history tour edinburgh

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Discover Scotland's history on our award-winning Edinburgh tours  

~ Local Edinburgh guide            ~ Travellers' Choice 2023 winner        ~ 99% of reviews are 'Excellent'

As of 16/11/2023,  350 of our 355 Tripadvisor reviews awarded us five-stars! 

Our recommended private tour of edinburgh.

Private New Town and Old Town tour 

Discover the history of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Site on this five-star rated three-hour private tour.  Start in the magnificent Georgian New Town, get some of the best views in the city (be sure to charge up your camera phone!), discover the history of the incredible Royal Mile, and let our award-winning Edinburgh tour guide take you into picturesque closes and wynds often missed by most visitors.

Top tip; the High Street and Lawnmarket sections of the Royal Mile can be very busy in July and August.  During those months, we highly recommend this tour because you'll spend more time in some of the quieter but equally fascinating parts of the historic Old Town. 

Prices start from £90

Your private tour starts at 10 am or 2 pm

5-star rated tour on Tripadvisor and Viator

"Local knowledge meant that on my tour I was shown the nooks and crannies, the hidden gems and the photo opportunities that I had expressed an interest in. 10 out of 10! What a great time, the perfect mix of fact and story telling and worth every penny and more!"  Cheryl C, Tripadvisor, October, 2022

Choose from our range of Edinburgh tours

Private Old Edinburgh tour

Get an intimate understanding of Edinburgh's world-famous  Old Town .   Learn about some of our most important buildings and explore evocative historic side streets, courtyards, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.  Your Edinburgh tour guide will use incredible archive images to help you imagine the capital as it was centuries ago!

Prices start from £85 for a private tour for one person

5-star rated tour on Tripadvisor

Viator Badge of Excellence winning tour

Private Royal Mile tour

Explore Scotland's most historic street on this  Royal Mile tour .  Visit picturesque little closes which most visitors miss and walk in the very places where so much of Scotland's history happened.  

Top tip: we recommend this tour during July and August.  You'll spend more time in the less crowded parts of the Royal Mile than on our Private Old Edinburgh tour.

Private Greyfriars Kirkyard tour

Our award-winning  Greyfriars Kirkyard tour  is perfect for anyone who wants to explore one of the world’s most famous burial grounds.  Learn about bodysnatchers, murderers, tortured lords, executed Covenanters and our famous wee dog.

Prices start from £70 for a private tour for one person

Bespoke tours for larger groups

Want a tailor-made Edinburgh tour?  We LOVE planning tours to suit larger groups.  We can offer tours to cover areas of interest and specific start/finish locations, and we can put together a tour for the time you have available. So please email us, and let's start planning your Edinburgh experience!  ​

Edinburgh tours for primary schools

Take your learning outdoors and into old Edinburgh!

We believe there's no better way to learn about old Edinburgh than to be IN the Old Town.   Our tours for Edinburgh schools have been expertly designed by our tour guide, a primary teacher with over 25 years of experience as a primary teacher.  Your learners will hear stories, see sights, and use archive maps, images, and documents.  We currently offer activity tours on Castles, Old Edinburgh, Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites, and also a tour which focuses on life for Edinburgh's poorest Victorians.  

£3 per pupil (some tours add an additional 50p payment to City of Edinburgh Council for the use of Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Led by a qualified teacher with PVG certification.

"The tour lasted for two hours but the time flew by with Mr Howie telling tales of old and providing the children (32 of them!) with a selection of primary and secondary sources so they could be the history detectives and investigate dark goings on with torture, body snatchers, ‘rubbish’ walls, explosions, Royal visits and quite a bit about poo too. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough for any educator studying the local history of this city with children at first or second level (ks1 and ks2). Reliable and unreliable sources? Check! Primary and secondary sources? Check! Compare and contrast society then and now? Check! Interpret historical evidence? Check! The tour that really does tick all the boxes. And it’s fun too!"  MsFMorse, Tripadvisor, March, 2022

What our guests are saying

Excellent attention to detail and helpful access.

