Greyfriars Kirkyard

One of the world’s most haunted cemeteries, home to a violent poltergeist that has injured hundreds of visitors.

Sir George Mackenzie (1636-1691)

Known as “Bloody Mackenzie”:

• Lord Advocate of Scotland
• Persecuted Covenanters (Presbyterian dissenters)
• Imprisoned 1,200 people in Greyfriars
• Many died of starvation, exposure, or execution
• He is buried in an elaborate mausoleum

The Awakening (1998)

A homeless man broke into the Black Mausoleum seeking shelter:

• He fell through the floor into a pit of plague victims
• He fled screaming
• Since then, the poltergeist has been active

The Attacks

Over 500 documented incidents:

• Deep scratches appearing on visitors
• Bruises in the shape of handprints
• Burn marks on skin
• People knocked unconscious
• Broken fingers
• Feelings of being choked
• Cold spots that move aggressively

Witness Reports

• Hair pulled violently
• Being pushed or shoved
• Equipment failures
• Cameras capturing shadow figures
• EVPs of threatening voices

The Covenanters’ Prison

Adjacent to Mackenzie’s tomb:

• Where his victims suffered
• Screaming and crying heard
• Apparitions of starving prisoners
• Overwhelming feelings of despair

Edinburgh’s Dead

Other ghosts include:

• Greyfriars Bobby (the loyal terrier)
• Plague victims in mass graves
• Executed criminals
• Bloody Mackenzie himself, seen glowing

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Greyfriars ghost tours operate nightly, but the Black Mausoleum is kept locked due to attacks.