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Like many cities, Edinburgh’s queer history runs deep, yet it’s hidden in plain sight. On this walking tour, I’ll reveal the city’s queer past, shed light on queerness in Edinburgh today, and share some fascinating tidbits about Scotland’s capital too. We’ll start by looking out over the Old Town before wandering up Calton Hill, possibly the longest continuously used queer site in the city. Along with finding out about the little-known history of cruising on the hill and Edinburgh’s response to the AIDS crisis, you’ll be able to soak up splendid city views. From there, you’ll make your way down to Broughton Street, the heart of LGBTQ+ Edinburgh. Along the way, I’ll point out the site of the country’s first LGBT centre, and where Scotland’s first queer bookshop, Lavender Menace, used to be. I’ll tell you about these iconic venues from the past, and also share how the queer community fought for the rights they enjoy today. Since I became a tour guide, I’ve loved digging up untold stories from Scotland’s history. I’ve lived in Edinburgh all my life and the city’s queer history has become a particular passion. I found so much to explore once I started looking, so I’m excited to share some of what I’ve learnt with you on this tour. On this 45-minute walk, you’ll have the chance to: • Hear about the weekly gay night held at the Edinburgh Playhouse, hosted by the Scottish Homosexual Action Group, or SHAG for short • Find out about William Merrilees, a 1930s police officer who led a crusade against gay men • Learn how the queer community fought Margaret Thatcher • Discover Lark in the Park, the first major public gay rights event in Scotland in 1988, in which Sir Ian McKellen participated • See the Museum Collections Centre which hosted Rainbow City, the first queer history exhibition in 2006 This tour is equally suited to first-time visitors and lifelong residents looking to discover a different side of Edinburgh’s history. Please note that the tour includes mention of subjects like sex and drug use and as such is not suitable for children. There’s no explicit content, so it may be suitable for young people at their parent or guardian’s discretion. Please be aware that there are some moderate slopes, both uphill and downhill, and two flights of stairs. Your efforts will pay off when the tour wraps up on Broughton Street, where there are plenty of cafes and pubs to explore nearby!
Price: £6.99 from VoiceMap
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| VoiceMap | £6.99 | Go to shop |
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