I am a wheelchair user and my travel agent booked this tour because she knew I was a history buff. My experience with Robert I think started almost immediately. He started communicating with me via Viator and asking what I needed in terms of access and what interested me so that he could tailor the tour to my needs. We met at the hotel and he had a rough route planned out. He tweaked this slightly according to our needs. The end result was an informative and fun tour which we very much enjoyed. I don’t feel as if I missed out on anything and was very happy with our tour. 

Tripadvisor review by Kirsty T  - August, 2023

BEST Tour Ever!

Our private tour of Old Edinburgh with Robert Howie was AMAZING! Best tour each of us has ever been on. Robert was engaging, knowledgeable, funny, and tailored the tour to our interests. We were hanging on his every word and didn't want the tour to end. So glad we saw Old Edinburgh this way. Thank you Robert!

Tripadvisor review by Ron H - September, 2023

Please consider leaving us a review

Every review you leave makes a huge difference to our company.  we're a very small company and the edinburgh tours market is incredibly competitive.  we really do appreciate your kindness in leaving a review on either tripadvisor or google.    please, a small plea from us; if you're thinking of booking a tour with us, please book directly on this website .  a direct booking with us (rather than on tripadvisor, allows us to use greater flexibility with any requests you may have and you have all the security and benefits you'd have if you booked through a third-party..

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Witches Old Town Tour & Underground Vault

from 16 reviews

Family Friendly, First Timers, Night Hawks

Discover the wicked history of Scotland as you explore Edinburgh’s Old Town, from the streets above to its underground vaults. Join your bewitching guide on this spellbinding walking tour!

Step into Scotland’s rich and mysterious past on this captivating walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town. Led by an engaging character guide, this experience blends history and storytelling for an unforgettable adventure.

Uncover the stories of Scotland’s real-life witches, exploring their lives and the accusations they faced. This tour pays respectful homage to those wrongly accused of witchcraft, shedding light on the great injustices they suffered. You may even learn some facts about much-loved characters from Outlander and Harry Potter!

Adding to the intrigue, the final 15 minutes of the tour will involve an exclusive visit to “The Lost Close” — this recently discovered underground site has been cloaked in mystery since the Great Fire of 1824. The ancient vault, where you will enjoy the remaining tales of the tour, dates back to 1742, offering a window into the past, and providing a fitting end to an immersive exploration of history and enchantment.

Don’t miss The Edinburgh Witches and Underground Vaults – Old Town Walking Tour, an opportunity to delve into the city’s fascinating past, honour those who suffered, and embrace the magic of discovery.

This is a storytelling walking tour delivered by an entertaining character guide. Your witch guide will captivate you with this engaging often enlightening and ultimately uplifting experience. 

PLEASE NOTE: This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the nature of the streets and cobbles in Edinburgh. Please contact us directly to arrange a private tour so that we might adapt the tour for your needs.

• Be captivated by storytelling delivered by an authentic character guide
• Explore the dimly lit streets and spooky wynds of Edinburgh’s Old Town
• Feel your spine shiver as you hear the fascinating history of Scottish witches
• Descend beneath the streets and enter the underground vault at The Lost Close
• Immerse yourself in the spooky and the strange on a witchcraft-themed tour
• Professional character guide

• Visit the Underground Vault at The Lost Close
• Not suitable for people with mobility impairment

Meeting Point

Will the tour be cancelled in bad weather, is the tour accessible, do people jump out to scare us, how long is the tour, is photography permitted on the tour, where does the tour start.

Enjoy this experience with our trusted partners: iWelcome Tours

10/10 recommend to our fellow witches and wizards

Amazing, highly recommend, bloopdedoop, would wholeheartedly recommend it..., dan and kara, dan the danger witch of lions, warren edge, spellbinding historical & fun fact tour of edinburgh, amazingbrilliant and fantastic tour and history, had a great time and learned something new, amazing tour and amazing tour guide., write a review.

FREE CANCELLATION

Plan ahead risk free. Cancel at least 24hrs before your booking for a full refund

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Discover Edinburgh

Discover Edinburgh’s rich history while being expertly guided through streets by tour guide and local historian Fraser Paterson.

