The Auld Toun, photo by Yana
The City of Edinburgh and surrounding area, known as ‘the Lothians’, has been populated by humankind as far back as the 7th Century AD.
Such lengthy history lends itself to many tales of urban legend. Some stories are based on actual events and some created entirely by the minds of imaginatively gifted authors – and when it comes to short stories from these auteurs it’s not all sugar canes and candyfloss.
Be yea warned before progressing further.
The Royal Mile, photo by Edinburgh Insider
Firstly there’s Edinburgh’s infamous Burke and Hare who procured corpses for Edinburgh University anatomy lectures in the early 1800’s. Further reading: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burke_and_Hare_murders
Also famously/infamously, although now firmly in the fictional category, we have authors Robert Louis Stevenson and Ian Rankin who wrote the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Inspector Rebus novels respectively. Further reading: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Louis_Stevenson https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebus_(TV_series)
And that’s to name but a few. A miriad of entertaining and informative city tours tell these tales best – especially during the dark winter nights. More on the darkside of Edinburgh to follow.
Beware the ‘Jobbie’, photo by Yana
So if you are visiting the City during the spookiest time of the year or simply have an interest in the macabre here’s a few things you might want to check out:
Surgeons’ Hall Museums (free) Further information: https://www.museum.rcsed.ac.uk
Mary King’s Close (prices vary) Further information: https://www.realmarykingsclose.com
The Edinburgh Dungeon (prices vary) Further information: https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/
Ghost Tours (free) Further information: https://www.freeghosttour.com
Ghost Tours (prices vary) Some above ground, some beneath the city and some a bit of both. Search ‘Ghost Tours Edinburgh’ via Maps on your phone/ tablet or PC. There are many of these to be explored and can be a lot of fun. Some tours may not be suitable for those unprepared for sudden ‘surprises’. Further information: https://www.google.com/maps/search/ghost+tours+edinburgh/@55.9087066,-3.2210946,12z/data=!3m1!4b1?entry=ttu
Thank you for reading.
the Edinburgh Insider