Free tour
Edinburgh's Dark & Macabre History - The Executed, Exploited & Exhumed.
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Guru: Stuart
Registered on 20 January 2026
I am Edinburgh born and bred with a strong interest in local history and the political and societal structures which shaped Edinburgh and Scotland.
I studied history and politics at the University of Aberdeen and have also completed a further qualification in tour guiding from Edinburgh College. My passion for the city goes beyond the academic though; I love to tell the story of the people of the city and how the city itself shaped their behaviours and lives.
I currently live in Edinburgh with my wife and 2 children. I enjoy exploring the city, supporting one of the local football teams and exploring the many wonderful pubs in the city.
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free
Tour description
Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities — but its Old Town was built on punishment, poverty and death. Join me and meet Edinburgh's executed, exploited and exhumed.
We explore real stories of public executions in the Grassmarket, body snatchers in Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the true history behind Burke and Hare — looking beyond the myths to understand the systems that allowed these crimes to happen.
This dark history walking tour focuses on real events, not ghost stories. We examine how disease, poverty, overcrowding and social inequality shaped life in Old Town Edinburgh, and how bodies became commodities as the city rose to international prominence in the study of anatomy, and how progress often came at a human cost.
Along the route, we’ll visit and discuss locations including the Grassmarket, the Cowgate, Greyfriars Kirkyard and Old College, uncovering how executions became public spectacle and how death was woven into everyday life.
This tour is designed for those interested in clear storytelling, historical context and small group experiences, offering a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s darker past — often more disturbing than the ghost stories it inspired.
Please note this tour has some topics which may not be suitable for very young children.
Highlights
What will we see on this tour?
Meeting point:
Covanenters Memorial
I will meet you at the Covanenters Memorial in the Grassmarket.
I will be the tall gentleman and will be carrying a pink umbrella (whatever the weather, this is Scotland after all).
1
Outside visit
Grassmarket
The Grassmarket. Site of many of Edinburgh's public executions, punishment made into spectacle.
2
Outside visit
Cowgate
Now a bustling area of pubs and hotels but once an overcrowded and disease ridden home to many in Edinburgh.
3
Outside visit
Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh
Home to many famous graves but once the workplace of the infamous resurrectionists.
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.
Who is this tour for?
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Suitable for bringing pets.
What should I know?
Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 1 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
Edinburgh's Dark & Macabre History - The Executed, Exploited & Exhumed.
