Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is near the statue of "Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott", in West Parliament Square, in front of St Giles Cathedral.

How will I find the guide?

I'll be holding a blue and white umbrella.

Where does the tour end?

The final stop is at The Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts two hours. The route is 1 mile (1.6km).

"There are no stars so lovely, as Edinburgh's street lamps."
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 - 1894)

"When we had a king, and a chancellor, and parliament men o' our ain, we could aye peeble them wi' stanes, when they werena gude bairns. But nobody's nails can reach the length o' Lunnon."
Walter Scott (1771 - 1832)

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?

Wear suitable shoes and clothing. There's no refreshment stop during the tour, so bring your own drinks if required. If necessary, I can direct you to a toilet about half way through the tour.

Is the tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?

The route is mainly downhill. Some streets are cobbled, some alleyways which might be used are a little bit steep and have steps, and some short sections of pavement can be quite busy in summer. I can make minor alterations to the route to accommodate walkers who have difficulty with steep slopes and steps. Walkers should be able to walk 1 mile. There is usually an opportunity to sit down at some points on the route.

This tour can be suitable for wheelchair users. Be aware that in this historic city, some streets are downhill, some streets cobbles and some pavements can be narrow and crowded. I can make minor alterations to the usual route to accommodate wheelchairs, but users should consider themselves to be confident in wheelchair use.

After the end of the tour, returning to the heart of the Old Town is uphill. Tired tour participants (and wheelchair users) can use bus number 35 to return to the heart of the Old Town.

Is the tour available in other languages?

No, the tour is only in English.

How can I pay?

Numbers are limited. Pay in advance by clicking on "Book Now". For booking a private tour, use the "Contact" page to arrange a date and time, then click "Book Now".

Can I join the tour if I don't have a booking?

Yes, the guide can accept payment in cash, if there are spaces on the tour. Just go to the meeting point 10 minutes before the start time.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Absolutely - I understand circumstances can change and offer a full refund for any cancellation made at least 24 hours prior to the tour time. This allows time for other people to book the dates.

Can I change the date or time?

I will do our best to accommodate any changes to your schedule. Just get in touch via our contact page.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, if your dog is well behaved, and is interested in the Scottish Civil Wars. Barking is discouraged.