Tales of Haunted Edinburgh: Echoes From Beyond the Grave – Arthur Conan Doyle Centre

Ewan Irvine is a psychic and paranormal medium, tutor and author.  He has hosted ghost hunts of ancient buildings, has had his own radio shows and appeared on TV.  He has done spiritual readings across the country and has written books and published articles.  Also, I must say here and now that Ewan is known to this reviewer as a very dear friend – full disclosure. 

I have watched Ewan become a powerful speaker, in recent years.  This is not his first foray into the Edinburgh Fringe and I’m certain that it won’t be his last. 

Every year, though he seems to bring something very different to the speaking lectern.  This year, he spoke about tales of hauntings, of ghosts, of inexplicable phenomena which are particular to the capital city.  And he – almost more than anyone – should know what he’s talking about.  He has had experiences which would send most of us running to the Pentland Hills, but not Ewan.  He has been known to quietly engage with spooky encounters as he feels it’s his job to get to their source, their ‘why?’.  It’s interesting to sit and listen to such an unusual voice – such a low-key delivery of such a depth of experience.  

What makes Ewan’s talks all the more special is that they are delivered in the historic setting of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre, one of Edinburgh’s grand old townhouses.  Conan Doyle was was an impassioned spiritualist and the building itself is home to the Edinburgh Association of Spiritualists.  It vibrates with energy.

There are two reasons that I haven’t given this talk 5 stars. 

The first reason is that Ewan is my friend.  I don’t want to be accused of bias.

The second reason is that in all honesty, Ewan is so experienced that I believe that his fringe appearances cry out for more spontaneity, more interactivity.  It’s not every day an audience gets the chance to ask questions of one of the most experienced ghost hunters in Scotland.

Reviewer: Susan Cohen

Reviewed: 15th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: