Tall Tales Walking Tours

27/09/2021

The Tall Tales Walking Tour team for Weekend in on 25th September 2021 attracted around 80 enthusiastic participants, which was wonderful. Thanks to everyone who came along.

Back row: Alan Pryde; Doreen Boyle; Paul Gladwell; Hugh Salvesen; Sarah Cagossi Austin

Front row: Mary Birch; Susan Smith

The tour was repeated as a virtual event on Sunday 26th September.

The Tall Tales Walking tours were organised and run by members of the Edinburgh & S E Scotland branch of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association.

14/09/2021

BREAKING NEWS: TALL TALES tours are BACK!
After an incredibly successful run in Summer, we will return on DOORS OPEN DAYS for a Walking and a Virtual tour. We look forward to seeing you there!
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25th of September at 2 pm: WALKING Tour
26th of September: VIRTUAL Tour
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To BOOK your TICKET: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-returning-for-doors-open-days-tickets-169771480067

25/07/2021

What a glorious day for our penultimate "Tall Tales" tour with our fabulous guide Anne M. ! We will be back with more stories to tell and new sites to show!
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In the pic: special guest Iris M.
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24/07/2021

Some more pictures from our fun and informative walking tours: in the pics Tall Tales guides Susan S., Sarah C.A. and Christine.
Also special guests Diane, Gina, Laura, Yolanda, Maria and her V.I.D. (very important dog) Hara 💙🐕
* https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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23/07/2021

One Emperor
One Scotsman
Two Charles'
Two by One Dutchman
Three cast in Bronze
Three Countries
Four horses
All packed into Four Statues each one connected to the last.
To discover how, book your ticket and join one of our "Tall Tales" tours! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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21/07/2021

Coming on a "Tall Tale" tour will mean not only to discover about the subject of a "monumental" recognition, but also to get to know the artists involved in the making of these celebratory landmarks.

Take for example the Scott Monument: the completion of this neo gothic 200 ft tall (61 m) "rocket" dedicated to the writer Sir Walter Scott involved the skills of many people. Not only the designer George Meikel Kemp, but also builders and plenty of sculptors, some of which still remain unknown.

60+ statues were created in several phases by different 1800s Scottish artists, 56 of which represent characters from Scott's books.

So, how many of the sculptors were females?

Amelia Robertson Paton Hill, author of the neighbouring statue of David Livingstone, sculpted 2 characters from "The Pirate" and a statue of the historical figure Richard The Lionheart mentioned in 3 of Scott's novels, including "Ivanhoe".
Katherine Anne Fraser Tytler depicted Constance from the poem "Marmion".
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In the pics:
1) The Scott Monument
2) Some lovely "Tall Tales" customers immortalised by our guide Mary B.
3) Amelia Robertson Paton Hill by Alexander Blaikley (Scottish National Portrait Gallery).
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Book your 🎫 here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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20/07/2021

The Black Watch memorial on the Mound commemorates those who lost their lives during the South African War. Over 20 000 casualties were too many to bring their bodies back home and the government had to come up with a difficult decision of setting up a monument instead. The year was 1910 and less than in a decade war memorials will become a familiar sight all over Britain. Learn more about this unusual memorial at a Tall Tales Walking Tour.

19/07/2021

Hello everyone, if you have not been already, make sure you sign up to one of our fabulous walking tours! Only 5 days to go, which means 10 more tours with professional guides waiting to share with you a series of unexpected stories which will blow your mind!
Book now https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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In the pic: Hugh, Adrian, Mairi, Sarah C.A., Kerstin and Peter
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17/07/2021

There was once a bartender working in an Edinburgh hotel. The only unusual thing about him was that many of his customers would order their drink with a military salute and the phrase “Double whisky, pan General”. The name of Polish commander Stanisław Maczek was well known throughout Europe and, being one of the greatest heroes of WWII, he was offered honorary citizenship in several Dutch towns. Yet he chose Scotland to become his new home. Hear the incredible story of the genius commander who knew no single defeat in his whole career by joining a Tall Tales Walking Tour.
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Tours available until the 25th of July!
Book your ticket here🎫: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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17/07/2021

The memorial to David Livingstone in the Princes Street Gardens is one of the very few Victorian statues created by a woman. Amelia Robertson Hill (Née Paton) experienced all the bitterness of being an artistic woman in a male-dominated society and used her great talent and close acquaintance with the famous explorer to prove her point. As the creator of multiple portraits and statues, modelled in the personal presence of Dr. Livingstone, she managed better than anyone else to vividly express his complicated character. Join one of our Tall Tales Walking Tours and our professional guides will unveil all the secrets of this largely unnoticed masterpiece.
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Tours available until the 25th of July!
Book your ticket here🎫: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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16/07/2021

Despite being a second son, young Walter Scott was only 13 when he became the 5th Duke of Buccleuch and the 7th Duke of Queensberry. His legal guardian was none other than his namesake Sir Walter Scott. The latter was remarkably busy with planning King George IV’s visit to Edinburgh and decided to introduce his stately ward into high society by lodging King George at the Duke’s family estate. It was just the right start to the brilliant career of the young laird. Discover more fascinating real-life stories on our Tall Tales Walking Tours.
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Tours available until the 25th of July!
Book your ticket here🎫: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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14/07/2021

