A former tenant’s eerie encounters at a Georgian flat in Edinburgh’s Lansdown Crescent suggest a ghost story more disturbing than most, writes GRAEME MILNE
Edinburgh has had more than its fair share of spooky stories, many of which live in the psyche of even the most casual paranormal observers.
‘Bloody’ George Mackenzie’s restless shade, the terrible fate of Johnny One-Arm, the belligerent ‘Watcher’ of the South Bridge vaults, and the plague victims of Mary King’s Close – the list is endless.
The following tale, however, is little known. It was passed on to me by my former neighbour David B, whom we got to know during our tenancy.
Softly spoken and unassuming, he recounted the following bizarre and frightening experience, which caused both the break-up of his relationship and a swift departure from the property he had only recently purchased.
This chilling story took place in 1997, in an upper flat in prestigious Lansdowne Crescent, an elegant Georgian street in the city’s West End.
The Bishop’s House
On moving in, David was given the property deeds and, after looking them over, discovered the previous owner had been the Bishop of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral on nearby Palmerston Place.
Anyone familiar with the Haymarket area will recognise this building by its distinctive triple spires.
Keen to put his own stamp on the flat, David began the arduous task of upgrading. The property had been rented for many years – possibly to students, judging by the presence of coin meters.
Renovations included reinstating open fires, replastering walls and insulating the roof. All of this required a considerable amount of time and effort.
Finally, the entire flat was repainted. It was upon completion of the work that the first stirrings of something unnatural began, as a heavy atmosphere descended upon the flat.
The First Night
Uneasiness, of course, can be attributed to many things. At first, the odd feelings were barely noticeable.
However, everything changed on what David later described as the ‘first night’.
Having gone to bed, he woke suddenly with a feeling of extreme dread, shocked to see a figure floating above his bed.
Lying transfixed and unable to move, he could only stare. The figure wore something like a cassock and was smiling — but “it was not a nice smile.”
The man then vanished before his terrified eyes.
We can only imagine the discussions that followed. His partner was convinced it had been a nightmare.
Not long after, he again woke — this time to find himself physically pinned down by the shoulders. He described it as a terrifying experience, though whatever was responsible remained unseen.
Again, his partner believed it was just a dream. However, after several further restless nights, David moved to the second bedroom.
Scratches and Strangers
A period of calm followed — until one morning, while in the bath, he became aware of a sharp, stinging sensation.
Looking in the mirror, he noticed a series of long scratches running down his back, though he had no recollection of how they got there.
Then, out of nowhere, he was disturbed by two strange encounters.
The first occurred while leaving the flat one morning. His attention was drawn to a strange woman loitering near the steps.
Taken aback by her witch-like appearance, he stepped aside to avoid her, but she blocked his way, stepping in front of him and fixing him with “a long, hard stare.”
Unnerved, he watched as she turned wordlessly and walked away. He described her as being in her mid-thirties, with long brown hair. The vibe was deeply unpleasant.
The Policeman on the Stairs
On a separate but equally baffling occasion, David was alerted by the forceful ringing of the buzzer.
Assuming it to be a delivery, he pressed the entry button and stepped onto the landing. Looking down, he was surprised to see a policeman.
Noticing David, the officer stopped halfway up and glared at him with a very uncompromising stare.
Somewhat anxious, David called down, asking if he could help. The man, like the woman before, turned and left wordlessly.
David believed both incidents were connected, though he couldn’t understand how. Had a previous tenant made enemies? Were these people looking for someone—or mistaking him for someone else?
It was deeply disconcerting. Being accosted by two random people, both displaying such naked aggression, was highly unusual.
He even began to question whether the man had been a real policeman at all.
Dark Theories and a Shrimp Demon
As fantastical as it might seem, David began to wonder if previous occupants had dabbled in the occult.
Frustratingly, his partner was unsupportive, convinced there had to be rational explanations. Their relationship soon began to falter.
Then came an even more terrifying occurrence.
Once again, during the night, he awoke with a shout. Lying in the dark, he observed a strange creature floating in the air before him.
“I know this sounds strange,” he said, “but the only way I can describe it was like a giant shrimp, with these legs kicking out in all directions. It felt dark, demonic.”
It vanished, leaving David shaking as he reached for the light switch. The room was empty—and icy cold.
Soon after, the couple separated. The property was put on the market and sold quickly.
One Last Visit
Before handing back the keys, David went back for one final look.
He did not linger. Upon entering, he distinctly heard a deep sigh.
After the sale, David had the chance to speak with the new owner and, tactfully, asked if there had been any issues with the flat.
There were none.
To this day, David remains convinced that the entity had targeted him specifically.
But for what purpose? And was there any connection between the previous owner, the church and the ghostly priest?
A Second Story Emerges
When I posted an abbreviated version of this story on Facebook some time ago, several people offered theories — many suggesting sleep paralysis.
Perhaps. But what of the other incidents?
Over time, I lost touch with David, leaving many unanswered questions.
Imagine my surprise when the son of a former tenant got in touch to share what had happened to him.
His name was Paul.
After commenting on the post, I asked if we could speak privately. He agreed — and the first thing he asked was whether I knew the house number.
I didn’t. I had misplaced my notes, though I believed it was near the church.
The Students of the 1970s
Paul told me that his father and several friends, students in the 1970s, had rented a downstairs flat on Lansdowne Terrace, where they endured a series of terrifying experiences that ultimately forced them to leave.
This was the break I had hoped for.
Paul said his father believed the property had been owned by the church. A senior member had lived upstairs.
As it turned out, Paul’s father’s friend—a musician and member of St Mary’s choir — had received the lease through his connection.
On moving in, the group found several original artefacts, including old paintings. The flat was austere and gloomy, so they requested these items be removed.
That’s when things began.
Unseen Forces and Flying Objects
Paul’s dad was regularly woken at around 2am, his room inexplicably freezing despite mild weather.
The flatmates often heard drawers in the kitchen opening and slamming shut by themselves.
Some mornings, they found cooking utensils had been moved—despite everyone being asleep.
The atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive.
Paul’s mum, who was dating his dad at the time, described the flat as “creepy” with a horrible energy.
Things escalated further. A pool cue was thrown across the room, narrowly missing someone.
On another occasion, one flatmate was struck by a flying lighter.
A Link Confirmed
It was suggested that a blessing be arranged. But before this could happen, several of the flatmates—including Paul’s father, who had fallen ill — moved out.
The illness, they believed, was caused by the grim atmosphere and stress of living there.
Curious to find out if David and Paul’s father had lived in the same building, I contacted the Cathedral archivist.
He revealed something surprising.
The only house in Lansdowne Terrace that the Cathedral had any interest in — historically and presently — was Number Eight, known as the ‘Provost’s House.’
However, in the 1970s, the Bishop of Edinburgh had lived nearby at Number Four, known as the ‘Bishop’s House.’
Had both parties lived in the same building?
Were the tenants themselves the catalyst for the haunting?
Or, as David suggested, was it something truly otherworldly — and if so, what on earth had taken place there?
Have you experienced a ghost story in Edinburgh – or perhaps even Lansdowne Crescent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
