Edinburgh Crime Walking Tour: Police, Murders and Macabre

Edinburgh’s cobbled streets hide a darker past - one shaped by notorious crimes, brutal punishments, and pioneering policing. On this immersive audio tour, you’ll uncover the city’s shadowy history through real murder cases, infamous criminals, and the evolution of Scottish law enforcement - all guided by a former Detective Sergeant with 27 years of frontline experience.

Starting at the junction of Cockburn Street and the Royal Mile, you’ll journey through the heart of the Old Town, discovering how Edinburgh’s policing evolved from the corrupt, musket-wielding Town Guard of the 1700s into a professional force that would influence policing across Scotland. Along the way, you’ll visit striking historic locations, each with its own story.

View the locations of the once feared Calton Jail, the Canongate Tolbooth where prisoners awaited their fate, and pass the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, marking the previous entrance to the city’s most notorious prison. Learn about the Scottish courts of law and from there, venture into the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard - once stalked by grave robbers supplying bodies to anatomy schools—and continue to the Grassmarket, where public executions once drew huge crowds. You’ll hear the story of William “Deacon” Brodie - respected tradesman by day, burglar by night - whose double life inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The tour concludes on the Castle Esplanade, a place once used for military executions and witch burnings, offering sweeping views across the city.

During this 150-minute tour, you’ll have the chance to:

• Hear how the 1977 World’s End Murders were finally solved 37 years later using DNA evidence
• Discover how Burke and Hare killed 16 victims to supply Edinburgh’s anatomy schools
• Visit Bakehouse Close—featured in Outlander—with views of Arthur’s Seat, linked to a recent murder case
• Stand at the site of Queen Elizabeth II’s body after her death and discover the extraordinary policing operation behind the event.
• Learn how “Half-Hangit Maggie” miraculously survived her execution in 1724
• Find out how a crucial piece of CCTV footage—almost erased—helped solve a modern day murder
• Explore the famous Greyfriars Kirkyard, including the graves of Greyfriars Bobby and John Gray
• Put your memory and policing skills to the test with fun interactive challenges along the way

This tour brings Edinburgh's criminal history to life through the eyes of someone who lived it. Lace up your shoes and prepare for a walk you won't forget.

Age Recommendation (16+):

This walking tour contains references to real historical crimes, including acts of violence such as murder and sexual assault. Some descriptions may be disturbing or emotionally challenging for younger audiences.

Viewer and listener discretion is advised. This experience is recommended for individuals aged 16 and above. Parents and guardians are encouraged to consider whether the content is appropriate for those in their care.