The Mackenzie Poltergeist

Since 1998, the tomb of Sir George Mackenzie in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard has been the alleged source of poltergeist activity that has affected hundreds of visitors. The entity is blamed for physical attacks, unexplained injuries, and psychological disturbances.

The History

Sir George Mackenzie, known as “Bloody Mackenzie,” was a 17th-century Lord Advocate responsible for the persecution of Covenanters. Over 1,200 religious prisoners were held in terrible conditions in a section of Greyfriars Kirkyard, and many died there.

The Awakening

In 1998, a homeless man broke into Mackenzie’s mausoleum seeking shelter. What he found so terrified him that he fled screaming. From that night, visitors and staff began reporting attacks.

The Phenomena

Visitors on ghost tours report being pushed, punched, bitten, and scratched by invisible forces. Some have been knocked unconscious. Cold spots engulf people suddenly, and equipment malfunctions are common. Over 500 documented incidents have been recorded.

The attacks seem random, with no way to predict who will be affected. Some visitors feel nothing while others nearby are struck.

Investigation

The tomb has been investigated by paranormal groups and exorcized by clergy multiple times. Nothing has permanently stopped the activity. The Black Mausoleum, as it is called, remains one of the most active paranormal sites in Scotland.

Assessment

The Mackenzie Poltergeist is unusual in that it operates in a public space and has been experienced by hundreds of independent witnesses. Whether psychic energy from the Covenanter martyrs or the angry spirit of Mackenzie himself, something in Greyfriars resists explanation.