Myths and Legends come alive under the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and into a world where history and folklore entwine, as The Real Mary King’s Close unveils its brand-new “Myths and Legends Tour”.

Article Source: The Real Mary King’s Close
Last Updated: 27 August 2025 11:23

Throughout the month, Edinburgh’s hidden streets will reveal the stories that have plagued the city for centuries, as visitors wander through the dimly lit closes, guided by tales – steeped in history – of witches and fairies. From the eerie glow of the Will-o’-the-Wisp to the mysterious tiny coffins un-earthed on Arthur’s Seat, discover how these incredible stories have shaped the city’s identity and continue to echo beneath its streets.

Among the figures brought to life on the tour are the Glaistig, half-woman and half-goat, said to guard cattle and mislead travellers, the sound of pipers believed to remain lost beneath the city, and headless drummers once thought to warn off danger. Legends of goddesses and fairies blur the line between history and myth, weaving tales that link Edinburgh’s present to the lives, dreams, and anxieties of those who walked its closes centuries ago.

In 2024, The Real Mary King’s Close was crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction in the TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards ‘Best of the Best’, also ranking 11th among Europe’s top visitor attractions. It continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Edinburgh has always been a city of stories, and the Close holds some of its darkest and most captivating. 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.”

The new Myths and Legends tours take place every Friday and Saturday throughout September, starting on 5th September, with two departures each day at 16.00 and 17.30. The one-hour tours are limited to 20 guests, and visitors are advised to prebook as tours are expected to sell out fast.

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