Investigators search for paranormal clues in city whisky cellars

Published on Thursday 21 January 2010 08:49

THE only spirits most people expect to find at the city's Scotch Malt Whisky Society vaults are the ones served in tumblers.

• Lisa Robshaw is convinced that 'something is out there'

Yet a team of paranormal investigators is hoping to unearth something far more sinister when it heads deep into the Leith attraction for an exclusive prowl.

Everyday ghost hunters are also invited to join in the action as part of the Capital's Ghost Fest 2010 – the first time the public has ever been invited into the historic St Giles' Street building.

Edinburgh medium Ewan Irvine, of Full Moon Investigations, said: "It should be incredibly exciting to enter the vaults for the first time.

"For myself, as a medium, this will be like going back a bit in history – that's what I love about the investigations."

The attraction is believed to be the oldest building in Scotland still continuously used for commercial purposes, with four vaulted cellars – thought to have been built before 1200 – lying underneath the society's main offices.

As part of the festival, the public will be encouraged to help investigators examine whether there are ghosts in the building.

Mr Irvine said: "This building has never been investigated, so that's what we'll be doing on the night.

"People will be taken round and we will monitor what happens. Perhaps people will pick up on characters from the past?

"I really hope we find something either from the vaults or from that area of the city."

Mr Irvine's team will also be leading a Victorian seance at the Edinburgh College of Parapsychology, inviting people to bring photographs of deceased loved ones for further investigation.

The events form part of the sixth annual Ghost Fest, organised by the Real Mary King's Close, running from 18- 23 March.

Other highlights include the opportunity to come face-to-face with the city's infamous serial killers Burke and Hare, meeting them up close at the Edinburgh Medical School where their bones are stored, as part of a chilling tour.

Brave festival-goers can also stay overnight in the Blair Street Vaults for a unique vigil, which is certainly not for the faint at heart.

And for families, there are "Horrible Histories" bus trips, talking people on a tour of the Capital's darker past.

Marketing manager Lisa Robshaw said: "This festival is not about us telling people that Edinburgh is definitely filled with ghosts, rather encouraging them to challenge themselves by giving the events a go.

"Too many people have had experiences on the tours for example – including the guides – for there not to be something out there."

ALL FRIGHT ON THE NIGHTS

Some of the highlights guaranteed to scare you witless at Ghost Fest 2010:

&#149 City of the Dead Vigil in Damnation Alley: Visit the least investigated section of the underground city. Nicknamed "Damnation Alley", this section of the South Bridge vaults is claimed to have a curse and a ghost.

&#149 So, You Want to be Ghost Hunter? A training day for potential ghost investigators with Living TV's Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe and Steve Parsons

&#149 Ghostboat: Spooky storytelling on the dark haunted waters of the Union Canal.

&#149 In Search of Lady Mary Ghost Hunt: Hunt for the "White Ghost" in Dalmahoy Castle, Kirknewton.

&#149 A Close Encounter with Medium Chris Conway: Join the TV star on his first ever visit to Mary King's Close.

&#149 The Victorian Mourning Tea: Take a photograph of a deceased loved one to a medium who will use their skills to bring through messages from them.

&#149 For full festival listings, times and locations, visit www.marykingsghostfest.com or call 0845 070 6244.