Mortsafes were contraptions designed to protect graves from disturbance. Resurrectionists had supplied the schools of anatomy in Scotland since the early 18th century. This was due to the necessity for medical students to learn anatomy by attending dissections of human subjects, which was frustrated by the very limited allowance of dead bodies – for example the corpses of executed criminals – granted by the government, which controlled the supply.

Models prepare for the Glasgow School of Art Fashion show on March 13, 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland. Third year textiles and fashion students unveil their striking new collections, inspired by the idea of movement. The Glasgow School of Art has produced some of the most celebrated designers of recent years, notably Jonathan Saunders. (Photo by Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

Adult gentoo penguins keep an eye on their newly born chick at Edinburgh Zoo on June 10, 2011 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The gentoo chicks which started hatching in early May are looked after by both parents who regurgitate part digested food. When the chicks are hungry they peck the beaks of their parents to signal feeding time. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Actor Brad Pitt films a scene from “World War Z” in Glasgow City centre on August 18, 2011 in Glasgow, Scotland. The film, which is set in Philadelphia, will be shot in various parts of the city transforming it into ruins to shoot a post apocalyptic zombie film. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Legend has it that the Irish warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner. One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him so he could pretend that he was actually their baby son. In a variation, Fionn fled after seeing Benandonner's great bulk, and asked his wife to disguise him as the baby. In both versions, when Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Therefore, Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn.

Ellen MacRae a student from Edinburgh University take a lateral flow antigen test at a test centre which is also open to students in Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University and SRUC on December 1, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The programme is running in partnership between the University of Edinburgh and other Scottish universities, the Scottish Government and NHS Test and Protect, supporting students leaving their term-time accommodation to travel home at the end of term for the winter break. (Photo by Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

Trees are consumed by the Bridge Fire near Wrightwood, Calif., Wednesday, September 11, 2024. (Photo by Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)

A playground burns in a residential neighbourhood during the Eaton fire in Pasadena on January 7, 2025. (Photo by Josh Edelson/AFP Photo)