Who we are
We are an open, freindly and active organisation dedicated to investigating the paranormal in a scientific manner; hosting lectures, events, discussion groups, conducting research, providing training, while also responding to public requests to investigate paranormal phenomena. We were founded on the twin principles of education & assistance over three decades ago, and our membership is made up of people from all walks of life, from open-minded enquirers to hard-nosed sceptics. We hold no corporate view on the paranormal, and welcome one and all!
If, when I die, I find that I have not survived, I'll be very surprised
- Archie E Roy
Archie E Roy
Archie E Roy, the Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at Glasgow University, founded the Scottish Society for Psychical Research in 1987. Prof. Roy founded the SSPR to respond to two needs:
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To provide students of his night-class ‘An Introduction to Psychical Research’ with further opportunities to learn about the paranormal.
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To provide a ‘paranormal fire brigade’ for members of the public distressed by their paranormal experiences.
Archie Roy was had a scientific yet receptive approach to paranormal phenomena, viewing them as worthy of serious investigation rather than outright with dismissal. He sought scientific rigor in studying cases like hauntings and poltergeists, treating them as potential scientific problems. Archie authored books such as The Eager Dead and A Sense of Something Strange to explore these mysteries.
Since 1987, the SSPR has hosted an extraordinary variety of speakers: including Colin Wilson, Michael Bentine, Graham Hancock, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, Maurice Grosse, Prof. Richard Wiseman and Prof. Chris French. We’ve also hosted demonstrations of mediumship, including internationally renowned local talent, such as Gordon Smith and the late Albert Best.
