest in history and archaeology, again very useful in certain circumstances.
Now that I’m retired I have more time to devote to the subjects that interest me.
Fiona Hughes : Investigator
Background:
I’ve spent the last 26 years living and working across the Highlands and Islands — which basically means I’ve survived every type of weather known to humankind. For the past twelve years, I’ve been in Inverness, where I’ve finally stopped pretending I’ll ever own a sturdy enough umbrella for the wind.
Why I Joined Highland Paranormal:
I’ve always been fascinated by anything odd, unexplained, or likely to make other people say, “Are you sure you’re alright?” So when I moved to Inverness for a work promotion and discovered Highland Paranormal were hosting an open meet in the Victoria Market, I took it as a sign from the universe. Or possibly from something else. The event was brilliant — friendly people, spooky stories, and equipment that beeped in ways I’m still not convinced were entirely normal. We even did a mini-investigation in the old market. By the time I got home, the hairs on the back of my neck were standing so straight they could’ve applied for military service. That night, every shadow in my bedroom suddenly looked suspicious. My imagination was having a full-blown party, and I was the unwilling guest of honour. Amazing how brave you feel… until the lights go out. Naturally, I went back for more. One event turned into several, and eventually I was invited to join the team. First as a helper, and now as an investigator — or at least a‘wannabe’ one.
What I Bring To The Team:
Everyone in the team has their strengths. Some are incredibly sensitive to spirit—honestly, watching them work is like watching someone tune in to a radio station I didn’t even know existed. Me? I’m more like a brick wall with legs. If a spirit wants my attention, it needs to send a strongly worded letter. I’m still learning the dowsing rods and trying to interpret what they’re telling me, which is usually: “Try again.”During investigations, I tend to hover around the edges, rounding people up like a paranormal sheepdog — especially at public events. If someone wanders off, I’m the one who goes after them before they accidentally bond with a Victorian ghost. I do get a sense of atmosphere, though — especially in graveyards. Something about them makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a story that hasn’t quite finished. We always start with logic and research. But I’ll admit it: I believe demons walk among us. It explains a lot about certain people I’ve met. My interest in demonology is purely academic, though. If one ever showed up in front of me, I’d be gone so fast I’d leave a Fiona-shaped dust cloud behind. This is my belief, not the team’s. So no exorcisms. Please don’t ask — I’d only scream.
Hobbies and Interests:
I’m a big advocate for animal welfare and have spent the last nine years volunteering with a well -known animal charity. Animals make sense. People… less so. When I’m not doing that, I’m outdoors — walking, climbing mountains (as long as they’re not too steep; if they are, please don’t talk to me, I’m busy regretting my life choices), or just sitting quietly in nature. It’s amazing what you notice when you stop long enough to look. I’m also a practising pagan, a faith that stems from nature itself.
Hannah McDiarmid: Gaelic Investigator
Background:
I am from the Isle of Skye where I have lived my whole life, apart from a brief 7-month stay in Aberdeen for university. I have always been fascinated with history, especially Scottish and Highland history, and the paranormal!
I studied Gaelic Language and Culture which tied in with all my interests, and although I was interested in the supernatural and paranormal, I always said I was on the fence about what I believed until I started to have experiences of my own.
Why I Joined Highland Paranormal:
I have been following the team for a while and so was really grateful to be able to join to help with Gaelic, and also to explore and gain more experience and see what I can pick up on!
What You Bring to the Team:
I want to help as much as possible with language and to be able to join the team on location.
Hobbies and Interests:
Researching history, art and drawing, travel and walking, reading.
Ritchie Innes : Investigator
Background:
I grew up in Aberdeen before moving to Moray when I was 21.
My first paranormal experience happened when I was around 9 and on a school trip to Crathes Castle. I witnessed a woman who appeared to be a maid walking across the great hall, carrying a tray of silverware. I waved, but none of my classmates had seen her, only me. It wasn’t until years later, when I discovered the TV programme “Ghost Hunters”, that I started to question that experience more and other things I had witnessed.
Why I joined Highland Paranormal:
With a growing keen interest in the paranormal, I wanted to start investigating. I attended some Highland Paranormal events and investigations before being asked to join the team.
I’m proud to be part of a TAPS team and to follow their methods and ethics.
What you bring to the team:
I’m really interested in the tech side of things, always looking for new methods to try. I love it when we get a hit using equipment which can’t be explained- even more so when it aligns with history and/or what one of our mediums has picked up.