PRIVATE EDINBURGH ​WALKING TOURS

BESPOKE TOURS FOR YOU & YOUR GROUP

Please look at the areas of Edinburgh I have specialist knowledge in. Simply tell me what you wish and the length of time you require your tour to be. I will provide you with a custom tour. This can include a mix of everything if you like.

Edinburgh is a city with origins that date back as far as 900BC. Exploring the Old Town, navigating our cobbled streets you can enjoy our stunning variety of architecture. I can excite your imagination with true stories from the social history of the Old Town.

The lower section of the Royal Mile, known as Canongate lies closest to our the royal palace of Edinburgh, Holyrood House. The Canongate is also home to the Scottish Parliament buildings, one of which dates back to before the 1700’s. Canongate is home to one of five of our historic graveyards, Canongate kirkyard. Lying at rest here is the Father of Economics, Adam Smith. Also, the secret lover of Mary, Queen of Scots.

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Explore the Treasures of History, One Step at a Time …

Are you ready to embark on a journey back in time, discovering the hidden gems and untold stories that lie within the heart of our beloved Old Town? Old Town Walking Tours invites you to experience the captivating blend of history, culture, and charm that makes our city truly unique.

Why Choose Old Town Walking Tours?

Winner “ The Award for Excellence in Scotland “

At Old Town Walking Tours, we are not just guides; we are passionate storytellers, eager to share the fascinating tales that have shaped our community over the centuries. Our carefully crafted tours take you on a delightful adventure through cobbled streets, iconic landmarks, and lesser-known alleys, all steeped in the rich tapestry of history.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Expert Local Guides: Our team comprises enthusiastic local experts who have an unwavering passion for our city’s heritage. They bring a wealth of knowledge and captivating narratives that you won’t find in any guidebook.
• Small Group Experience: To ensure an intimate and personalized journey, we keep our tour groups small, allowing you to ask questions, interact with your guide, and truly immerse yourself in the stories.
• Customizable Tours: Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or a food lover, we have tailored tours to cater to your interests. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll create an unforgettable experience just for you.
• Costumed Guides: Our guides arrive dressed in fully authentic historical costumes.
• Hidden Gems Unveiled: The Old Town holds many hidden gems that only locals know about. Our tours will lead you to these lesser-known spots, unveiling their intriguing stories and adding a sense of discovery to your adventure.

Discover the Past, Create Memories for the Future

A walk through Old Town is not merely a stroll; it’s a voyage through time. Our tours cater to all ages and interests, making it an ideal activity for families, friends, school groups, and solo adventurers. Whether you’re a visitor or a longtime resident, Old Town Walking Tours promises a fresh perspective on the place you call home.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable expedition into the past? Browse our selection of tours, check availability, and secure your spot for an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Let Old Town Walking Tours be your gateway to a captivating blend of history, culture, and memories waiting to be made.

Join us and let the ancient streets whisper their stories in your ear.

Come, let’s walk through time together…

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Edinburgh Witches & History Walking Tour

Travel back through the ages and unleash your own magic on The Edinburgh Witches & History Walking Tour.

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

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Popular Edinburgh Tours with Kids

February 25, 2018 by Contributor

Find Popular Edinburgh Tours with Kids. A select list of tours and attractions available for pre-purchase admission that allow kids 5 years and older.

Finding a tour that allows kids isn’t easy. Finding one that allows under 10 is nearly impossible. Here is our list of popular tours within and from Edinburgh that allow children and teens. This includes Day trips and multi-day trips.

For insurance reasons, we are told that under 5’s are not allowed to join on these tours, unless otherwise noted.

Multiday Trips from Edinburgh

3-day outlander and scottish highlands tour from edinburgh.

This tour is perfect for those die-hard fans looking for the ultimate ‘Outlander’ experience.

Visiting the locations used in ‘Cross-stitch’ the smash hit book by Diana Gabaldon and subsequently ‘Outlander’, the TV programme that followed. Your Guide will take you on a journey to some of the most iconic film sites as well as telling you stories of the famous Jacobite rebellion and other key historic battles.

This trip unites the history and legends of each location in its own right as well as exploring much of the Scottish Highlands such as Glencoe, Loch Ness and some of the film’s most famous sights such as Doune Castle and Culloden.

