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Poltergeist

Greyfriars Kirkyard

The Mackenzie Poltergeist attacks visitors in Edinburgh's most haunted cemetery. Scratches, bruises, burns appear on skin. People collapse unconscious. A homeless man opened the tomb in 1999—something escaped. Over 500 documented attacks since.

1562 - Present
Edinburgh, Scotland
500+ witnesses

Greyfriars Kirkyard contains the world’s most documented poltergeist.

The Cemetery

1562-present:

  • Historic graveyard
  • Covenanters imprisoned
  • 1,200 died in prison
  • Bloody history
  • Beautiful location

George Mackenzie

“Bloody Mackenzie”:

  • Lord Advocate
  • Persecuted Covenanters
  • Responsible for deaths
  • Buried in mausoleum
  • Hatred lingered

The Awakening

1999:

  • Homeless man broke in
  • Opened Mackenzie tomb
  • Slept inside
  • Something released
  • Attacks began

The Attacks

What happens:

  • Scratches appear
  • Burns on skin
  • Bruises form
  • People collapse
  • Hair pulled

Documentation

Over 500 incidents:

  • Photographed injuries
  • Witness statements
  • Tour guide records
  • Police reports
  • Medical examinations

Today

Current status:

  • Tours continue
  • Waivers signed
  • Attacks still occur
  • Black Mausoleum locked
  • City oversight

Sources