The Dark Side of Edinburgh

Details

If you want a mundane, humdrum history walk, this is not the tour for you. But... if you want to learn what the tourist industry leaves out? The hidden, gruesome crimes and punishments? The long forgotten twisted, sadistic characters? The thousands of lives painfully lost in the cruel grip of Edinburgh's past? Maybe you are brave enough to learn the truth.
Hear of witches, cannibals, murders, thieves, body snatchers, blood thirsty mobs and the devil in disguise. We will explore haunted graveyards, hide up darkened closes, spit on the Heart of Midlothian and bravely face where Edinburgh believed the world ended. You even get a chance to knock on Bloody Mackenzie's door, if you dare!
Madam McKinnon or William Burke will guide you through our streets under cover of darkness. They've been dead for almost 200 years and do not take kindly to modern nonsense. They will however, crack your sides with laughter over their dry Scottish wit. And their tales will chill you to your core.
Our tours are historically accurate, with a history this dark there's no need to fabricate!

Our stops

The Grassmarket: where you will discover the castles curse and the nasty secrets etched into the cobble stone square.

Greyfriars Kirkyard: one of the most haunted graveyards in the world. It's not just about a loyal dog. As the twilight hits the ghouls come out to play!

The Royal Mile: with such attractions as St Giles Cathedral, the Tron Kirk and the Old Tolbooth Pr*son. Not just a tourist hot-spot but a street that once ran dark with blood.

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The Dark Side Tours