This experience isn’t bookable for now. Click the link above for inspiration.

3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh Including ‘Hogwarts Express’ Ride

Experience the Highland beauty of the Isle of Skye on a 3-day excursion from Edinburgh. You’ll spend two nights on the Isle of Skye, see legendary Loch Ness and ride one of the world’s most famous steam trains, the West Highland Line, as seen in the Harry Potter films.

5-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Edinburgh Including the Scottish Highlands

Venture to the far-flung Orkney Islands on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh with 3-star accommodation included, and visit top Highland towns and attractions, too! With a friendly guide, travel through the Highlands, visiting Loch Ness and Glencoe, and pass John o’Groats on route to the stunning Orkney Island archipelago. With Kirkwall (Orkney’s capital) as your base, discover the area’s historical highlights such as Lamb Holm Italian Chapel and the Standing Stones of Stenness. On route back to Edinburgh, call in at the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Culloden Moor, an important Jacobite battlefield. Overnight stays in Inverness and Ullapool are included, plus two nights in Kirkwall.

2-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

Spend two days exploring Loch Ness and Inverness, past and present, on a small-group trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. As you enjoy scenic drives and historic landmarks, your eyes will pop at the dramatically beautiful landscape. With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, this leisurely two-day excursion allows you to have a memorable and personal experience in two of Scotland’s favourite locations.

5-Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh.

This tour takes you to the West coast, through the Highlands over to Skye and then up to the Orkney Isles with incredible driver-guides and comfortable panoramic windowed mini-buses and mini-coaches. Enjoy a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and The Cairngorms National Parks, Loch Ness, Culloden, Glen Coe, Eilean Donan Castle, Skara Brae, Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar and other landmarks of Scotland’s rich history

4-day Isle of Islay and Scotch Whisky Distilleries Tour from Edinburgh

Leave Edinburgh behind by ferry for Islay on this 4-day small-group tour. Port Ellen will be your base for the duration of the tour as you visit six distilleries, including Glengoyne, Bowmore, Ardbeg, and Kilchoman. Enjoy sightseeing at Loch Lomond and Kilmartin as well. Your accommodation, transportation, and driver/guide are included on this tour. Whiskey distillery fees are not included.

7-Day Orkney Skye and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

This tour takes you to the West coast, through the Highlands over to Skye and then up to the Orkney Isles with incredible driver-guides and comfortable panoramic windowed mini-buses and mini-coaches. Enjoy a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and The Cairngorms National Parks, Loch Ness, Culloden, Glen Coe, Eilean Donan Castle, Skara Brae, Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar and other landmarks of Scotland’s rich history.

Day Trips from Edinburgh

Loch ness, glencoe and the highlands small-group day trip from edinburgh.

Explore Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands on this 12-hour tour from Edinburgh. Depart from Edinburgh by air-conditioned minivan and travel out into the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe with your guide. Stop at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness at marvel at the spectacular scenery, then continue on to explore the Cairngorms National Park. Admire the majestic mountain of Craig Meagaidh and continue through the Drummochter mountain pass to visit the Victorian town of Pitlochry. Group size limited to 16 to ensure a personalized experience.

Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

Join this small group tour (maximum 16 passengers) and travel to the amazing and mysterious 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, across the historic Scotland/England border and south to Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage Site celebrating the power – and northern limit – of the Roman Empire. Other highlights on this tour include the mighty Abbeys of Melrose and Jedburgh as you journey at a relaxed pace through the beautiful Borderlands

Full-Day Trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands

Go on a fantastic tour from Edinburgh to explore the legendary myths of Loch Ness and enjoy the diverse range of Scottish Highland scenery. Drive through the forests and rivers of Highland Perthshire and get a glimpse of dramatic Glen Coe – the site of the Massacre of Glencoe. See Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and enjoy a typical Scottish picnic lunch before taking in magnificent views of the Forth Bridge.

Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh

Travel to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond in style on a small-group tour by Mercedes minivan from Edinburgh. With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience on this special excursion to Stirling and Loch Lomond.

Da Vinci Code and Scottish Borders Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh

Visit Rosslyn Chapel and learn the truth about the Holy Grail on a “Da Vinci Code” tour to the Scottish Borders. You’ll hear the true history of the famous Rosslyn Chapel and visit the lovely town of Melrose on this small group tour.

