Greyfriars Kirkyard

"Situated on the edge of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the eerie yet beautiful Greyfriars Kirkyard dates back to the 1600’s and is said to be one of the most haunted graveyards in the entire world! It’s renowned for being the final resting place for many of Edinburgh’s most notorious figures, with one of the most famous being a four-legged fellow named Bobby (but more on that later). The site is filled with hundreds of fascinating headstones and macabre tombs, but, for your first stop I’d recommend a visit to the black domed mausoleum of George Mackenzie, which can be found on the southern side of the graveyard. In the 17th Century George Mackenzie became Lord Advocate and soon gained notoriety for being one of the most brutal and vicious persecutors of Covenanters (protestants who resisted the King’s control of the Church) there was. One of his most merciless actions involved imprisoning and torturing 100’s of Scots in a makeshift ‘Covenanters prison’, which can still be seen through the locked iron gates in the Southwest corner of the graveyard. Most of the prisoners who were held here unfortunately died during the traumatic experience and are said to be buried in a mass grave in the kirkyard. Due to the torturous deeds he exacted across the city he was nicknamed George "Bluidy" Mackenzie and was thought to have been responsible for more than 15,000 deaths during a period in history known as ‘The Killing Time’. In 1998 a homeless man decided to take shelter in the mausoleum, causing the floor to collapse, which in turn unearthed the bone pit releasing the supposed poltergeist of Mackenzie himself! Since then, the burial site has been steeped in ghost stories, with hundreds of reports of paranormal activity surrounding the tomb with visitors being bitten, scratched, cut and bruised with many experiencing a feeling of cold rush through their body. It also probably didn’t help bring peace to Mackenzie, when a few years later two teenage boys broke into the tomb and cut the head from the mummified corpse and were reported to have been seen playing football with the skull in Greyfriars – you couldn’t make this stuff up could you? One of the best ways to learn more about the history surrounding this unnerving chain of events is to book one of Edinburgh’s spooky ghost tours. Aside from the ghost stories, the graveyard is filled with numerous skull carvings, making it a must visit if only for this reason! One which particularly gained my attention was that of the anatomist ‘James Borthwick of Stow’, which is located on the Eastern end of the ‘Kirk’ (which is old Scottish for Church). The master surgeon’s tombstone showcases a full-length skeleton who looks to be dancing whilst holding ‘the book of life’ representing the good deeds of the departed, as well as a weathered scythe connoting the harvesting of souls. Also, if you look closely at the side panels you will see various surgical instruments depicting his profession. Tip: Make sure to look out for the Mortsafes (the graves which had bars put over them to stop grave robbers from snatching the bodies back in the day)."

"Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town is one of the city’s most atmospheric and storied cemetaries. Established in the late 16th century, this ancient graveyard is a resting place for some of Scotland’s most notable figures, its weathered tombstones and monuments bearing witness to centuries of history. The Kirkyard is perhaps the most famous for its connection to Greyfriar’s Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier who is said to have guarded his master’s grave for 14 years, a tale that has become a beloved symbol of devotion. But behind the charm lies a darker history. Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is also the site of the signing of the National Covenant in 1638, where Scottish Presbyterians pledged to defend their religious freedoms against the crown, sparking decades of conflict. The Kirkyard’s eerie, moss-covered tombs are also linked to grimmer tales of bodysnachers and restless spirits. The most notorious of these is the ghost of George Mackenzie, known as “Bluidy Machenzie”, whose oppressive spirit is said to haunt the Covenanter’s Prison within the grounds. Wandering through Greyfriar’s Kirkyard feels like stepping back in time, where the past lingers in the mist that swirls around ancient graves and Edinburgh’s history seems to come alive with every whisper of the wind. "

"Greyfriars Kirkyard, nestled within Edinburgh's historic Old Town, is a hauntingly beautiful cemetery steeped in centuries of history and folklore. Dating back to the late 16th century, this atmospheric graveyard is the final resting place of many notable figures from Edinburgh's past, including academics, politicians, and even the infamous Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier who captured the world's imagination with his unwavering devotion. Culturally, Greyfriars Kirkyard holds significant importance as a tangible link to Edinburgh's rich heritage and a repository of its stories and legends. Its ancient tombstones, moss-covered mausoleums, and weathered statues evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, inviting visitors to wander among the graves and uncover the secrets of the past. Moreover, the kirkyard's association with tales of ghosts, ghouls, and paranormal activity adds to its allure, making it a popular destination for ghost tours and paranormal enthusiasts. Despite its eerie reputation, Greyfriars Kirkyard remains a tranquil sanctuary amidst the bustling city, offering a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring legacy of those who came before us."