Discover the women who shaped Edinburgh… and the stories history left behind

Beneath Edinburgh’s streets, history whispers. But not every voice was heard.

Unearthed: The Women of Edinburgh Tour brings those forgotten stories into the spotlight through a powerful two-part experience that takes you both below and above the city.

Begin underground at The Real Mary King’s Close, exploring preserved 17th-century streets where women lived, worked, and helped shape daily life in the city. Then step out into the Old Town for a 90-minute guided walking tour, uncovering the lives of extraordinary women whose impact has long been overlooked.

Led by storyteller and researcher Anna Dowling-Clarke, this experience reveals a different side of Edinburgh, one of resilience, influence, and untold legacy.

Two tours. One powerful story

From hidden closes to iconic landmarks like Greyfriars and the Royal Mile, you’ll encounter stories of women from all walks of life, from merchants and business owners to philanthropists and pioneers.

This is Edinburgh as you’ve never heard it before.