Bonfires of Modernity: Edinburgh Demonologists, Witches and Wizards

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Europe was engulfed in a wave of persecutions, hysteria and superstition. Thousands of women were designated as witches for transgressing the system they inhabited and executed on the charge of witchcraft . Many had knowledge of medicine, were skilled politicians or knew how to manage their finances . Scotland was no exception and in this tour we will tell you how the process impacted Edinburgh, learning about the origins of the Witch Hunt ; the North Berwick trials that inspired Shakespeare to write Macbeth ; King James and his studies in demonology ; about some witches who gave life to characters from the Outlander series and much more.

We will walk through the alleys of the Royal Mile , as well as Calton Hill to learn about the symbology of bonfires and the role of the Presbyterian John Knox . At the same time, we will learn about some occultists and we will end in the vicinity of the castle to learn about the end of a historical process that claimed thousands of innocent lives.

What are we going to visit?

• Royal Mile
• Bakehouse Close Passage
• Calton Hill
• Edinburgh Castle (exteriors)
• St. Giles Cathedral (exteriors)
• Tolbooth Tavern

And much more!

*IMPORTANT*

Bring comfortable shoes to climb Calton Hill.

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