31 Haunted Hotspots and Urban Legends for the Brave Traveler

9. The Black Mausoleum – Scotland

In the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of Europe’s most haunted graveyards, lies the Black Mausoleum—home to one of the most violent hauntings in recorded history. This mausoleum is the final resting place of Sir George Mackenzie, a 17th-century Scottish persecutor of the Covenanters. Known as "Bluidy Mackenzie", he was responsible for the imprisonment, torture, and execution of thousands of Scottish Presbyterians. His cruelty was so notorious that, after his death in 1691, it was believed his malevolent spirit never truly left. In the late 20th century, things took a terrifying turn when a homeless man broke into Mackenzie’s crypt. Since then, visitors have reported violent poltergeist activity. Many visitors enter Greyfriars Kirkyard expecting a historical tour, only to leave terrified, injured, or convinced they were followed home. The hauntings have been so severe that the mausoleum was sealed off to the public, but paranormal tours still take daring visitors to its gates. For those who venture too close, beware—Mackenzie’s spirit is said to be as merciless in death as he was in life.