About Edinburgh Folk Music Walking Tours

The tours are an exciting new experience for the visitor to Edinburgh who wants to learn about the history and culture of the city and combined with the musical heritage of Scottish traditional and other folk music. 

"John is an excellent guide. He is erudite, polite , and knows how to adapt to the wishes of the tourists. It was an unforgettable trip. Thanks again! " Naresh, Ohio ***** 5 Stars

"We had a great couple of hours with John learning new facts about Edinburgh history then enjoying the variety of folk music played to us. I would definitely recommend this trip."  Jo & group of 6, Newcastle ***** 5 Stars

"The tour is visually stunning, intellectually engaging, and a pleasure all around. It really colored our experience with a warm and unforgettable memory. Exceptional to any tour I’ve been on prior." Keith, USA. ***** 5 Stars

In the first part of the tour we lead you through some of the hidden and popular places in Edinburgh city centre and setting the historical and cultural background. We will find out about links to folk music and the characters of Edinburgh en route.   

The second half of the tour will see us visit the Waverley Bar,  a historic  venue linked to Scottish folk music and you will be taken on a musical journey featuring around 10 folk songs and instrumentals from the rich treasure trove of Scottish traditional and other folk music. 

The Waverley Bar is one of Edinburgh's folk music institutions and one of the venues at the forefront of the folk music revival in the 1960s. It developed a must visit reputation as a folk venue, playing host to a diverse range of acts such as Billy Connolly, Bert Jansch, The Clancy Brothers, The Corries and The Dubliners. It now hold regular folk music events.

​Enjoy songs made well known by the likes of Robert Burns, Runrig and Dougie MacLean and also learn about the history and heritage of Edinburgh. The songs may even include  ​

About your tour guide

Tour guide John was born and bred in Edinburgh and went to school and university in the heart of the city centre. He has worked leading tourism cultural projects and has been a university lecturer in Scotland and England.

Playing guitar since age 12, he has been steeped in Scottish traditional folk music and other genres for many years.  A former board member of the Scottish Culture & Traditions organisation for many years, his musical credentials have seen him described by The Living Tradition magazine as a 'master guitarist'. 
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He is passionate about Edinburgh, its surrounding countryside and hills. He has climbed over 240 of the Scottish Munros - mountains over 3,000 feet ! ​