Free tour

Edinburgh Free Walking Tour: A Walk Through History

4.71

Good(7)

Edinburgh

Duration: 2 hours

Languages: English

Guru: Iain

Registered on 12 May 2022

I am Scottish, grew up near Glasgow, and have lived in Scotland for most of my life. But I'm also a keen international traveller. I've visited over 50 countries and have lived abroad for over three years. I've always been interested in other countries, their history, society, culture and people. Now it's time to explain to visitors to Edinburgh about my own country, and help them have an enjoyable and interesting stay.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Welcome to Edinburgh!

Scotland's history, from Mary Queen of Scots, through to the Jacobites, is one of religious strife and national revolution: the reformation and witch trials, civil wars and a king's execution, attempts at a union with England, European wars and colonial adventures, and the introduction of democracy into Scotland and England. During our walk around St Giles Cathedral, Old Parliament Square, The Royal Mile, the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace, I will tell stories of Scotland's history, and stories of historical events in Edinburgh.

And I will talk about Scotland in the United Kingdom today. What happened during the independence referendum in 2014? What about Brexit? Why do 50% of Scottish voters want to remain in the UK? Why do 50% want to leave? And what about the future?

It's a lot of history...

What led to Scotland's protestant reformation, and who was John Knox? He's buried under a car park, I'll show you where.

What happened to Mary Queen of Scots, and why?

What motivated King James to personally supervise witch trials?

The signing of The National Covenant was a direct challenge to the King and eventually led to his execution. What was The National Covenant?

The Dutch invaded England and deposed the King. Really? Yes, it's true!

What about the origins of British democracy, and European wars? And Scotland's disastrous colony in the Americas, the ruin of our nation?

Scotland joined England in a United Kingdom. Is it love?

And who were the Jacobites? You'll learn the truth!

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Queensberry Memorial to Walter Scott, W Parliament Sq, Edinburgh EH1 1RN, UK

The meeting point is beside the statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott in West Parliament Square, in front of St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh EH1 1RN. Your guide will be holding a blue and white umbrella, in the design of a Scottish flag.

Outside visit

parliament square

I will be beside the statue of Charles II, in Parliament Square, next to St Giles Cathedral. This is next to the Old Parliament Hall.

Outside visit

Cockburn Street

The Scotsman Building

Outside visit

Sibbald Walk

Queen Elizabeth House, and views to St Andrews House, and Old Royal High School.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).