We look at the terrifying ghost stories surrounding 11 of Edinburgh’s best-known pubs
Edinburgh is said to be one of the world’s most haunted cities, so it’s hardly surprising Auld Reekie’s watering holes are full of ghostly tales.
From unexplained deaths and mysterious incidents to the ghosts of former residents haunting their old bar haunts, Scotland’s capital is a place where things often go bump at the bar.
This tavern is so haunted it's even named after a local ghost.Deacon William Brodie was a respected Edinburgh citizen but by night was the leader of a gang of robbers. He excessively drank, gambled and was known to be sexually promiscuous. When he was finally caught and hanged he tried to bribe the hangman to help him escape, it didn't work and his ghost is said to roam the royal mile outraged. Photo: Google
Serving as a police station and prison during its life, this pub is said to be haunted by the evil spirit of a man held prisoner. Employees report drinks and picture frames being thrown and hearing children's voices and footsteps. Photo: Google
Named after Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, former staff members have reported going downstairs into the cellar and experiencing sudden chills and hearing unexplained noises when nobody else was around. Photo: Google
Greyfriars Bobby's Bar is said to be haunted by Bobby himself, but in a friendly-ghost type of way. Legend has it that after his owner, John Gray passed away in 1858, Bobby faithfully watched over his grave every night. When the dog eventually died in 1872 he was buried alongside his master in the Greyfriars Kirkyard. Visitors to the pub over the years have reported hearing distant barks and feeling 'things' brush up against their legs when there was nothing there. Photo: Google
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.