Experience the dark and hidden world of Ian Rankin’s best selling Rebus novels and discover the history and mystery of the real locations, with stunning views of some of Edinburgh’s unexplored areas.

New Tour - NEW TOWN, OLD CRIMES

Starting and finishing in the Oxford Bar, this two-hour
walking tour takes in the New Town area by exploring rich Charlotte Square, imposing Register House, grand Melville Street with it's magnificent St. Mary's Cathedral, reserved Randolph Crescent, restrained Ainslie Place and reticent Moray Place, hidden Queen Street gardens, literary Castle Street and old Young Street. Readings from the works of Robert Louis Stevenson and Muriel Spark explain the dark world of Ian Rankin's best selling Rebus books and the history and mystery of Edinburgh's novel tales.

Tour - 1 EDINBURGH GLIMPSED ANEW

Starting and finishing at the Stockbridge Bookshop, this two-hour walking tour highlights the notorious Danube Street, the attractive Ann Street and an awesome view over Comely Bank to Fife, before crossing the mighty Dean Bridge and descending into the ancient Dean Village. The tour then progresses sedately along the beautiful Water of Leith with many interesting stops. Readings from “ The Falls”, “Strip Jack” and “Hyde and Seek’ are complemented by readings from Muriel Spark and Robert Louis Stevenson to present a vivid picture of contemporary Edinburgh and its intriguing past.

Tour - 2 HIDDEN EDINBURGH

Starting in the Rebus pub The Royal Oak, this two hour walking tour features the first Royal High School, the historic Flodden Wall, the grey Carnegie Housing Scheme and a stunning view of the imposing Salisbury Craggs, before reaching the arresting Saint Leonard’s Police Station. The tour then sidles through busy Newington and into the bustling Meadows before arriving at the historic George Square, on to lively Middle Meadows Walk, along Forest Road and outside the impressive Sheriff Court in Chambers Street. Readings from “Set in Darkness”, “Dead Souls” and “Question of Blood” are augmented by other readings to present a rounded picture of old and new Edinburgh.

Tour - 3 THE BODY POLITIC

Starting in the Rebus Royal Oak pub, this two-hour walking tour presents the secret City Mortuary, the grim Cowgate and the dour Dumbiedykes, before ascending past the Poetry Library onto the High Street and into the fascinating Canongate Cemetery. A wander up the Royal Mile, with several intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s former mysteries, is completed with a reading in/from “Fleshmarket Close”. Other Rebus readings are used in order to show the darkness in this most ancient and modern of European capitals.