Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Isle of Arran, the graveyard in Glen Sannox holds a dark secret that has intrigued and haunted visitors for over a century. This is the story of the Goatfell Murder, an eerie and chilling chapter in Scotland’s true crime history.
The Fateful Day
It was a seemingly ordinary day in July 1889 when Edwin Rose, an English tourist, set off to climb Goatfell, the highest peak on Arran. Accompanied by John Laurie, a fellow traveler with a mysterious past, Rose had little idea that this journey would be his last. Laurie and Rose, having met on the steamer Ivanhoe, decided to explore the rugged beauty of the island together. However, the camaraderie between the two would soon take a sinister turn.
The Disappearance
On the evening of July 15th, Rose and Laurie embarked on their ascent. Witnesses later recalled seeing the pair on the mountain, but only Laurie returned, appearing unperturbed and offering various explanations for Rose’s absence. His behavior, however, aroused suspicion. Laurie claimed that he and Rose had separated near the summit, with Rose continuing alone. When Rose did not return, a search party was formed, and the gruesome discovery was made a few days later.
The Discovery
Edwin Rose’s body was found concealed under a large boulder in a remote area of Glen Sannox. The post-mortem examination revealed that he had suffered severe head injuries, consistent with being struck by a heavy object, likely a stone. The body was already in an advanced state of decomposition, adding to the grimness of the discovery. This finding led to widespread speculation and fear among the locals and visitors alike.
The Trial and Conviction
John Laurie was swiftly apprehended and stood trial for the murder of Edwin Rose. Despite his attempts to maintain innocence, the evidence against him was overwhelming. Eyewitness accounts, coupled with his inconsistent statements and suspicious behavior, culminated in his conviction. Laurie was sentenced to life imprisonment, a decision that brought some closure to the harrowing episode but left lingering questions about his motives and the true nature of his relationship with Rose.
The Haunted Grave
Today, visitors to the Sannox Graveyard can find Edwin Rose’s final resting place marked by a plain headstone. However, the grave is far from ordinary. Local folklore and superstition have shrouded the site in an eerie mystique. It is said that Rose’s boots, removed before his burial, were buried separately near the low-water mark to prevent his spirit from walking—a tradition rooted in the belief that a murder victim’s spirit could haunt the place of their death.
The grave of Edwin Rose has become a macabre tourist attraction, drawing those fascinated by the morbid history of the Goatfell Murder. Floral tributes, often placed by visitors, testify to the enduring intrigue and sympathy the case continues to evoke.
The Goatfell Murder remains one of Scotland’s most chilling true crime stories, encapsulating a blend of natural beauty and human darkness. The Sannox Graveyard, with its quietude and haunting history, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the eerie echoes of the past. For those who venture to this secluded spot, the tale of Edwin Rose and John Laurie is not easily forgotten, lingering in the whispering winds and rustling leaves of the Isle of Arran.
Sources:
- Smith, Calum. The Goatfell Murder. 2020.
- “Scottish mysteries: murder at the top of Goatfell.” The Scotsman. Link (The Scotsman).
Graveyards of Scotland 
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