With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience on this day trip to locations made famous by Dan Brown’s best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code. Travelling in a small group means you can reach out-of-the-way places to discover the real Scotland!

Hadrian’s Wall, Roman Britain, and the Scottish Borders

Travel through 2,000 years of history as you visit ancient Roman sites such as Hadrian’s Wall, Dere Street, Birdoswald Fort, Steel Rigg and historic villages along the border of Scotland and England. You’ll drive through stunning scenery in Northumberland National Park, the Irthing Valley and the Southern Uplands and learn about the Anglo-Scottish wars of the 14th–16th centuries. Your professional guide will illuminate the fascinating history of Roman Britain and the Scottish Borders on this small-group (limited to 16 people) day tour from Edinburgh.

Sightseeing Tours of Edinburgh

Royal edinburgh ticket with hop-on hop-off tours, edinburgh castle admission.

Explore Edinburgh with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour ticket, and see the city’s royal sights at your own pace. An easy and convenient way to experience the Scottish capital, this unique ticket offers unlimited travel on five different tour bus routes for 48 hours. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the top deck of the bus, informative audio commentary, and the flexibility to hop on and off at any of the well-placed stops dotted around the city. This ticket also includes admission to noteworthy royal attractions including Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

There is no minimum age requirement for this tour.

Skip-the-Line Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour

Edinburgh Castle dominates this Scottish city of half a million people. Set on a dead volcano, the castle is an imposing sight with its thick defensive walls. This 1.5-hour tour gives you an insider’s view of the city’s number one attraction, first letting you skip the line and then revealing the secrets of this fortress, from one of the world’s few official dog cemeteries to the smallest shrine in the world. Learn about the castle’s wicked and wonderful history from the guide.

Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh

Explore famous landmarks and hidden secrets in Edinburgh on this walking tour. Explore Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile with a guide, and gain insight into famous writers and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland’s national bard—Robert Burns—and discover top landmarks such as St. Giles’ Cathedral and the National Galleries of Scotland. Capture Edinburgh through the eye of your camera as you go, and find out what makes this ancient city tick.

Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

Led by either the holder of a Ph.D. in Scottish history or a guide with decades of experience providing historic tours in Scotland’s capital, this 90-minute tour is a fascinating journey through Edinburgh’s celebrated Old Town. Revel in the majesty of the famous Royal Mile with its stunning architecture, but also visit the secluded closes and courts lying just off the High Street and discover their dramatic stories. Find out about the world famous poets, novelists, philosophers and inventors who called this neighbourhood home but also the notorious thieves, murderers and bodysnatchers who stalked the streets after dark. The tour includes a trip through Canongate Kirkyard and a visit to our underground vaults below South Bridge, where you will find out how it came to be and who used to live there.

Outlander Palaces and Jacobites Tour from Edinburgh

Enjoy a one day tour visiting filming locations of the award-winning TV series, Outlander. Visit castles, palaces and mansions. Explore Linlithgow Palace, Outlander’s Wentworth Prison; see Blackness Castle, the Headquarters of Black Jack Randall, and explore the Royal Burgh of Culross, Claire’s herb garden; and many more!

Guided Silver Whisky Tour of Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience

This 50-minute guided tour starting at 10 am daily, is ideal for whisky novices and families, is the perfect introduction to the world of whisky. Discover the whisky making process on the bubbling barrel ride through a replica distillery. Explore the five Scotch whisky-producing regions and learn how the geography and weather combine to create regional characteristics shaping a single malt whisky’s unique flavour. Delve into the history and alchemy of blending, and learn how the art of creating a perfectly balanced blended Scotch whisky came about. Finally, enjoy a guided tasting of your chosen whisky within the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky. The Tour cannot be changed to a different time.

Pre-purchased Entrance Tickets for Attractions in Edinburgh

There are no minimum age requirements for these attractions unless otherwise noted.

