4 of Edinburgh's most haunted places
Have you seen any ghostly activity?
Edinburgh is of course, renowned for its vast history. However, does this history bring with it a darker and less tangible entity? Is Edinburgh haunted? Could there be a host of other-worldly beings who share this amazing city with us?
Whether you are a believer or spirit sceptic, you may be surprised how many cases of ghost activity are reported right here in Edinburgh. There could even be something closer than you think, while you read this...
Edinburgh Castle
Well of course, the castle is a prime hotspot for any 'attraction', be it tourist or otherwise. However, there are a number of sightings, or 'hearings' which seem to reoccur. It isn't just eager visitors who report mysterious activity, the staff at the castle over the years have reported many inexplicable events.
Being the site of many a war, there are numerous reports of war victims haunting the site. The voices of forlorn soldiers imprisoned in the castle are apparently heard moaning. The ghost of a headless drummer has been seen and heard, still drumming away, and an equally persistent piper.
The spirits at the castle are far from shy, it is alleged that some touch guests, pull their clothes and even their hair.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
This ancient burial ground in the centre of the city is famous for many reasons. It is of unfathomable historical significance as it has housed the dead since the 16th century, it is the resting place of many famous people, and more recently has been credited with providing inspiration to JK Rowling as she conjured up her Harry Potter adventures.
There is the well-known story of Bobby the dog who guarded the grave of his beloved late master, and then buried here himself. Bobby himself is alleged to be haunting the area, as a phantom dog has been seen standing at the grave and howling.
An infamous resident of Greyfriars Kirkyard is a barrister named George McKenzie. Apparently, he was a wicked and selfish man to whom the deaths of many Covenanters (a Scottish Presbyterian group) is attributed. He haunts the area of his burial and is in death, as he was in life, an aggressive man. As visitors walk past his grave, some say they have felt pushed, struck and even thrown to the ground, even though they are unable to see anyone.
Holyrood House Palace
Holyrood House Palace is the site of several eerie claims. It is said that it is haunted by Mary Queen of Scots, her private secretary and Lord Darnley all of whom have been 'sighted'. A particularly miserable spectre here is Bald Agnes. Agnes was convicted of being a witch in 1592 and was stripped then tortured. Her naked ghost has been spotted in the gardens here on several occasions.
Niddry Street Vaults
A list of the most haunted places in Edinburgh would not be complete without mentioning the Niddry Street Vaults. The vaults are teeming with reports of ghost activity and other unexplained events. A particularly interesting one is the dark room – a room where any lightbulb inserted into the light fitting immediately explodes. Several electrical investigations have failed to yield an explanation. This along with the many reports of being pushed are attributed to one of the vault’s spirits.
The ghostly interactions aren’t all of an intimidatory nature. Apparently, The Hunter’s Tryst Inn has been haunted by a woman ever since it was used as a coaching inn. One guest claims that he felt someone kiss him as he lay in bed, even though the room was empty.
Auld Reekie is host to many paranormal phenomena, and even if you don’t believe in ghosts there are so many real reports of spirit activity that it does indeed make you wonder. There may be a claim of something unusual very close to where you are right now.
Read more:
The top spots for a walk, climb or meander in Edinburgh and the Lothians
4 of the best parks in Edinburgh
9 places to walk your dog in Edinburgh
12 words you will only understand if you are from Edinburgh
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