The Riders of Lochend
Lochend Loch, a serene spot in Edinburgh's eastern suburbs, is said to be haunted by a mysterious and unexplained phenomenon known as 'The Riders'. In the sixteenth century, Bessie Dunlop, a local resident, was startled by the sound of dozens of people on horseback dashing past her into the water. What's remarkable about this account is that despite the commotion, nothing could be seen. It's as if the riders were invisible, leaving behind only the sound of their horses' hooves and the sense of a sudden, unexplained presence.
This haunting is often linked to the local folklore and history of the area. Restalrig, the nearby village, has a rich history dating back to the medieval period. While there are no concrete records of a specific event or tragedy occurring at Lochend Loch, it's possible that the haunting is connected to a local legend or a historical event that has been lost to time. The fact that Bessie Dunlop's account has been passed down through the centuries suggests that it was a significant and unsettling experience for those who witnessed it, or at least for those who heard about it.
Medieval period
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Royal Palace Ghosts
Holyrood House Palace, Edinburgh
Holyrood House Palace in Edinburgh is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Mary Queen of Scots, her husband Lord Darnley, and her private secretary David Rizzio. Rizzio's death was particularly brutal - he was stabbed 56 times by Lord Darnley and a group of Scottish lords in 1566. The outer door of the Queen's apartments is still stained with Rizzio's blood, which legend has it will not wash away. This gruesome event has left a lasting impact on the palace, with many reporting paranormal activity.
The Phantom of Victoria Terrace
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Victoria Terrace in Edinburgh's Lowlands is home to a rather unsettling presence. A seaman named Angus Roy was forced to retire after a near fatal accident left him with a crushed leg. It's said that Roy still haunts the neighbourhood where he spent his final years, and his ghostly dragging of that injured leg has become a familiar, if unwelcome, sound to locals. The eerie creaking and scraping noise is a chilling reminder of Roy's tragic fate and his apparent inability to rest.
Poltergeist of Hazeldean Terrace
5 Hazeldean Terrace, Edinburgh
Hazeldean Terrace in Edinburgh was once home to a rather mischievous presence. The ghost of a Prestonpans soldier was said to haunt this site back in 1957. This wasn't your average phantom; the soldier's spirit was known for its poltergeist antics, performing various tricks to grab the attention of the media. It seems this spectral soldier was quite the showman, using its paranormal abilities to make its presence known far and wide.
The Yellow Eyes of Regent Terrace
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Nestled in Edinburgh's historic Regent Terrace, a string of bizarre occurrences took place back in 1979 at number 25a. It started with strange noises - a disembodied voice asking 'yes?', the wails of a crying baby, and heavy footsteps that seemed to come from nowhere. But it was a fleeting glimpse of a pair of narrow, yellow eyes in the darkness that really caught everyone's attention. It was as if something was watching, waiting for its moment to make an appearance.
The Figure in Black
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Canongate in Edinburgh's historic Old Town has seen its fair share of ghostly encounters but one that still sends shivers down the spines of locals is the sighting of a tall figure in black. This apparition was spotted by a witness as they walked towards each other on this very street. The encounter took place back in the 1980s and what's particularly chilling is that the figure simply vanished when the two people reached touching distance. It's an experience that has left many questions unanswered.
Edinburgh's Young Boy Ghost
Canongate area, Edinburgh
In the heart of Edinburgh's Canongate area, a tragic tale of a young boy's life cut short has left an indelible mark on the city's paranormal landscape. Queensberry House, a once-standing residence, was said to be haunted by the ghost of a young boy who met a brutal end at the site. According to local lore, the boy was murdered and partially eaten, leaving behind a malevolent presence that continues to unsettle those who dare to venture near. Though the house is no longer standing, the legend of the young boy's ghost lives on, captivating the imagination of paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Lochend Loch
