Exclusive:'Disturbing occult paraphernalia' found at David Hume mausoleum
Edinburgh Council said it was ‘appalled’ by the vandalism
Concerns have been raised with council bosses after "disturbing occult-style paraphernalia" was found at the David Hume mausoleum in Edinburgh.
A tour guide raised the alarm in November after finding symbols chalked on the historic monument, as well as other artefacts.
These included what appeared to be a red candle with nails pushed through it and a gruesome drawing depicting a naked woman holding a knife and a dead baby with a noose around its neck.
Conservative MSP Miles Briggs, who represents the Lothian region, called the incident “concerning” and said it should be investigated further.
It comes amid wider concerns over antisocial behaviour at Old Calton Burial Ground on Waterloo Place, which is a Category A-listed site.
Alongside nearby New Calton Burial Ground, it has been closed at night due to so-called "cave raves" featuring underage drinking and drug-taking. The council said it was forced to act last year after anti-social behaviour led to "many police incidents".
The ‘occult’ paraphernalia was reported to the council on November 19 by a tour guide.
In an email, revealed following a freedom of information request, they told the local authority: “I was guiding some guests today in the Old Calton cemetery and came upon some disturbing occult-style paraphernalia attached to the David Hume mausoleum.
“I removed what I could but couldn’t hang around as I had guests so I suspect you’ll want to get someone over there as soon as possible. The structure itself has also had some satanic (?) symbols painted on it.”
The guide attached pictures showing a red candle suspended upside down on black string, with nails pushed through it, as well as unidentified symbols attached to the mausoleum gate and chalked on to the stone.
There was also a disturbing drawing of a naked, faceless women holding a bloody knife with a large scar on her abdomen, depicted alongside a baby suspended by a noose with a wound on its back.
It is not known what any of the paraphernalia means, if anything, or who put it there. On Friday, the outline of chalked symbols was still visible on the mausoleum itself and on memorial stones on either side of its gate. A sage plant had also been placed outside the gate.
Mr Briggs told The Scotsman: “It’s disturbing. I think most people seeing any of those images would wonder what is going on, what these people are doing and who is behind this.”
He added: “I don’t know if the council or the police have decided to look into this or have made any further enquiries, but I would hope they have looked into it.”
Margaret Graham, Edinburgh Council’s culture and communities convener, said: “I’m appalled that our historic Old Calton Burial Ground has been vandalised. As soon as the incident was reported, officers removed it immediately, and there have been no further incidents since.”
Old Calton Burial Ground was first opened in 1718 and is the final resting place of several notable figures, including the philosopher David Hume. His mausoleum was designed by his friend, the architect Robert Adam, in 1776.
Last year, Edinburgh Council said the graveyard had now been closed at night due to so-called cave raves, which had seen “underage drinking, drug-taking and abuse of the public and visitors”.
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