Halloween Tours
Witches: Trial & Truth Halloween Edition
In summary
- Hear centuries of myths dispelled – it’s time for truth
- Uncover the real history behind Scotland’s witch trials
- Discover true accounts of those accused of witchcraft
- Visit the locations where Scotland’s ‘witches’ were once executed, and are now remembered
- Includes a handcrafted rosemary remembrance candle, a symbolic memento of reflection
- This tour explores mature themes and is suitable for over-18s only
- Mercat exclusive multi-sensory tours - be immersed and get lost in the stories...
- Includes a curated Sounds of Samhuinn playlist—a Halloween soundscape that echoes the storytelling experience, stirring senses and memories long after visiting
- Master Storytellers are at the heart of each experience, enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices
- Choosing Mercat is ‘Good for you, Good for Edinburgh’ - our team, community and planet.
About this tour
The witching season
Halloween or Samhuinn, as it was once known in Scotland has long been a time to look to the future and remember the past. This Samhuinn, we invite you to bear witness to the voices once silenced and remember the real people behind the myths.
On this Halloween walking tour you’ll be transported back to a dark time ruled by a crazed king and his obsession with ‘otherworldly phenomenon’.
As you journey through Edinburgh’s Old Town, feel the tension rise while walking in the footsteps of real people caught in the frenzy of Scotland’s witch trials. Guided by a Master Storyteller, you’ll pass through ancient cobbled closes and shadowy alleyways steeped in fear, superstition, and injustice.
With the conjured scent of burning in the air and echoes of crackling flames around you, stand upon Castlehill – where hundreds were burned at the stake – and pause to reflect, not on fairy tales, but on the real lives that ended in smoke and silence.
Witches of Edinburgh – the voices of Samhuinn
Agnes. Geillis. Janet. John. Around 2,500 souls – mostly women, some men – were executed for witchcraft in Scotland. Accused of sorcery, coerced into confessions, and condemned by fear. This Halloween, their names are spoken again. Their stories told aloud. Will you listen?
History and Hysteria. Trials and Truth
There was no justice in the trials, no truth in the confessions. This tour peels back the myths and lights a candle for the truth.
This Samhuinn, walk with us. Remember them.
Win a weekend trip
Post a selfie with your Mercat birthday pin and be entered to win! T&Cs apply.
Book ticket
Tour details
Dates & times
Sat 25th Oct, Sun 26th Oct, Thurs 30th Oct & Fri 31st Oct 2025
Afternoon
Strictly over-18s.
This tour explores mature themes and is recommended for over-18s only.
For 25th October only, EH residents use code Celebrate40Oct to book your free Witches: Trail & Truth Halloween Edition ticket. T&C's below.
- Free tour is exclusively for EH residents.
- Visitors are requested to bring proof of address to be verified on arrival.
- Availability is limited and tickets are on a first come, first served basis.
- Tickets to be booked online in advance.
- Tickets for this tour cannot be exchanged for an alternative date.
If you are a returning visitor and booked directly through Mercat Tours, you’re eligible for our Returner’s Reward
Duration
- 1 hours 30 minutes
Step count
- 1200
Tour location
- Start point: Mercat Cross, High Street
- End point: Edinburgh Castle esplanade, Castlehill
Private group bookings
Reconnect with friends and family on a tour just for you. Book online now, or we're happy to help on email info@mercattours.com
Details
- Donate to help us reconnect vulnerable communities through storytelling - learn more about Our Stories, Your City.
- Everyone has a warm welcome from us;
- Local Edinburgh residents eligible for concession rates (EH postcodes)
- Carers supported with a free ticket, to book call us on 0131 225 5445.
- Read how we work to include you, here
- See our Euan's Guide Reviews.
- Language: English. Learn more on our FAQs.
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Souvenir Guidebooks
Don't forget to buy a Mercat Tours souvenir guidebook with your ticket.
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