By Elizabeth Hunter via SWNS
A family is set to attract hundreds of visitors to their Halloween house of horrors for the 18th year in a row.
William Howson, 69, and wife Roslyn, 62, spend around eight weeks in the lead up to Halloween, enlisting their children and 17 grandchildren to help decorate their Motherwell home.
Their tradition began in 2006, after decorations for a Halloween themed birthday party for their grandson attracted neighbors’ attention – and each year since, the family have opened their doors on October 31.
William and Roslyn now welcome hundreds of visitors each year for free, sometimes spending up to six hours in costume and scaring willing guests.
“It started with our grandson’s fourth birthday on 1 November 2006, when we had a wee display and Halloween party,” said William.
“People came to the door, we let them in – and it’s just grown from there. It’s really good fun.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve had around 600 people – and I think it might be a wee bit busier this time.
“It doesn’t actually cost us that much to run as we have accumulated the decorations over the years.
“We’ve got hundreds of decorations – they fill our garage and attic.
“All the family gets involved – the grandkids love it.
“We all get together every couple of weeks before Halloween and plan things out.
“We don’t charge people to come in, it’s just all about the fun.”
The front of the house has been lit with green lights, with a skeletal graveyard scene set up in the garden and spiderwebs adorning the exterior.
Inside are sinister animatronics that cackle and chant – and the Howson family, hiding in costume and ready to jump out at visitors.
“We’re all really looking forward to it,” said William.
“All the kids – and even the adults – have a good laugh.
“Some of the adults get more scared than the kids!”