National Trust for Scotland Discover Ticket: Scotland Sightseeing Pass

Enjoy free entry to 90 National Trust for Scotland attractions with the Discover Ticket — a flexible sightseeing pass that allows you to visit the historical sites and landmarks that interest you most. Step back in time at Culzean Castle; treat the kids to family-friendly visitor attractions such as the Battle of Bannockburn experience, and learn about Scottish poetry at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Choose from a 3-day or 7-day ticket and sightsee as you wish; both options include an attraction guidebook that contains fascinating historical facts.

Edinburgh Castle Entrance Ticket

Discover one of Scotland’s most famous historical attractions at your own pace with this ticket to Edinburgh Castle. Bypass the entrance queue and take your time exploring the castle’s public rooms and exhibitions halls while learning about the events and battles that shaped Scottish history. See where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son in the Royal Palace, and visit the on-site National War Museum to see Scottish military artifacts.

1-Hour Real Mary King’s Close Underground Tour in Edinburgh

Discover Edinburgh’s hidden history on a 1 hour underground guided tour at The Real Mary King’s Close. Tours run every day and depart every 15 minutes. With a costumed character tour guide, uncover the true story of how a network of Old Town streets found itself buried forever beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. A top quality visitor attraction, allowing you to see for yourself what daily life was like in the 17th Century for both rich and poor. The maximum tour capacity is 20 people so this is an intimate and personal experience.

Minimum age is 5 years old to attend this tour. This tour is not handicapped accessible.

The Edinburgh Dungeon Priority Entrance Ticket

Skip the line! Purchase your ticket to The Edinburgh Dungeon ahead of time to take advantage of jumping the queue and gaining fast track entry. Don’t waste time waiting in lines on vacation!

The Edinburgh Dungeon uses live actors, shows, a spooky ride and interactive special effects to take you on a unique journey through Scotland’s most horrible history. Meet the ghosts of the city when you delve into the world of the paranormal in Scotland’s haunted capital.

• We recommend spending one hour at the Edinburgh Dungeon.
• Children 4 years and under will not be admitted to the Dungeon.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

A unique five-star visitor experience and recommended by BBC News as “Scotland’s leading visitor-friendly attraction”, The Royal Yacht Britannia is an essential visit whilst in Edinburgh. For over forty years, the Royal Yacht sailed over one million miles on nearly a thousand official visits for the British Royal Family. Now berthed in Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith, Britannia is a fascinating visitor attraction.

This tour is open to children of all ages, has a lift for strollers and wheelchairs and the Royal Tea Room is handicap-accessible.

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whiskey Tour

Make the most of your time in Scotland and experience the culture, heritage and scenery that makes Scotland so unique!  On this full day tour, you visit a magnificent and important castle, the stunning Loch Lomond, a quaint Scottish town and have a dram of whiskey at Glengoyne Distillery while learning about this national heritage.

A fantastic day out packed with experiences and sights famous to Scotland!

Infants age 0-1 are free provided they do not occupy a seat, please add a child ticket to your booking if you would like to reserve a seat for infants.

Edinburgh Georgian House Entrance Ticket

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Robert Adam masterpiece is situated in the city’s elegant New Town, in Charlotte Square. This historic house is adjacent to Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland and was at the cornerstone of Edinburgh’s New Town development in its day– a statement in luxury in an age of enlightenment for those who could afford it.

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Black History Walking Tour in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh. A city known for its split personality. The tight cobbled streets and historic buildings of the Old Town versus its spacious and wide Georgian design of the New Town.

While many locals are well-versed in stories that surround the Old Town, and visitors will leave having learned the Royal Mile rumors, very few will find out about Edinburgh’s New Town narrative, unless they make a real effort to do so.

However, now, thanks to the Black History Walks in Edinburgh tour, it is easier to see a more complete history of Scotland’s capital and its deep connections to Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.

It’s a more complete understanding that schools, plaques, and visitor attractions have failed to feature. 

About the Black History Walking Tour in Edinburgh

Led by Lisa Williams, Director of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association and Honorary Fellow in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, the Black History Walking Tour of Edinburgh highlights the good, the bad, and the ugly for Scotland over the centuries. 

Williams does not shy away from the tough conversations and her tour offers insights into prominent Black figures in history as well as Scottish support for enslavement and for ongoing racist policies.

