{"id":378587,"date":"2025-08-27T21:07:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T21:07:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/378587\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T21:07:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T21:07:15","slug":"edinburghs-myths-and-legends-come-alive-under-royal-mile-as-citys-past-unveiled-in-new-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/378587\/","title":{"rendered":"Edinburgh&#8217;s myths and legends come alive under Royal Mile as city&#8217;s past unveiled in new tour"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The tours are limited to just 20 guests meaning an intimate, atmospheric way to experience Edinburgh\u2019s past<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_TRMKC-Myths-Legends-Tour-2.jpg\" alt=\"Female actor in old dress with a book open in the Close\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>For the first time, guides will share the folklore that once haunted life on the Close(Image: WWW.MADABOUTRAVEL.COM)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Edinburgh is an enchanting city laden with countless relics of the past. But this September, residents and visitors alike are being invited to step beneath the iconic Royal Mile and into a world where <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/all-about\/history\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"history Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">history <\/a>and folklore entwine.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Real Mary King\u2019s Close has unveiled its brand new Myths and Legends Tour where throughout the month, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/news\/scottish-news\/edinburgh-castle-staff-reveal-terrifying-33999940\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Edinburgh\u2019s hidden streets Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Edinburgh\u2019s hidden streets <\/a>will reveal the stories that have plagued the city for centuries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">As inquisitors wander through the dimly lit closes, guided by tales of witches and fairies &#8211; from the eerie glow of the Will-o\u2019-the-Wisp to the mysterious tiny coffins un-earthed on Arthur\u2019s Seat &#8211; discover how these incredible stories have shaped<a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/lifestyle\/edinburgh-named-most-haunted-city-33985229\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" the city\u2019s identity Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\"> the city\u2019s identity <\/a>and continue to echo beneath its streets.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Edinburgh has always been a city of stories, and the Close holds some of its darkest and most captivating,&#8221; Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King\u2019s Close, said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;These legends reveal the fears and beliefs of the real people who lived here, and experiencing them underground, in the streets where these lives unfolded, makes the past feel immediate and alive.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_TRMKC-Top-of-Close.jpg\" alt=\"Scary picture of Close\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Running every Friday and Saturday in September, the one-hour tours are limited to just 20 guests per departure(Image: Luigi Di Pasquale)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Among the figures brought to life on the tour are the Glaistig, half-woman and half-goat, said to guard cattle and mislead travellers, and the sound of pipers believed to remain lost beneath the city.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Headless drummers once thought to warn off danger will also have their airing in the modern world, as well as tales linking Edinburgh\u2019s present to the lives, dreams, and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/lifestyle\/anxiety-expert-shares-common-symptom-34685727\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"anxieties Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">anxieties <\/a>of those who walked its closes centuries ago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Wondering if it&#8217;s worth the hype? Well, just last year, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/scotland-now\/went-edinburghs-mary-kings-close-29205809\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"The Real Mary King\u2019s Close was crowned the UK\u2019s best tourist attractionLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">The Real Mary King\u2019s Close was crowned the UK\u2019s best tourist attraction<\/a> in the TripAdvisor Travellers&#8217; Choice Awards &#8216;Best of the Best&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Close also ranked 11th among Europe\u2019s top visitor attractions, so it&#8217;s definitely in good company.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Wondering when you can experience it for yourself? The new Myths and Legends tours take place every Friday and Saturday throughout September, starting on September 5, with two departures each day at 4pm and 5.30pm.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_TRMKC-Myths-Legends-Tour-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Female actor in old dress with a book open in the Close\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>These tales offer a glimpse into the beliefs and anxieties of the people who lived in the capital centuries ago(Image: WWW.MADABOUTRAVEL.COM)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The one-hour tours are limited to just 20 guests.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">So, visitors are advised to pre-book as tours are expected to sell out fast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, on September 6 and 7, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/news\/scottish-news\/billy-connolly-celebrated-glasgow-big-35795015\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Glasgow is to honour Sir Billy Connolly with a weekend of eventsLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Glasgow is to honour Sir Billy Connolly with a weekend of events<\/a> as part of celebrations to commemorate the 850th anniversary of Scotland&#8217;s biggest city.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\" alt=\"\"  \/>Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">You&#8217;ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">All you have to do is <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/BZamc48XMaoEqKkIN7GWxV\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">click here if you&#8217;re on mobile<\/strong><\/a>, select &#8216;Join Community&#8217; and you&#8217;re in!<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">If you&#8217;re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click &#8216;Join Community&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose &#8216;exit group&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">If you\u2019re curious, you can read our <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/privacy-notice\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Big Yin Weekend on September 6 and 7 will celebrate the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/all-about\/glasgow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Glasgow-bornLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Glasgow-born<\/a> comedian through a mixture of events including film, music, comedy and walking and cycling tours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Highlights of the weekend will include a comedy showcase presented by the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, featuring past winners and nominees of the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/authors\/rory-cassidy\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow AwardLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A screening of Big Banana Feet, a documentary following <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk\/all-about\/comedy\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Sir BillyLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Sir Billy<\/a> on his 1975 tour of the island of Ireland, will also be shown.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The tours are limited to just 20 guests meaning an intimate, atmospheric way to experience Edinburgh\u2019s pastFor the&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":378588,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8816],"tags":[748,1102,132010,100654,4155,132011,4884,2348,132009,712,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-378587","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-edinburgh","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-edinburgh","10":"tag-edinburgh-events","11":"tag-edinburgh-lifestyle","12":"tag-edinburgh-news","13":"tag-edinburgh-now","14":"tag-great-britain","15":"tag-history","16":"tag-my-edinburgh","17":"tag-scotland","18":"tag-uk","19":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115102773816193324","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/378587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=378587"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/378587\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/378588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=378587"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=378587"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=378587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}