Forty-one-year-old Alexander Hayden was originally from Glasgow, Scotland, but in 1990 had been living on the streets of Edinburgh. He was discovered dead in March of that year, in a narrow close off Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. The location, Old Fleshmarket Close, was a place where Hayden often sought shelter. He had been violently attacked, struck with a blunt object, and left in the doorway he called home.
The murder prompted an immediate response from Lothian and Borders Police, who launched a murder inquiry. However, the investigation quickly hit significant obstacles. Detectives encountered what was described as a “wall of silence,” with few witnesses coming forward and little forensic evidence to guide them. The lack of cooperation, whether due to fear, indifference, or the transient nature of Hayden’s social circle, severely hampered early efforts to identify a suspect.
Despite the initial setbacks, the police persisted, canvassing the area and appealing for information. The case was featured in local news, with authorities hoping to jog memories or prompt someone to come forward. Six years later, in 1996, a new lead emerged, sparking renewed interest in the case. Forensic tests were ordered on material found at the murder scene, suggesting advancements in technology might offer a breakthrough. However, despite this glimmer of hope, no charges were ever brought, and the case remained unresolved.
Alexander Hayden’s murder occurred during a period when Edinburgh was grappling with social issues, including homelessness and urban poverty. Old Fleshmarket Close, tucked away in the heart of the city, was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those living on the margins. Hayden, originally from Glasgow, had likely drifted to Edinburgh, a common path for many seeking a fresh start or simply survival. His vulnerability as a homeless person may have made him an easy target, but it also meant that his death attracted less attention than other high-profile cases of the era.
The “wall of silence” described by police suggests a broader social dynamic at play. In 1990, trust in law enforcement among marginalized communities was often low, and fear of retaliation or stigma may have discouraged witnesses from coming forward. Additionally, the lack of CCTV in the area and the limited forensic tools available at the time further complicated the investigation.
More than three decades later, Alexander Hayden’s murder remains a cold case, one of many unsolved killings that haunt Scotland’s capital.
Crime Immemorial 