Allegedly, the hero-firefighter James Braidwood died when he was rationing rum to his brigade fellows to boost their morale during a big fire in London. It was a polite nod towards traditions at the navy as many of Braidwood’s colleagues came from a Marines' background. They were well-known for their bravery, strict discipline, and excellent teamwork skills. Learn more about James Braidwood's ingenious reforms to the art and science of modern firefighting by joining one of our Tall Tales Walking Tours.
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Tours available until the 25th of July!
Book your ticket here🎫: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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13/07/2021

You may have heard the story that the sculptor Sir John Steell was unhappy with payment for his statue of "Alexander and Bucephalus" and expressed his frustration by fitting the stallion with pig’s ears.
But is it true?
Our diligent guides dug deeper into the history of creating the monument but (spoiler alert!) failed to find a single piece of evidence to support this popular urban myth.
And yet the true story of the Alexander and Bucephalus statue is even more amazing. Come on a Tall Tales Walking Tour and find out for yourself!
Tomorrow, Wednesday 14th, we run tours at 2pm and 6pm.
Tours available until the 25th of July!
Book your ticket here🎫: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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12/07/2021

We are keen storytellers and love making our customers happy. Feedback has been incredible 🎉! More unusual and intriguing stories are wating for you. Come and discover with us hidden and known characters standing tall on Edinburgh's twists and turns.
Book your ticket here🎫: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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11/07/2021

Did you know that the design of the wig for the statue of Adam Smith was modelled on the wig of George Washington, while his necktie is in fact based on Thomas Jefferson’s necktie? These details were added to reflect Adam Smith’s support for transatlantic trade. You can learn many more curious facts and fascinating stories with our knowledgeable guides if you join a Tall Tales Walking Tour.

10/07/2021

Our fantastic guide Hugh posing for some pics during another fun and successful tour. Come and join us! 🎫🎟
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To book your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085
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We are all accredited Blue Badge Tourist Guides
Part of the
Scottish Tourist Guides Association
&
World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. (WFTGA)
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08/07/2021

Our current series of tours Tall Tales has one week and a bit to go - we finish on Sunday 25 July.

Tall Tales has received great reviews - book now to make sure of your ticket. Full details and tickets on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Here are our guides and some of our guests gathering at St Giles Cathedral for this evening's tour.

08/07/2021

Good morning everyone,
What a gorgeous day ahead of us! We look forward to the daily running of our tours called "Tall Tales". Join us, if you haven't yet!
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We would be delighted to share with you fun and informative stories behind some of the legendary characters celebrated by hidden and well-known landmarks in Edinburgh.
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Running 5 days per week, twice a day, until the 25th of July.
Book your ticket following the link below
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156386451085

28/06/2021

28/06/2021

27/06/2021

Two of our brilliant Tall Tales Walking Tour guides, Sarah and Paul, getting ready to meet their guests in Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile this morning. What wonderful weather we’re having as well. Why not come and join us.

Tours run twice daily Wednesdays to Sundays until 25th July. Book tickets directly on Eventbrite. £11 per person, includes £1 donation to Edinburgh World Heritage. Booking fee applies.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156905122445?aff=ebdssbeac

26/06/2021

Yesterday our Tall Tales Walking Tours launched on a fine sunny afternoon. We’d love you to join us. Tours run until 25th July. Book tickets directly on Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156905429363?aff=ebdssbeac
#шотландия

22/06/2021

Tickets are selling well for our brand new heritage series of walking tours, “Tall Tales”, running from Thursday 24th June to Sunday 25th July. This is a great opportunity to experience a 90 minute (approx) guided tour from a STGA Blue Badge guide, Scotland’s only qualified and accredited tour guides, at a very reasonable cost.

£1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Edinburgh World Heritage to help continue its vital conservation and community programmes,

Book your tickets now through Eventbrite. We look forward to telling you some “Tall Tales”! 😄

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156503938493?aff=ebdssbeac

Discover incredible stories behind some of Edinburgh's iconic statues on a 90 minute walking tour with a qualified STGA Blue Badge Guide.

09/06/2021

We’re delighted that our brand new walking tour “Tall Tales”, running from 24th June to 25th July, has got a mention in today’s Edinburgh Evening News. What would make us even happier is for you to join us on a fascinating 90 minute tour, looking at the stories behind some of Edinburgh’s iconic statues. Tickets for Tall Tales can be booked on Eventbrite.

We are all qualified Scottish Blue Badge guides and we’re following Scottish Government and VisitScotland guidelines. Maximum group size of 8.

app.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/full_page_image/page-21-697/content.html

07/06/2021

The wait is over!

We are pleased to announce that tickets are now available for a brand new series of heritage walking tours in Edinburgh, from 25th June to 25th July by qualified Blue Badge guides. We look forward to telling you some Tall Tales!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tall-tales-walking-tour-tickets-156503938493?ref=eios

Discover incredible stories behind some of Edinburgh's iconic statues on a 90 minute walking tour with a qualified STGA Blue Badge Guide.

01/06/2021

Exciting news from the same team that brought you the successful West End Stories Walking Tours last year - a brand new guided walking tour for this summer will be revealed shortly!

Watch this space! 👀😃

12/03/2021

It will soon be time to rediscover all the little gems in Edinburgh’s West End. We can’t wait! 😃😃😃😃 🥘☕️🍰