Meeting on St Andrew Square, you’ll quickly learn just how passionate and deeply knowledgeable Williams is on all things related to Scotland, the slave trade, and Black people in the city of Edinburgh. 

As an academic with British-Grenadian heritage, she has invested her professional and personal interests into uncovering truths and educating the public.

Her tour encompasses centuries of Scots’ involvement in Black history. From the start of the Transatlantic slave trade in the 1630s until today, Williams shares insights into individual people, places, and legacies that impact Scotland as we know it. 

If you’re visiting Edinburgh or live in town, we highly encourage you to join a tour with Lisa Williams to hear these stories and try to better understand a more complete history of this city and country.

Scotland and Slavery: A Dark Past

Around 1760, construction began on Edinburgh’s stunning New Town, a perfectly-planned section of the Scottish capital that oozed wealth.

When New Town was completed around 1800, it was the most expensive real estate in all of Europe and was considered to be the biggest planned development in the world.

Many of these New Town addresses are on the compensation list for former enslavers meaning that the owners were involved in plantations and received money when it was eventually stopped.

By 1763 on the Caribbean island of Antigua, 62% of slave plantations were owned by Scots. Scots had gotten involved in the Transatlantic slave trade more than a century earlier.

In the 1630s, the ship-building and trade had begun, ramping up in the 1670s and becoming a massively important industry after the Acts of Union in 1707 joined England and Scotland under the same crown — and therefore the same protections and trade opportunities.

The history of Scotland and the Transatlantic slave trade cannot be separated. 

Much of Scotland’s wealth and much of the current architecture, the grand estates, and the celebrated historical figures can be connected to the kidnapping, shackling, selling, and lifetime enslavement of African people. 

Whether you know very little about this connection or you feel quite well-educated on the topic already, taking the Black History Walking Tour in Edinburgh with Lisa Williams will surely enlighten you.

Lessons Learned During the Tour

Scots involved in the enslavement of people.

Many recognizable names in Scottish history have connections to the Transatlantic slave trade, the enslavement of Black people, and/or to the legacy of enslaving people and the corresponding financial benefit. 

A great many others are, sadly, known for their racist views, writings, proclamations, or efforts to block the legal rights of Black people.

Some of these names include…

Sir John Gladstone: The Leith merchant owned more slaves than any other Briton and therefore received the highest payout of all British plantation owners after the emancipation of enslaved people. That compensation scheme was, in no small part, due to his son’s advocacy as a Member of Parliament.

You’ll recognize the name Gladstone for the four-time Prime Minister, William Gladstone, the same son who helped “compensate” slaveholders after emancipation. There’s also a plaque in Leith marking the birthplace of Sir John Gladstone.

Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville: Dundas was highly influential in a fifteen year delay in the abolition of the slave trade.

Using his powerful position to encourage ‘gradual’ rather than ‘immediate’ abolition, he gained the support of slave owners in the years before eventual abolition in 1807. 

In order to secure islands like Grenada for the British, and fight against the Haitian Revolution that had seen the enslaved achieve their own emancipation, during the 1790s he organised the largest military mission to have ever left Britain.

You’ll know him from the enormous monument honoring his life and legacy in the middle of St Andrew Square, where the tour begins. 

His distant cousin Lawrence, a plantation owner, built Dundas House, which is now the Royal Bank of Scotland building on St Andrew Square.

David Hume: In his essay ‘Of National Characters’, the famed philosopher wrote a footnote about inferiority and race. His contemporaries challenged him on this idea, but he didn’t back down.

You’ll know him from his statue on the Royal Mile with the toe that’s been rubbed for good luck.

In addition to those famous names, you’ll also recognize many prominent buildings that exist because of the enslavement of people and their forced, unpaid labor. 

Throughout the Black History Walking tour in New Town, Williams points out various buildings or mentions others on adjacent streets…all of which were connected to and funded by slavery. 

One of the most prominent buildings on that list? 

Bute House , the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland on Charlotte Square, was built with money from Jamaican slave plantations. It was part of James Craig’s First New Town plan created in the late 18th century. 

