A walking tour of Edinburgh to discover the city’s deep links with Africa and the Caribbean over the past 500 years
The tour will be led by Lisa Williams, founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association and Honorary Fellow in the department of History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh.
Hear the little-known stories of Edinburgh’s many visitors and residents of African, African American and Caribbean heritage from the 16th century to the present day; with a focus on the Caribbean and Edinburgh’s role in the Transatlantic Slave System. The walk from the New Town to the Old Town will make you see Edinburgh’s statues and buildings in a whole new way! The route itself is fairly gentle, lasts up to 2 hours and has some rest stops along the way.
FAQs
Our meeting point is super close to both Waverley Station and St. Andrew’s Bus Station. Many buses pass close by. We normally gather near the bench at the foot of the Melville Monument (Dundas Statue) but during the Christmas and New Year period we’ll meet directly outside the Costa cafe outlet in the Square. Text or phone me if you can’t find us! Please let me know in advance if you have any special requirements or accessibility issues and we shall do our best to accommodate your needs.
Tours are limited to 20 people max. Please bring a mask and hand sanitizer, but there will be extra available if necessary. Your contact details will also be requested.
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to come on the tour?
14 years plus is advised because of the subject matter and length of tour. We do school visits however in September and October, with music, dance and Caribbean food added to the history presentations, so please get in touch if you work in or have a child at a school in Scotland. Parents have come with babes-in-arms, so you’re welcome to attend with a very wee one in a sling or buggy.