The Crying Girl of Edinburgh
In the heart of Edinburgh, where Princes Street meets the historic St John's Church, a sorrowful presence is said to linger. The Crying Girl, a haunting manifestation, has been reported to appear in both locations, her tiny form overcome with grief. She sobs into her hands, her tears seemingly washing away her very existence as she slowly fades into thin air. This poignant apparition has captured the imagination of many, leaving onlookers to wonder about the story behind her heartbreaking display.
Historically, the area where Princes Street Gardens now lies was once the site of the 'Nor Loch', a body of water that was drained in the 18th century. During the draining process, hundreds of bodies were discovered, a grim reminder of the area's complex past. The Crying Girl's haunting is often linked to this dark history, with some speculating that she may be the spirit of a young girl whose life was cut short, perhaps even one of the unfortunate souls whose remains were found in the loch. While the exact circumstances of her death remain a mystery, the Crying Girl's apparition has been a reported phenomenon since at least 1987.
The area was once the site of Nor Loch, drained in the 18th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Piano Haunting
Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
Charlotte Square in Edinburgh's Lowlands is home to a most unusual haunting. Over the hum of traffic, the tinkling of phantom ivories can sometimes be heard, as if an invisible pianist is playing a lively tune. This eerie melody is just one of several strange occurrences reported in the Square, where four ghostly apparitions have been spotted - a coach, a woman in old-fashioned clothing, a scruffy beggar, and a monk. It's a curious mix of sightings, but one that adds to the Square's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.
Theatre Royal Ghostly Pacing
Theatre Royal, Edinburgh
Theatre Royal in Edinburgh's historic centre was once a hub of theatrical activity, but its reputation as a haunted hotspot has endured long after it was demolished. Waterloo Place, where the theatre once stood, is now a memory, but that hasn't stopped people from reporting strange occurrences. Various individuals claimed to have heard talking and pacing in the theatre when it was empty, a phenomenon that has left many wondering if the theatre's former occupants still linger.
The Woman in Blue
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
Deep in Edinburgh's theatre district, the Royal Lyceum Theatre stands tall, its ornate facade a testament to a rich history. But it's not just the stage that's seen its fair share of drama - the upper gallery is said to be haunted by a mysterious woman in blue. Her presence is fleeting, yet unmistakable, and those who've spotted her can't help but wonder about her story. Is she a former performer, a patron, or simply a lost soul? The truth remains a mystery, but one thing's for sure - she's not alone. Phantom laughter echoes through the empty corridors, sending shivers down the spines of those who dare to venture in.
Phantom Woman of Filmhouse
The Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Filmhouse on Lothian Street has a reputation for being haunted by a phantom woman. Although little is known about her, this mysterious figure has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The cinema, with its rich history and cultural significance, provides a fascinating backdrop for this ghostly encounter. It's said that she has not been seen for many years, leaving behind only whispers and speculation about her identity and presence.
The Running Butler of Lauriston Castle
Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh
Lauriston Castle is home to a most unusual and intriguing haunting. The sound of footsteps moving quickly around the building has been reported by numerous people since 1926. This eerie phenomenon is thought to be the work of a former butler, whose identity remains a mystery. The rapid footsteps are said to be a constant presence, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this restless spirit.
Viscount Dundee Ghost Sighting
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle has witnessed its fair share of ghostly encounters, one of which involves the apparition of Viscount Dundee. This crisis manifestation was reportedly seen by Lord Balcarres while he was being held captive within the castle walls. Interestingly, it was later discovered that Viscount Dundee had actually met his demise at Killiecrankie around the same time as the sighting. Some have speculated that this could be a case of a 'time slip', where a person sees an event from a different time period. The castle has also been associated with a phantom drummer, said to appear as a forewarning of bad news. This ghostly presence has been linked to an incident where the arms of a tunic on display seemed to move as if beating an invisible drum.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Princes Street and St John's church
