Mystery surrounds disappearance of pagan symbol on hill in Holyrood Park

A mysterious pagan symbol spotted on hill in Holyrood park by a dog walker has vanished.

A five point star inside a circle was discovered by chance on a secluded spot at Dunsapie hill by Graham Robertson yesterday, after his dog tried to eat the white substance used to create the symbol.

Mr Robertson said he was worried about the substance and graffiti he found on rocks near the pentagram – which could be linked to the Winter Solstice, when the shortest day in the year is marked.

He said: “I’ve seen groups with cloaks and hoods drumming after May Day and other strange ceremonies.

Symbol on Dunsapie Hill

"I had seen reports of balls full of poison that dogs had eaten and was worried the white stuff could be dangerous. But it washed away today. There’s also graffiti on rocks, like eyes and other weird things. I don't think people should be allowed to damage.”

Two mysterious pagan objects were removed from the park last year, including a concrete “altar” and a metal plaque.

Archaeologists were called in after the bizarre items were found at Whinny Hill above St Margaret’s Loch.

The star depiction is understood to be a pentagram, recognised as a symbol of paganism. It has also been reported to be used by Satanists.

But ‘Dee’, owner of the Wyrd Shop on the Royal Mile, the world’s largest occult retailer, said: “There’s no need for satanic panic. That’s nonsense. It was probably used to celebrate the Winter Solstice. It’s a quiet area so a good place to gather and practice a ritual connecting with the divine. Pagans don’t trash the ground so the white substance was likely either salt or ash.

“The pentagram is a universal protective symbol and is certainly not a Satanist thing. The star represents the four elements and the spirit above.”

A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said: “Holyrood Park is protected as a scheduled monument and any vandalism, including graffiti, is treated as a heritage crime. We would ask that any member of the public with information regarding any such incident reports it to Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.