I Scream, You Scream Podcast - Episode 13: Bloody Mackenzie - Cemeteries
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 13 of the I Scream, You Scream podcast, hosts Gina and Katherine delve into the dark and haunting history of Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh, Scotland. Paired with their monthly "dirt cup" ice cream theme, this episode explores the chilling tales surrounding George Mackenzie, infamously known as Bloody Mackenzie, and the paranormal activities associated with his legacy.
Ice Cream and Personal Anecdotes
The episode begins with the hosts sharing their unique interpretations of the "dirt cup" ice cream flavor. Katherine humorously describes her version as oatmeal with chocolate chips and trail mix, while Gina opts for a more traditional approach with chocolate ice cream, crushed Oreos, and gummy caterpillars.
Notable Quote:
- Katherine [01:39]: "Please excuse me while I explain my situation. Katherine's not feeling so great today, so super extra ice cream was not in the cards for me."
They also reminisce about childhood experiences with nuts in baked goods, highlighting personal stories that add a relatable and lighthearted touch to the conversation.
Diving into the Dark: Bloody Mackenzie and Greyfriars Kirkyard
At 09:01, Gina introduces the main topic by recounting a disturbing incident from 2003 where two teenagers broke into the Black Mausoleum at Greyfriars Kirkyard. Their actions unleashed a series of supernatural events linked to George Mackenzie.
Notable Quote:
- Gina [09:04]: "In 2003, there were these two teenagers that visited Greyfriars Kirkyard... the older kid went inside, lifted the lid off of the coffin, saw a body in there, and then he used a pocket knife to saw off the head of the body."
Katherine's immediate and visceral reaction underscores the horror of the tale:
Notable Quote:
- Katherine [10:01]: "What? Another fucking neck story, I am quitting this podcast."
The Life and Legacy of George Mackenzie
Gina provides a comprehensive background on George Mackenzie, detailing his rise to power as Scotland's Lord Advocate in 1677. Born in the 1630s into the influential MacKenzie clan, George was a well-educated lawyer whose legal writings shaped Scottish law for centuries. However, his advocacy for the use of torture and inhumane treatment to suppress the Covenanters—a group of Scottish Presbyterians opposing Anglican dominance—earned him the ruthless nickname "Bloody Mackenzie."
Notable Quote:
- Gina [14:20]: "He fucking sucks. Like, he is the worst person ever."
The Covenanters Conflict and Brutal Persecution
The episode delves into the Covenanters conflict, explaining the tensions between Scottish Presbyterians and the Anglican monarchy. Under Mackenzie's direction, the Covenanters faced severe persecution during a period known as the "Killing Time." Over 1,200 Covenanters were imprisoned at Greyfriars Kirkyard, enduring horrific conditions including starvation, disease, and brutal torture methods such as the use of the "boot" and "thumb screws."
Notable Quotes:
- Gina [22:35]: "It was entirely outside with little to no protection from the elements or exposure whatsoever."
- Gina [28:21]: "There was also a device called the boot, which is something that they strapped to your leg to slowly crush your leg bone."
Katherine's empathy shines through as she reacts to the grim details:
Notable Quote:
- Katherine [24:08]: "Oh, my God."
Haunting of Greyfriars Kirkyard: The Spirit of Bloody Mackenzie
Following Mackenzie's death in 1691, his spirit became entwined with the dark history of Greyfriars Kirkyard. The Black Mausoleum, his final resting place, is now infamous for paranormal activities attributed to his restless spirit. Visitors report cold spots, unexplained physical attacks, and mysterious scratches or bruises.
Notable Quote:
- Katherine [13:25]: "Oh, my God. Ooh."
Gina shares accounts of eerie incidents, including a man who fell into a pit of skeletons during a storm and another who exhibited extreme hysteria after breaking into the mausoleum.
Notable Quote:
- Gina [35:26]: "It's like, it's so sad, it's so offensive if I was chosen."
Theories and Legends Surrounding the Poltergeist
The hosts explore various theories attempting to explain the supernatural phenomena, ranging from Bloody Mackenzie being a poltergeist or a demon to more unconventional explanations like a pheromone cloud—though they acknowledge the latter as highly speculative and outlandish.
Notable Quote:
- Gina [55:43]: "If the Mackenzie Poltergeist isn't a genuine supernatural entity, then I don't think there's any such thing, not anywhere in the world."
Katherine and Gina engage in creative speculation, humorously developing fictional scenarios about how Mackenzie's spirit continues to wreak havoc beyond the cemetery's confines.
Modern-Day Impact and Ghost Tours
Greyfriars Kirkyard remains a hotbed for paranormal enthusiasts and tourists alike, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually. The enduring legacy of Bloody Mackenzie fuels ghost tours and paranormal investigations, keeping the dark history alive in contemporary folklore.
Notable Quote:
- Gina [53:04]: "So, like, there's all sorts of shit that goes on."
Katherine reflects on the cemetery's active use as a burial site, pointing out how new interments add layers of energy and potential hauntings to the already turbulent history.
Conclusion
In wrapping up the episode, Gina cites author Jan Andrew Henderson, emphasizing the enigmatic nature of the Bloody Mackenzie Poltergeist and its status as a well-documented supernatural case.
Notable Quote:
- Gina [54:30]: "He's an act. Like this is his life."
The hosts express a mix of fascination and trepidation about visiting such a haunted location, reaffirming their commitment to uncovering the depths of chilling histories and mysteries.
Notable Quote:
- Katherine [58:19]: "This was fascinating. I'm so happy you told this story because I didn't know about it and now I do."
Final Thoughts
Episode 13 masterfully intertwines historical facts with supernatural lore, presenting a compelling narrative of Bloody Mackenzie and the haunted Greyfriars Kirkyard. Gina and Katherine's engaging storytelling, combined with their personal anecdotes and humor, create an immersive experience that both educates and entertains listeners.
Keep it cool 🍦 and keep it creepy 💀
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