Burials have been taking place at Greyfriars Kirkyard since the late 16th century, and a number of notable Edinburgh residents are interred here. The Kirkyard is operated by City of Edinburgh Council in liaison with a charitable trust, which is linked to but separate from the church. The Kirkyard and its monuments are protected as a category A listed building.

 

The most notable, however, is that of the Mackenzie Mausoleum - the final resting place of Sir George Mackenzie (1636-1691). He was someone who was both admired and loathed, and also known as Bluidy Mackenzie for the cruelty that he subjected the Covenanters to. As a result, his ghost is said to occupy this tomb.

 

Following an incident in 1998 when a homeless man broke into the tomb to seek shelter, a series of "attacks" by what has been termed the "Mackenzie Poltergeist" have been documented.

 

Pictured left is the Mackenzie Mausoleum courtesy of Jonathan Oldenbuck.