I look for the logic in things before assuming something is paranormal. Debunking is so important. However, I like to be open-minded as a believer.
Hobbiesand interests:
When I’m not investigating, I’m sometimes at Aberdeen football games and always watching Manchester United games on TV. Usually, our cat Bruce watches along with me!
I like visiting new places, both in Scotland and abroad, and learning about their history.
I’m also a big fan of music and go to gigs whenever I can.
Craig Shand : Investigator
Background:
I’m from the capital of the Highlands, Inverness…which has its fair share of ghost stories. Growing up, I was always surrounded by the paranormal, as the team lead, Liam Shand, is my father, and my Mother used to be in the group too!
I realised when I was around 15/16 years of age that I was “sensitive” and could pick up on things which brought a bit of a shock to me. Getting out of the car on a random morning with my Dad at Culloden Battlefield turned out to be when I realised I was sensitive, seeing a Jacobite in full Highland dress with a torn flag over his shoulder.
Why I joined Highland Paranormal:
Growing up around the group and meeting all of the fantastic people who have come and gone from the group, I wanted to get involved myself, but I was told by my Dad I had to be 18 before I could join, which younger me wasn’t best pleased about😅
Being able to investigate with such a fantastic group of people is an honour, and I can’t wait to get back out there!
What you bring to the team:
I bring an open mind, something I feel is very important, being out in the field. Eagerness to try new ideas and techniques. I’m always up for a challenge!
Hobbies and interests:
I love football, a sport that’s been with me my whole life on and off the pitch. Now working in the sport is a dream come true!
Playing video games and listening to music are other huge interests for me! And lastly, I love visiting historic sites, especially up at Culloden Battlefield, where I spend a lot of my time when out walking!
Helen Goldsmith : Investigator/Medium
Background:
I was born in Hertfordshire and raised in Essex and Suffolk. Both counties are full of stories about the supernatural. I lived literally 2 miles from the Rendlesham UFO sightings in the early 80’s.
I have been very blessed with the gift of sensitivity and became aware of the paranormal from a very early age. I consider myself both Clairsentient and Clairaudient. I remember thinking nothing of my abilities as a child, assuming it was nothing out of the norm and was the same for everyone!
Over the years, my sensitivity has increased, and I am a regular student at Arthur Findlay College in Essex. College of psychic studies and mediumship. Some call it Hogwarts!
I recently moved to Inverness from Guernsey in the Channel Islands and just love the Highlands.
I am a mental health nurse for more years than I care to remember, and I continue to work in that field.
Why I joined Highland Paranormal:
I have been following HP for a few years now, following the site whilst I was still in Guernsey. I love investigating been part of many investigations over the years. I was asked by HP to join as a guest on a few occasions, which I really enjoyed. When I was asked if I’d like to join the group jumped at the opportunity.
What you bring to the team:
I like to think I bring good energy and a sense of humour to the team, which, in my experience, has helped keep things positive and grounded during investigations. I am naturally intuitive and sensitive to what’s going on, but I’ve also got a strong sceptical side—I like to question things and really understand what we’re experiencing. I trust my instincts, but I’m just as happy using equipment too. For me, it’s all about combining both to get the clearest, most honest picture.
Hobbies and interests:
I have just got a new puppy, Henry, who’s keeping me on my toes. I enjoy socialising and love history, certainly living in the right place for that
Jen Henderson : Investigator
Background:
I was born in Inverness, hearing lots about the history of Inverness and the surrounding areas. Since leaving school in 2022, I went to university to study mental health nursing, to provide support to those in mental crisis. I graduated in 2025 and now work full-time as a mental health nurse. Through meeting my partner, I have found an interest in the paranormal.
Why I joined Highland Paranormal:
I’ve spent a lot of time hearing about the team’s incredible experiences through my partner and his family. This sparked my interest and curiosity in the topic, and I began helping out at events and investigations with Highland Paranormal, as well as exploring locations with others.
What I bring to the team:
I believe my biggest strength is my open-mindedness and strong interest in learning more about the paranormal. Going into an investigation, I like to leave my own biases behind, keeping a neutral head without having any expectations on what “should happen”.
Hobbies and Interests:
I enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as going for walks with my dog Rex and going fishing when the weather is nice. I also enjoy listening to music, going to gigs occasionally.
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