‘Spookiest’ site opportunity for brave firms

A WATCHTOWER built to guard against body-snatchers is up for rent as Scotland’s spookiest office.

Surrounded by tombstones in St Cuthbert’s graveyard in Edinburgh, the eerie tower offers a unique workplace to anyone with £1,000-a-month and nerves of steel.

The 189-year-old building originally served as a watchtower for stopping body-snatchers, such as the infamous Burke and Hare, sneaking into the historic churchyard.

It is now owned by Edinburgh City Council and has been split over two levels, with an “informal meeting space” on the ground floor.

Marion Williams, director of the Cockburn Association, one of the world’s oldest architectural conservation and urban planning organisations, believes the watchtower will attract plenty of interest.

She said: “I’m glad it is at least being used for something. Famous buildings like that deserve to be occupied and should not be allowed to fall into disrepair.

“I think it will prove popular with some of the more unique businesses in the city, but I can’t imagine there’s a lot of space inside.

“The graveyard will probably put off a lot of tenants. I don’t fancy the walk home through the graveyard, especially around this time of year, but I think to the right kind of business, it’s probably an attractive location.”