Edinburgh Old Town is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marvels the world. It is also abundant with stories, myths and mysteries surrounding murders, ghosts and even plague victims. However, not all stories are true; apparently, the truth is even more fascinating. You can now unravel what was really going on at The Real Mary King’s Close two lantern-led tours this Halloween.
During the Lantern-Led Tour This Halloween, guests will be led by one of the old residents of Edinburgh and shown the way in complete darkness only by the flickering light of a lantern. The quiet anticipation of waiting for what will creep out of the shadows should be enough to scare most, but hearing stories of the lives and deaths of those who roamed the streets back in the day will add an extra layer of fear.
If the stories in the dark weren’t enough, visitors will also run into spooky characters in the dead of the night, creeping up just at the right moment to petrify every soul there. One thing is clear: The Real Mary King’s Close will be as haunted as ever this Halloween, with the second tour being even more gruesome.
True Crimes Tour This Halloween will take adult thrill-seekers down the infamous steps to uncover what crimes really happened at Mary King’s Close all those moons ago. The tour claims it will uncover facts that are even more fascinating than the mysteries surrounding the area themselves.
Unfortunately, children are not allowed on this tour, so the stories reflected will be ones not for the faint-hearted. The tales will uncover Burke and Hare, the witch trials at Edinburgh Castle and many more. From what we know, between the 16th and 18th centuries alone, there were around 4,000 people tortured and executed as witches in Scotland.
While witchcraft is not a crime today and everyday life is safer than back in the day, The Real Mary King’s Close Halloween tours will help us remember the people forgotten, and maybe even spark some gratitude for what we have today.