The Witches' Well Memorial in Edinburgh

© Mercat Tours

Edinburgh Castle

Witches; Trial & Truth

Discover the truth behind Scotland's witch trials on this five-star history walking tour. Learn the real stories of women, and men, accused as you walk in the footsteps.

In Summary


  • NEW Hear centuries of myths dispelled – it’s time for truth 
  • Uncover the very real history behind Scotland’s witch trials  
  • Discover true accounts of those accused of witchcraft 
  • Visit the locations where Scotland’s witches were once executed, and are now remembered 
  • This tour is adults-only due to mature themes. 
  • Mercat exclusive audio devices, be immersed and get lost in the stories
  • Choosing Mercat is ‘Good for you, Good for Edinburgh’ - our team, community and planet. 
The History of Scotland’s Witches 

Accused, tried, and tortured. Step into the past and bear witness to the truth about Scotland’s ‘witches' following their tragic last steps on this five-star Edinburgh history tour. 

Persecution of the weak, the wise and skilled? Roused by fear and envy? Inflamed by religious zeal? 

You’re invited to listen carefully and perhaps think again... You’ll be transported back to a dark time ruled by a crazed king and his obsession with the dark arts, ‘otherworldly phenomenon’. Join us to walk the cobbled paths of Edinburgh’s Old Town and its centuries-old closes, reach Edinburgh Castle esplanade the site where hundreds burned at the stake. 

Witches of Edinburgh 

Hunted and hanged. Around 2,500 people were executed for witchcraft in Scotland across two centuries. Agnes, Geilis, Janet, John… Learn names and hear stories of some of the women, and men, accused of sorcery. Alleged psychics, hexers, and communicators with the devil coerced into confession. Our stories will begin with the accusations, then the trials and lead to the tragic fate suffered by many. 

History and Hysteria: Their Trials and Truth Told 


There was no justice in court, nor truth in tribunals for accused ‘witches’. On this tour, our award-winning Storytellers shine a light on the truth behind the trials and the real reasons behind the witch crazes that swept like a fever for centuries, across Scotland and beyond. 

From £22 per adult


Departure days

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

April — December

Contact details

Mercat Tours

28 Blair Street
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 1QR

Tour information

Length

1Hour

Transport

  • Walking

Type

  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • History
  • Walking

Tour prices


From £22 Per Adult £20 Concession

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Mercat Tours

Tour company information

Mercat Tours

'History is a damn good story, what it needs is a damn good telling' Join In! Enjoy immersive storytelling experiences as you explore Edinburgh's Old Town. Stories Connect You'll have a deep connection with the people & places of the past and build remarkable memories of Scotland's ancient & beautiful capital. Good for You, Good for Everyone Choosing us, a local, independent family business and Living Wage employer, means you support an ethical team rooted in our local community since 1985

Opening times

Daily 9am to 10pm

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