Ghost and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh

Meet the long-dead Mr Clapperton — Edinburgh’s cemetery director during the 1840s — near the city’s famous Royal Mile then head off along the cobbled streets and alleyways to begin exploring. Hear chilling tales of torture and witchcraft from the spirited Mr Clapperton, and learn of the departed souls sometimes seen along Edinburgh’s dimly-lit passageways.

Wander the atmospheric Old Town in the shadows of the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy demonstrations of authentic torture devices along the way and hear of their history from your guide, but don’t let your guard down! Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you for ghostly apparitions from some of the city’s notorious ex-residents.

You might encounter characters from Edinburgh’s dim and distant past such as the notorious Mad Monk of the Cowgate, Agnes Fynnie the witch or the fearsome Highlander — Rhuari McLeod — who helped capture Edinburgh for Bonnie Prince Charlie during the 1745 Jacobite uprising.

Perhaps it’ll be young Jimmy Tamson who makes an appearance — a Scottish lad responsible for burying the dead when the Black Death spread through the city in the 14th century. It’s said that on quiet nights you can still hear the boy’s haunting cry on the air, “Bring oot yer deid, bring oot yer deid...”

Some say this ghostly walking tour is scary, while others find it funny. Either way, enjoy the shivers down your spine and ghoulish goings-on, and learn of Edinburgh’s rich history and heritage on route. After 1.5 hours of spine-tingling exploration, your tour will conclude a minute’s walk from where it began.

Please note: Due to a planned annual event in Edinburgh, the departure point is from a different location between July 29 – August 24, except Sundays.