GREYFRIARS KIRKYARD
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ABOUT
Resting beside Edinburgh’s Old Town since 1561, Greyfriars Kirkyard is a popular spot for both history and ghost lovers. Labeled as one of the most haunted locations in Edinburgh, the kirkyard’s spooky history begins with the Covenanting movement in 1638. After over 1000 Covenanters were imprisoned and later buried near the site, the area’s nickname became the “Covenanters’ Prison.”
The site is famously known for the story of Greyfriars Bobby, a small dog who sat on his owner’s grave every day until his death. Today, a small dog statue sits near the kirkyard’s gates, as well as a dedicated tombstone past the entrance. You can leave a stick for the dog at the headstone—rumor says the dog will protect you from malicious spirits if you do so.
Greyfriars is known as the site where JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, found many of her characters’ names through the names inscribed on tombstones.
It is open after dark…if you wish to explore.
The official site can be found here.