A number of notable Edinburgh residents have been buried in the graveyard, which is a popular tourist spot.
It’s the perfect place to go to soak in Scottish history, as burials have been taking place since the late 16th century.
However, with hundreds of headstones to see, it’s easy to wander around and miss the most interesting spots in the cemetery.
So, here are the five most interesting spots to visit in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
It’s the perfect place to go to soak in Scottish history, as burials have been taking place since the late 16th century.
5. William McGonagall's Grave
Lying in the Edinburgh graveyard is a Scot who was known as the worst poet in British history. William McGonagall gained notoriety amongst 19th century scholars, who believed his poetry was devoid of metaphor and unintentionally amusing. While he was not a success in his time, and worked as a weaved to make ends meet, his most famous work - The Tay Bridge Disaster - has been widely reproduced since his death in 1902. The poet was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in an unmarked grave - but an inscribed slab was installed to commemorate him in 1999. Photo: Rhoda Morrison
6. John Bayne's tomb
This monument was built in honour of John Bayne of Pitcarlie, who was a writer to the Signet. This important man was part of a private society of Scottish solicitors, who had special responsibility for documents which had to be sealed with the seal of the Scottish monarch. In his time, Bayne worked on many important contracts, such as the 1672 renovation of Holyrood Palace. He died in 1681, and his wife organised for a mausoleum to be built in his honour in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Photo: Rhoda Morrison