The Women of Edinburgh's Old Town | Self-Guided Audio Tour

Ever wondered about the women who shaped Edinburgh's Old Town? Uncover their hidden stories on this 90-minute self-guided audio tour.
About this Event

Edinburgh’s historic Old Town has countless stories of remarkable women whose lives were overlooked by history or deliberately erased from its pages. On this 90-minute walking tour, you’ll peel back the layers of the city’s past, and hear about the queens, activists, and innovators who shaped Scotland’s capital.

The tour starts at the famous graveyard, Greyfriars Kirkyard, where you’ll hear about some of the trailblazing women who left their mark on the city. As you wander through Edinburgh’s historic alleyways, I’ll tell you fascinating stories about extraordinary women, from medieval queens, affluent heiresses, and rulebreakers, to the abolitionist Eliza Wigham, whose influence resonates further down the Royal Mile.

You’ll hear some of the chilling legends behind The Real Mary King’s Close and celebrate Flora MacDonald’s heroic rescue of Bonnie Prince Charlie after his Jacobite army suffered a crushing defeat. The tour ends outside the Scottish Parliament, where you’ll have an opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of women in the country’s political and cultural landscape.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

• Explore the story behind Mary King, the namesake of The Real Mary King's Close
• Celebrate Flora MacDonald's heroic rescue of Bonnie Prince Charlie after the Jacobite defeat
• Admire the Palace of Holyroodhouse, symbol of Edinburgh's royal heritage, and uncover the secret to knowing if a royal is in residence
• Encounter Margaret, Queen of Scotland, and Mary, Queen of Scots—remarkable figures whose lives are tied to Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles Cathedral
• Learn about Maria Theresa Short, the innovative woman behind the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• Walk down Castlehill to the Witches Well and reflect on the hundreds of women executed for suspected witchcraft between 1479 and 1722
• Discover Edinburgh's landmarks through a feminist historical lens, uncovering untold stories and hidden connections.
• Hear the heartwarming tale of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal terrier, connecting to the broader human stories of the city

Join me for an unforgettable journey that brings to light the untold stories of Edinburgh’s remarkable women, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s rich history and enduring legacy.