Looking for things to do in Aberdeen?
We are so proud to bring you new tours in our 7th locations!
After weeks of training, our first tour is now available for bookings and watch this space for more tours to go onto!
Want to find out more about our tours and activities in Aberdeen, or have a group you think would love to come on our tours here? Contact [email protected]
See what people say about the Invisible Cities Aberdeen walking tours and check out their photos.
Goodness: Homeless Tour Guides
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What’s your favourite hidden gem or lesser-known spot in the city that most tourists miss?
Castle Hill, going up the side of the Salvation Army. Hidden. Most Aberdonians do not even know that it exists, never mind that it is a historically important area.
Can you share a powerful story from your tour that really stayed with you?
The realisation that the reformation of the Scottish church had almost certainly a large impact on the great witch trials of 1596/7. After growing up in the church. Janet Wishart was accused of dancing with the devil on Halloween at Castle gate and later on burnt at the stake there.
What does be a tour guide with Invisible Cities mean to you personally?
A chance to make the invisible visible. Whether that is mine or other people’s.
What part of your tour surprises people the most?
Pointing things out that are small enough to miss but are very integral to the history of Aberdeen.
How do you think your tour helps people see the city differently?
Helps people to see things that are hidden in plain sight. Connecting modern struggles with historical trauma.
What’s one historical fact or story you love to tell on your tour?
Absence of the castle at castle gate and hill. No evidence and trace.
Why do you think it’s important for visitors to learn about homelessness during their trip?
Because it is a real and integral part of our city. It is part of making Aberdeen visible. The human invisibilities. It is important to update our understanding of what it means to be homeless. This could happen to anyone sometimes it is just a few unexpected turns away.
What’s your favourite reaction you’ve had from someone on a tour?
Someone said :”It was new to me to hear a mother’s perspective on lived homelessness experiences”.
What do you hope people remember most after taking your tour?
Everyone deserves a chance to be seen and heard, including those that are taking the tour.
How has being a guide with Invisible Cities changed your life or perspective?
It has changed my perspective on homelessness. It goes beyond the commonly used definition. It has changed my life in how I show up for myself and in service to others.
What’s your favourite hidden gem or lesser-known spot in the city that most tourists miss?
Most tourists miss out on Old Aberdeen full stop. Saint Matchers Cathedral my favourite Toblerone building. In the city centre I keep on discovering the artworks of Nuart Art. Castle Hill is a gem that is being missed a lot.
Can you share a powerful story from your tour that really stayed with you?
I am quite often impressed about European tourists; they are rather knowledgable about history.
What does being a tour guide with Invisible Cities mean to you personally?
It quite changed my life. I was selling the Big Issue, and I was already in my 50’s, so there was not really another option jobwise for me. I did enjoy selling the Big Issue, but I prefer being a tour guide, because it is more fulfilling.
Invisible Cities inspired me to learn more and make people have a happy time. I enjoyed all the social aspects with the get togethers and outings. It is a social, friendly, and really supportive organisation.
What part of your tour surprises people the most?
The factual history is often more interesting to guests than the myths.
How do you think your tour helps people see the city differently?
Partly through my own experience. I was a student, and I have lived in the area. My genuine passion for the factual history of Scotland. Allowing myths as a part of the cultural identity within the context of history.
What’s one historical fact or story you love to tell on your tour?
Bishop Elphinstone was supposed to be resting within the chapel but did not fit through the door without knocking out the stones. Thus, he is positioned outside the door where he gets greener and greener every day.
Why do you think it’s important for visitors to learn about homelessness during their trip?
Almost anyone has a wrong idea about homelessness. Homelessness is usually always referred to as problem by the media and the politicians as part of their agenda. We are a real-life contact as people who have experienced it without any political angle. We provide first-hand view.
What’s your favourite reaction you’ve had from someone on a tour?
It is kind of blended together. I always enjoy a genuine group thank you and some applause.
What do you hope people remember most after taking your tour?
I hope they remember the historical information and leave the tour with a happy impression. As well as, that walls have feeling too.
How has being a guide with Invisible Cities changed your life or perspective?
It has changed my life. It is lovely that I have received that niceness. It has not changed my perspective, because I always believed in people. It is comforting to know that so many people have made such an effort in running the organisation. Giving their time and effort. It is a confirmation about my faith in human nature.
