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Confronting the Spirits in the Edinburgh Vaults – The Need for Respect


Explore the vaults in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Vaults - Are you brave enough?

Ghost Adventures has always been known for its bold approach; Zak Bagans and his team stride into notorious haunted locations wielding cameras, digital recorders, and a determination to provoke whatever might linger on the other side. However, in Season 1, Episode 7, their visit to the Edinburgh Vaults raises serious questions about the line between investigative curiosity and outright disrespect for the entities said to dwell there. Viewers can’t help but notice how the team’s initial bravado, particularly from Zak, quickly dissolves when the unexplained noises and physical interactions begin. This blog takes a closer look at the events of that lockdown and why a little more reverence might have been in order.


The Events in the Edinburgh Vaults...


The night begins with Zak, Aaron, and Nick entering the vaults at 7:23PM. Right away, they sense they are not alone: Aaron hears scuffling from somewhere down a hall, setting an uneasy tone. The team sets up their central base in one of the rooms. Zak decides to venture deeper into what’s rumoured to be “Mr. Boots’” territory, presumably hoping to elicit activity, and he succeeds. Meanwhile, Nick reports the unnerving sensation of fingers grazing the back of his hair, heightening the tension. Zak himself hears the sound of breath, reinforcing the feeling that someone unseen is moving around them. Then comes one of the night’s most dramatic moments: Aaron’s camera records a glowing orb moving from the direction of Mr. Boots’ room directly into his neck. Almost instantly afterward, both Zak and Nick feel sudden physical contact on their arms and necks, just as an EMF meter surges by 20 points. For most investigators, these experiences would be a sign to move cautiously and respectfully, acknowledging that they have gained the attention of something potentially powerful. Yet Zak’s response often teeters between provocation and overblown bravado.


It Begins...


A key turning point comes when Zak elects to remain behind in Mr. Boots’ room alone. While Nick and Aaron explore elsewhere, they each report hearing distinct noises, as if someone, or something, is trailing them in the dark. In Mr. Boots’ lair, Zak describes a “horrid feeling” washing over him and starts calling out questions to the spirit, digital recorder at the ready. His approach is certainly fearless, some might say brazen and arrogant, but to me it feels invasive and confrontational. Instead of respectfully requesting a conversation or an introduction, he appears to challenge Mr. Boots, almost as though daring the spirit to respond. When that response finally comes in the form of a scratching noise on the wall (captured by their static night vision camera), Zak’s initial bravado gives way to palpable fright. He describes an icy wave rushing over him, and eventually, he abandons the room entirely to reunite with Nick and Aaron.


So What?


This shift, going from tough talk to near-panic in the face of genuine paranormal engagement, highlights the crux of any ghost-hunting expedition: respecting the location and its unseen inhabitants. Even if one believes ghosts are simply energies or echoes of the past, barging in with aggressive taunts disregards the history, tragedy, or personal stories tied to these places. The Edinburgh Vaults, in particular, are steeped in centuries of hardship and possible criminal activity; there’s no telling what emotional residue might remain. Taking a more measured approach could have encouraged a safer and more illuminating encounter.


Of course, Ghost Adventures thrives on drama, and fans tune in specifically for the adrenaline-fueled hunts that blur the line between research and entertainment. Yet this episode offers a stark reminder that the spiritual realm isn’t a sideshow, as entertaining as some may find it, these spirits are there, they deserve respect. When dealing with forces beyond our current understanding, humility and courtesy can go a long way, especially in an environment as historically charged as the Edinburgh Vaults where people have been injured - significantly! (Yvette Fielding's Most Haunted). Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the principle remains: if you’re entering someone else’s domain, visible or not, a touch of respect can make all the difference. Zak Bagans learned this the hard way in Mr. Boots’ room, he got off lightly without injury from a powerful spirit: when you taunt what you don’t fully comprehend, you may end up more frightened than you ever expected.


Closing Position...


In the end, the Edinburgh Vaults episode delivers plenty of suspense, unexpected interactions, and yes, entertainment value. Yet, it also speaks volumes about the universal lesson of approaching the unknown, be it ghosts, ancient folklore, or other mysteries or paranormal entities, with an open mind, an open heart, and a respect that transcends mere spectacle.


If nothing else, Episode 7 reminds viewers that sometimes the darkest corridors of history demand more than just daring; they demand deference.



Zak Bagans - Edinburgh Vaults Episode 7, Season 1.

 
 
 

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