Make no bones about it, William Howson and his wife Roslyn are Halloween-obsessed. And for the past 16 years they've transformed their home into a terrifying haunted house, welcoming trick-or-treaters from far and wide.
It takes seven weeks to get their house ready with displays spread over their living room, kitchen, bedroom, hall and garden. People queue up for hours to go through the house, which is adorned with hundreds of creepy decorations and scary mannequins.
William, 67, and Roslyn, 61, began the spooky attraction in 2006. Since then over 600 people have passed through their door in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, on Halloween.
Dad-of-four William said they never considered cancelling the event despite the cost of living crisis. And that it’s all about having fun.
The retired carpet fitter, William, who has 17 grandkids and one great-grandchild, said: “It doesn’t actually cost us that much to run as we have accumulated the decorations over the years. The only expense is the treats my wife gives out."
William's family all help out and the grandkids especially love dressing up and helping with the attraction. This year, William's daughter Nicola Howson, 28, is dressed up as Pennywise while her partner Jordan Brown, 27, is a scary jester.
The couple's son Joshua Brown, seven, is Chucky and William's niece Colette Boyd, 35, is dressed up as a screaming witch. The house will open up again for visitors on October 31.
“All the family gets involved, the grandkids love it," said William. "There is not much they are scared of now. It’s a family affair.
“We are the Halloween house and people will stop by and ask if we are doing it again this year. We put up black netting over the window when we start getting stuff out so it’s a real surprise."
And people travel from all over Scotland to see the spooky display, queuing for hours to get in. “It’s so funny seeing people’s reactions to it, especially the adults who are scared," said William.
"It’s funny to see adults terrified and running out the door. Our neighbours all know what to expect now."
