Book Talk: Hauntings & Heritage in Edinburgh Literature

Hauntings & Heritage: How literature captures the dark side of Edinburgh’s history, from the past to the paranormal 

Talk & Q&A

We are delighted to be welcoming bestselling author, TikTok sensation and former Mercat Storyteller, Alex Howard back to Blair Street. This time, he will be joined by Scottish Book Trust New Writers’ Award winner, Lucy Ribchester.  

Together, they’ll delve into Edinburgh’s dark and dramatic past, discussing the ways in which this history has influenced centuries of literary works. From Frankenstein and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde to Hex and Outlander, Edinburgh has left its mark on both classics and modern novels. 

Many dark events permeate Edinburgh’s past: the Scottish Witch Trials, 19th-century body snatching, Burke and Hare, and political and religious unrest. Digging deeper, an undercurrent of the supernatural also lives alongside these stories: the pagan traditions of Samhuinn, the ghosts of the underground vaults, and the Mackenzie poltergeist. 

How have these tales been used over time to craft our favourite stories? And how does an author decide which pieces to keep and which to rewrite? 

Descend into the candlelit Megget's Cellar, for an evening of storytelling and discussions. You’ll have the chance to ask Alex and Lucy your own questions in an exclusive Q&A, hosted by one of the Mercat team.

Following, there will be a book signing and then opportunity to purchase copies of The Ghost Cat and/or Murder Ballad at a discounted rate.

The evening is sure to be extraordinary. After all, there's no better place to hear about the hauntings and heritage of Edinburgh, than directly above the Blair Street Underground Vaults… 

Alex Howard

Alex Howard was born in London and moved to Scotland to study. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a first-class degree in English Literature. He then completed an MA, before pursuing a PhD in 20th century poetry. His academic book Larkin's Travelling Spirit was published upon completion of his doctorate in 2021. 

It was also during his PhD that he became fascinated by the behaviour of a local cat, which prompted the creation of a blog. This went on to become his debut novel, Library Cat. The novel won the People's Book Prize and was translated into Korean, French and Italian. Alex has been published in New Writing Scotland, The London Magazine, Gutter and Orbis. He has also been invited to read at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and won The Charles Causley Poetry Prize. 

In addition to his comedy writing being shortlisted for the BBC, he has worked as a television researcher, tutor, and ghost tour guide for Mercat Tours.

Lucy Ribchester

Lucy Ribchester was born in Edinburgh. She has a first-class degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a Masters in Shakespeare Studies from Kings College London & Shakespeare’s Globe. After living in Spain, Lucy returned to Edinburgh to write full time. 

In 2013, she received a New Writers Award from the Scottish Book Trust, and in 2016 a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship. Her short stories have also been shortlisted for the Costa Short Story Award, Manchester Fiction Prize and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Lucy’s debut novel, The Hourglass Factory, was longlisted for the Historical Writers Association Debut Crown.

Lucy also covers dance, books and children’s events for Scotland’s The List magazine, and writes contemporary thrillers under the name Elle Connel; Down by the Water and You Can Stay.