A MYSTERIOUS "gift" of a tiny coffin containing a doll was left on the shelves of a library in the Scottish capital.
The item and a card with an inscription were left at the Edinburgh and Scottish Collection at Central Library in the city by an anonymous donor some time during the week.
The Edinburgh City Council-run facility's librarians have blogged about the unusual offering but so far no one has claimed responsibility.
Along with a tiny coffin containing the doll-like figure, modelled on those found on Arthur's Seat in 1836, was a card inscribed with: "XIX? To Edinburgh City Libraries, A Gift, For the folklore, history, archaeology, supernatural ... "
The librarians blogged that the inscription contains quotes from a book and includes the lines: "'I'm Jamie, Dr Brodie. Do you remember me?'
"The reply was immediate. You must remember 'Daft Jamie' sir, the lad you murdered in Edinburgh last year in your first experiment with your scientific machine'."
The librarians wrote: "We've established that these words are taken from Christopher Wallace's novel The Resurrection Club, but more remains unknown.
"Is this the latest gift of the legendary Edinburgh Mystery Book Sculptor? Or do we have a copycat on our hands?
"We're not sure. But we've a feeling we haven't heard the last of this."
Richard Lewis, Edinburgh City Council culture convener, said: "This is a genuine mystery in the Central Library and has had staff pondering its origins for days.
"The sculpture and note refer to Edinburgh's interesting and at times dark history, as well as its role in contemporary literature, so make a fitting addition to the library's Edinburgh and Scottish Collection.
"We'd love to see more from the person responsible for this intriguing gift and welcome the public to drop by the library to let us know what they think."
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