The Greyfriars Kirkyard Haunting

Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh is one of the world’s most haunted cemeteries. While famous for the loyal dog Greyfriars Bobby, the kirkyard’s supernatural reputation rests on the Mackenzie Poltergeist, a violent entity that has attacked hundreds of visitors.

The Cemetery

Greyfriars Kirkyard dates from the 16th century. It contains notable burials and was the site of Covenanter persecution in the 17th century. The atmosphere is appropriately somber and atmospheric.

The Mackenzie Tomb

Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh, known as “Bloody Mackenzie” for his persecution of the Covenanters, is buried in a mausoleum in the kirkyard. In 1998, a homeless man broke into the tomb and apparently awakened something.

The Attacks

Since 1998, hundreds of visitors have reported being pushed, scratched, and attacked in the area of the Mackenzie tomb. Some have had unexplained bruises and cuts. Several have fainted or experienced symptoms requiring medical attention.

The Investigation

The City of Edinburgh Council locked the area around the tomb, but attacks continued. Ghost tours continue to visit the kirkyard, with tour operators keeping records of incidents. The phenomenon has been documented by researchers.

The Debate

Some believe the poltergeist is genuinely the angry spirit of Mackenzie. Others suggest that the attention and fear generated by visitors creates the phenomena through psychological means. The attacks, however, appear to be physically real.

Assessment

The Greyfriars Kirkyard poltergeist is unusual in its violence and the number of documented attacks. The connection to the Mackenzie tomb is consistent, though the mechanism remains unexplained.