A campaign to return a 'Tartan Barbie' doll to its ghostly owner at a popular Scottish visitor attraction has gone viral, attracting attention from social media fans across the globe. Since devilling deeper into the disappearance of the doll, it has been found to be part of the iconic fashion designer, Mary Quant's daisy doll airline collection.

The doll and its story have been a popular feature of The Real Mary King's Close award-winning history tour since it was left there by the Japanese psychic, Aiko Gibo in 1992. Gibo reported that she felt the spirit of a young girl while visiting one of the 17th-century households within the Mary King's Close site.

According to Aiko Gibo, the young girl, called Annie, was left to die in this building after her parents abandoned her during the plague, a common tale on the 17th century Close.  The spirit was lifted from the room when the psychic returned with a gift of the 'Tartan Barbie' that she bought on the Royal Mile.

Now the hunt for the doll has gone international, capturing the hearts and minds of visitors from all over the world.

Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Real Mary King's Close, said:

“It's not a surprise to me that we have thousands of people from all over the world getting in on the search for 'Tartan Barbie'. Over the years many visitors have left all sorts of mementoes - including several badges from Police Officers has a mark of respect - in what has become a shrine to Annie's spirit.

As a team, we are shocked at the theft of the doll, and it's especially hard for our guides who tell our stories with the utmost integrity — the story of Annie, Aiko Gibo and 'Tartan Barbie' have been a significant part of our history for 26 years.

It's disappointing and incredibly frustrating that someone would take it without any thought for the meaning it has for so many. All we can do is hope that someone can help track her down and the Barbie is returned to the Close.”

Paul and the team at The Real Mary King's Close have launched an appeal to find Tartan Barbie on social media, with a “no questions asked” policy if she makes her way home.

To find out more visit www.realmarykingsclose.com .

ENDS

For media, enquiries contact Maggie McMillan on 07752265099 or email mmcmillan@realmarykingsclose.com  

Notes to Editors

About The Real Mary King's Close

The Real Mary King's Close is a VisitScotland five-star accredited visitor attraction located on Edinburgh's historic and world-famous Royal Mile. Bringing Edinburgh's hidden history to life, visitors are taken on a journey into the past as they delve into a warren of streets under the city frozen in time. Visitors embark on a one-hour social history tour through the uniquely preserved 17th Century streets and spaces, accompanied by a costumer character guide.

• Thistle award winner for Best Heritage Tourism Experience 2019
• Since opening in 2003, the visitor attraction has welcomed over 2.75 million guests.
• 2018-19 was a record-breaking year with 256,000 visitors.
• The site offers a range of bespoke themed events, group activities, educational visits, venue hire, and a retail area filled with authentic Scottish gifts and produce.
• The Real Mary King's Close is proud to be a Silver Investors in People.
• Since opening, the attraction has donated over £60k to charities both at home and nationally.
• Lothian and Borders regional winner of the two Scottish Thistle awards for Best Visitor Attraction and Best Heritage Tourism Experience.
• Winner of the first Service Excellence award at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce business awards 2019.