BTN News: The chilling tale of Colin Grant, a prominent exorcist in the United Kingdom, has captivated the world, particularly those with a fascination for the paranormal. Known for his profound abilities as a medium, Grant had spent years mediating between the living and the dead, establishing himself as a significant figure in the field of parapsychology. However, his final mission—an investigation into the infamous Greyfriars Cemetery in Edinburgh—would prove to be his most daunting and ultimately, his last. His sudden and unexplained death during this expedition has fueled a myriad of conspiracy theories, with many speculating that he fell victim to the very spirit he sought to confront: the notorious ‘Bloody Mackenzie.’ This eerie story intertwines with a local legend that has haunted the Scottish capital for centuries, making Grant’s demise all the more mysterious and unsettling.
The Greyfriars Cemetery, located in the heart of Edinburgh, is widely regarded as one of the most paranormally active locations in the world. The site’s dark reputation is largely attributed to the legend of ‘Bloody Mackenzie,’ a name that sends shivers down the spines of those familiar with Edinburgh’s ghostly lore. George Mackenzie, a ruthless lawyer who served under King Charles II between 1665 and 1700, earned his terrifying nickname due to his brutal persecution of the Covenanters, a group of Scottish Presbyterians. Mackenzie was notorious for his enjoyment in torturing the imprisoned Covenanters, leaving behind a legacy of suffering that many believe has cursed Greyfriars Cemetery.
As years passed, Mackenzie’s life of cruelty eventually led him to an unsettling end. He died in Westminster in 1691, but his body was brought back to Edinburgh, where it was interred in the Black Mausoleum within Greyfriars Cemetery. The sinister history associated with Mackenzie and the suffering he inflicted has led many to believe that his spirit, now known as the ‘poltergeist of Edinburgh,’ continues to haunt the grounds of Greyfriars.
When Colin Grant was approached by city officials to perform an exorcism at Greyfriars, the urgency of the request was evident. The officials were deeply concerned about the increasing reports of paranormal activity and feared that without intervention, more people could be harmed by the restless spirits said to roam the cemetery. Grant, along with a journalist and a photographer from a local newspaper, ventured into the cemetery in the early hours of the morning, determined to confront the malevolent forces that had plagued the area for so long.
The exorcism, however, did not go as planned. Despite his best efforts and numerous rituals, Grant found himself unable to overpower the spirit of Bloody Mackenzie. In a final, desperate attempt, he sought to free the 200 trapped souls believed to be held captive by Mackenzie’s malevolent energy. After performing the last of his rituals, Grant posed for a photograph, which reportedly captured a mysterious figure in a nearby window—an unsettling presence that only added to the growing sense of dread.
Moments after the photograph was taken, something inexplicable occurred. Grant collapsed to the ground, his face pale and his body lifeless. The journalist who had accompanied him rushed to his side, only to find Grant barely conscious and repeating the chilling words, “This is going to kill me, this is going to kill me.” Despite the urgency of the situation, Grant passed away suddenly, leaving those present in a state of shock and disbelief.
The sudden death of Colin Grant has sparked widespread speculation and fear. Some believe that he was indeed a victim of the vengeful spirit of Bloody Mackenzie, while others consider the possibility of an unknown, yet equally terrifying, force at play. The photograph taken just before his death, which allegedly shows a strange figure in the background, has only fueled these theories, leaving many to wonder if Grant truly confronted something beyond human understanding.
As investigations into Grant’s death continue, the story of his final moments at Greyfriars Cemetery has become a haunting reminder of the power and unpredictability of the paranormal. Whether or not his death was the result of a supernatural encounter, it is clear that the legend of Bloody Mackenzie remains as potent and terrifying as ever, casting a long shadow over one of the most haunted places in the world.
