Having lived in Edinburgh all my life, I wondered how much Saints and Sinners Walking Tours could really tell me about my city. However, our tour guide, a knowledgeable Edinburgh gentleman, was a twelve-year veteran of the local walking tours scene and I was pleasantly surprised. Being led by an experienced and informed guide is always a joy; there was no stumbling through half-muddled half-truths, only concrete dates and details woven into his story.
Beginning in Greyfriars Kirkyard, our guide proceeded to tell the varying tales of Bobby, the famously loyal pup of Victorian Edinburgh. Speaking clearly and enthusiastically, the guide was easy to understand even for those partaking in the tour who were not native English speakers. Not only did he tell the charming story of Bobby but he also knew a great deal about Edinburgh in the Victorian era and was willing to take questions at any time.
The tour ran over time by around 15 minutes, making it almost two hours long. Although I couldn’t fault the amount of preparation and research our guide had put into the walk, I can’t help but feel that it should have been shorter. Some younger members of our audience were definitely flagging, although our guide did attempt to hold their attention. The walk covers a fair distance around Edinburgh and is perhaps not suited for younger children or those who don’t want to learn about this beautiful city. Shame on them.
This walk is definitely one of the most pleasant ways to learn about the Old Town available. If you can find a day where the rain is being held at bay and you’re curious about this wonderful city, find Saints and Sinners Walking Tours and enjoy an entertaining, heartwarming and informative afternoon.
