The Dark Side of Edinburgh

Name: The Dark Side of Edinburgh
Brand: The Dark Side Tours

Follow a terrifying character from the past. Listen to the true gruesome history of our beautiful capital. Explore the Old Town within the Flodden Walls and enjoy our dry Scottish humour!

If you want a mundane, humdrum history walk, this is not the tour for you. But... if you want to learn what the tourist industry leaves out? The hidden, gruesome crimes and punishments? The long forgotten twisted, sadistic characters? The thousands of lives painfully lost in the cruel grip of Edinburgh's past? Maybe you are brave enough to learn the truth.

Hear of witches, cannibals, murders, thieves, body snatchers, blood thirsty mobs and the devil in disguise. We will explore haunted graveyards, hide up darkened closes, spit on the Heart of Midlothian and bravely face where Edinburgh believed the world ended. You even get a chance to knock on Bloody Mackenzie's door, if you dare!

Madam McKinnon will guide you through our streets under cover of darkness. She's been dead for almost 200 years and does not take kindly to modern nonsense. She will, however, crack your sides with laughter over her dry Scottish wit. And her tales will chill you to your core.

Our tours are historically accurate, with a history this dark there's no need to fabricate!

From £18 per adult

Departure days

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

January — December

Book now

Contact details

The Dark Side Tours

270 Cumbernauld Road
Glasgow City
Scotland
G31 2UL

View tour provider details

Key facilities

Level Access
Pets Welcome

Starting

Edinburgh - City Centre

Length

2Hours

Transport

Walking

Type

Bespoke
Medium Group (17-30)
Private
Small Group (1-16)

Languages

English

Themes

Ancestry
Architecture
Castles
City
Crime
Family
Ghosts and Supernatural
History
Landscapes
Walking

Tour prices

From £18 Per Adult

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

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Tour gallery

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Tour company information

The Dark Side Tours

The Dark Side Tours was founded 5 years ago by Rhona Mackay. Glasgow born and raised but an Edinburgh local for over 7 years. Whilst studying an honours degree in Acting and English Literature, she became obsessed with Scottish history (particularly the dark bits!) Working as a freelance actor, writer and teacher, Rhona employs her creative talents to ensure both the tour scripts and characters provide the best experience for those bewitched by the Dark Side of these great Scottish cities.

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Visit The Dark Side Tours

Opening times

Glasgow: 2-5pm weekdays/1-4pm weekends
Edinburgh: 8-10pm
Tours operate all seasons.

Private Tours are available for any date/time.

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Level Access
Pets Welcome

Length:

1/2 day(s)

Price from:

£25pp

Visit Website

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The Dark Side of Edinburgh

From £18 per adult

Departure days

Contact details

Key facilities

Tour information

Tour prices

Tour Stops

Tour gallery

Tour company information

The Dark Side Tours

Social Channels

Opening times

Other tours from this company

The Dark Side of Glasgow

Key facilities

Start Your Story in Scotland

Inspiration for your trip

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Your Scottish adventure starts here

As seen on TV!

Your pictures of Scotland

Share on

Join our Newsletter Clan