Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter

Holyrood Palace and Abbey

© Fraser Paterson

Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Canongate - a Royal Adventure!

I will take you on a fascinating journey through Canongate. The most fascinating part of the Old Town of Edinburgh. This was the home patch of the Scottish monarchy and their courtiers. The story begins in the 12th century and continues for many more

I will take you on a fascinating journey through Canongate. The most fascinating part of the Old Town of Edinburgh. This was the home patch of the Scottish monarchy and their courtiers. The story begins in the 12th century and continues for many more. Let me show you buildings dating right from the beginning. What part did monks play in the beginning? I will make your imagination sparkle with tails of fascinating royal intrigue. Let me also show you a beautiful, secret garden!

Our walk through the Canongate will begin at the heart of power. Gathering outside the Scottish Parliament, I will tell you about Scotland’s new democratic seat of power, plus show you the front of the palace of Holyrood House and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.

I will then take you down an unsuspecting side street. This was where the stagecoach would leave for London.  I will also tell you tales of the horrible death of the wife of a Duke and an act of unimaginable barbarism from a future member of the same family.

You will see and hear tales of the former Tolbooth jail and court house. Some were tortured and sent to lands afar, never to return. Next we will enter one of Scotland’s most prominent and historic graveyards. Here you will meet one of the most prominent economists the world has ever known, Adam Smith. I will also show you the resting place of the lover of Mary Queen of Scots.

Down another side street we will visit one of the oldest masonic lodge buildings remaining in the world. This was where several great men all walks of life in the past times of Edinburgh attended.

We will complete the tour at what is famously known as World’s End. Why? Find out on a fascinating tour with me, Fraser Paterson.

I have a large number of five star reviews on Tripadvisor in respect of freelance tours I have taken for other companies. Please enquire for further information. 

All enquiries welcome. Please call me on +44 7950 003 885 or e mail me; fraser@edinburghtoursandhistory.com


Price on Request

Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

January — December

Book now

Contact details

Edinburgh Tours and History

8/2 Portland Gardens
Edinburgh
Lothian
Scotland
EH6 6NJ
View tour provider details

Tour information

Length

Bespoke

Transport

  • Walking

Type

  • Bespoke
  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Architecture
  • Geology
  • History
  • Landscapes
  • Literature
  • Walking

Tour Stops

Tour gallery

Edinburgh Tours and History

Tour company information

Edinburgh Tours and History

Hello! My name is Fraser Paterson. I work on a freelance basis as an experienced professional tour guide and writer. I offer private walking tours. Choose whatever you wish from the following areas of Edinburgh in which I have expert knowledge. The world famous Greyfriars cemetery, Old Town, Great Inventors of Edinburgh fame, Edinburgh Castle and even a Ghosts and Horrors tour! Tours are by pre-booking and payment only.

Social Channels

Visit Edinburgh Tours and History

Opening times

9am-8pm Monday-Saturday
10am to 8pm Saturday
11am to 8pm Sunday

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter