Our first blog post !

Welcome to the Independence Tours Blog: Your Key to Unlocking Edinburgh!

Welcome to friends, fellow explorers and lovers of Scotland's captivating capital!

We are thrilled to launch the official blog for Independence Tours, your new insider's guide to discovering the magic, history, and hidden treasures of Edinburgh. Whether you're a long-time admirer of this city's cobbled streets or are planning your very first visit, we're here to share our passion and local knowledge to help you experience Edinburgh like a true local.

Who Are We? Your Edinburgh Experts.

So, who are the people behind Independence Tours? We are a small, locally-owned and operated tour company born and bred in the heart of Edinburgh. We're not a large, faceless corporation; we are a dedicated team of passionate guides who have spent years exploring every nook, cranny, wynd, and close of this incredible city. From the world-famous Royal Mile to the most secluded Georgian gardens, our greatest joy is uncovering the stories that bring Edinburgh's rich tapestry to life.

Our mission is simple: to provide authentic, intimate, and unforgettable tours of our hometown. We believe that to truly know Edinburgh, you need to walk its streets with someone who knows its secrets. We keep our groups small to foster a personal connection, allowing you to ask the questions you're curious about and discover the places you won't find in the average guidebook.

What Can You Expect From Our Edinburgh Blog?

This blog is an extension of our tours – a place where we can dive even deeper into the city we love. Here's a little taste of what's to come:

• Beyond the Castle Walls: We'll unravel the fascinating history of not just Edinburgh Castle, but the stories hidden in the stones of Holyrood Palace, the tales of the Georgian New Town, and the secrets of the underground city.

• A Neighbourhood Guide: Discover the unique character of Edinburgh's distinct neighbourhoods. We'll show you the best of the historic Old Town, the elegant New Town, the vibrant Shore of Leith, and the charming village atmosphere of Stockbridge.

• Finding a Proper Pub: Forget the fleeting trends of Instagram. We'll guide you to the city’s truly great pubs—the ones with real history, a fantastic selection of ales and whiskies, and a welcoming atmosphere that’s been cultivated by locals for generations. Think less about flower walls and more about the perfect pint in places like the historic Bow Bar on Victoria Street, the ale-aficionado's paradise that is The Blue Blazer, or the folk-music haven of Sandy Bell's.

• Taste of Edinburgh: Get ready for a culinary journey! We'll guide you to the coziest spots for a traditional plate of haggis, neeps, and tatties, reveal our favourite places for a classic afternoon tea, and point you towards the finest modern Scottish cuisine.

• Festival City Survival Guides: Edinburgh is the world's leading festival city! We'll give you our top tips and tricks for navigating the famous International and Fringe Festivals in August, as well as the Hogmanay street party at New Year.

Join Our Community of Edinburgh Enthusiasts!

We want this blog to be a conversation, a hub for everyone who loves this city as much as we do. We invite you to leave your comments, ask your questions, and share our posts with anyone planning a trip to Auld Reekie. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our latest articles and exclusive tour offerings.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting new chapter. We can't wait to share our Edinburgh with you.

Your adventure starts now!