Black People Making History in Scotland

Williams isn’t just leading this walking tour to highlight the legacy of evil throughout Edinburgh. The tour is also very focused on the significant people and achievements in Black history in Scotland. 

Including the following historical figures…

Ignatius Sancho: The first person of African descent to vote in a British election.

Thomas Jenkins: The first Black school teacher in Scotland.

Malvina (Mally) Wells: Known as the only formerly-enslaved person with a named gravestone in central Edinburgh, Mally was an extraordinary woman. 

She was enslaved on the Caribbean island of Carriacou, brought to Scotland, and lived as both a servant and independently for 70 years in Edinburgh. 

She even visited her family back in Carriacou, a rare feat for the time. When she died, she left £68,000, some of which went to her sister and her children. 

Lisa Williams’s research into Mally’s interesting life is ongoing, so we’ll surely learn more details about her soon!

Joseph Knight: In 1778, a famous court case was settled. John Wedderburn had brought Joseph Knight to Scotland from Jamaica, where he’d been enslaved. Once in Scotland, Joseph married a white Scottish woman and wanted to be able to provide for his family, which led to a legislative quandary. 

Knight fought against his perpetual servitude on the basis of slavery being illegal in Scotland…and he won.

John Edmonstone: A formerly-enslaved Black man from Guyana, Edmonstone taught taxidermy classes at Edinburgh University. 

It was under the direct tutelage of Edmonstone that Charles Darwin learned the skill that enabled him to preserve species he encountered while on the HMS Beagle , which led to his theory of evolution.

Frederick Douglass: While not a Scot, Douglass came to Scotland twice to speak on behalf of emancipation in America. His fame attracted more than 2,000 people into the Assembly Rooms for a speech in 1846.

Looking for more Black historical figures in the UK? Williams recommended the book 100 Great Black Britons , just released in September 2020.

Allies in Scotland Who Fought for Black People

Scotland today is known for its welcoming people and progressive society. This country, mostly, welcomes refugees and embraces cultural differences. Edinburgh itself is diverse for its small size. 

While there are a great many Scots who were involved in the enslavement of people and many more who financially benefited from that abhorrent system, there were also so many who fiercely fought for human rights. 

Just a couple of those names you’ll hear on the walking tour include…

Henry Brougham: A radical Whig MP from Edinburgh, he vociferously fought against the slave trade and chattel slavery.

Eliza Wigham: A Quaker and active member of the Edinburgh Ladies Emancipation Society (ELES), she dedicated her life to the abolitionist and suffrage movements. 

The group encouraged women across Scotland to sew and send outfits to aid those fleeing slavery under the guidance of Harriet Tubman, who repeatedly undertook perilous journeys to lead enslaved people to freedom in the US. 

Eliza Wigham also campaigned with Frederick Douglass against the Free Church to send back the £3,000 sent from Scots in America. The two even carved into Salisbury Crags “Send back the money!”

Williams shares countless other stories during her tour, highlighting those who fought for human rights as well as those who worked tirelessly to maintain power and control over other human beings.

We haven’t even touched on her insights into Black rights in the 1900s and today… but there were plenty of lessons she shared for that period, too.

Whatever you think you know about Black history in Scotland, Lisa Willams will undoubtedly teach you so much more. 

Booking Your Tour

To book a Black History Walking Tour of Edinburgh with Lisa Williams, visit her Eventbrite page during the spring through to autumn months.

You can also follow Lisa on Instagram and Twitter  ECA (@edincarib) for additional insights and lessons.

And you can also follow on Facebook for articles and more details on upcoming tour availability.

Can’t join the tour but still want to learn more? Read Williams’ article for Historic Environment Scotland and her article for the National Galleries Scotland .

In addition, look out for the Black Lives Matter Mural Trail throughout the city.

Special thanks to Lisa Williams for helping us create this guide.

Essential Edinburgh Information 

Food & drink in Edinburgh Best time to visit Edinburgh Things to do in Edinburgh How much does Edinburgh cost? Free 7-day Scotland itinerary

Plan Your Trip To Edinburgh 

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Amanda is originally from the US but she’s been lucky enough to live in and around Edinburgh since 2015. She is perpetually enchanted by the city and loves sharing its history and beauty with the world.

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