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 will guide you through our streets under cover of darkness. She's been dead for almost 200 years and does not take kindly to modern nonsense. She will however, crack your sides with laughter over her dry Scottish wit. And her tales will chill you to your core.
Our tours are historically accurate, with a history this dark there's no need to fabricate!
The Dark Side of Edinburgh is a historic tour of the city that doesn't leave out all the gory details. The tours are 2 hours long and performed by our very own Madam McKinnon. They run often and in the evenings, if you have a particular date in mind or want to enquire about a private tour. Don't hesitate to get in touch!
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
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