Today, His Royal Highness Prince William officially launched Invisible Cities Aberdeen, a ground-breaking social enterprise that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides.

With the support of The Royal Foundation and Homewards, the initiative aims to challenge stereotypes, provide employment opportunities, and offer visitors a unique way to explore Aberdeen.

Three people stroll down a city street, surrounded by historic buildings with a domed structure in the backdrop. Two don purple hoodies while one wears a dark coat, blending into the urban tapestry like characters from *Invisible Cities*.

The first-ever tour, led by guide Angus, took guests through Aberdeen’s rich history and hidden stories before concluding at Trinity Hall, where Prince William met with the newly trained guides. He was joined by Invisible Cities founder Zakia Moulaoui Guery, who has spearheaded the organisation’s expansion into Aberdeen, its seventh city.

And it doesn’t stop there – Aberdeen will be the first of 6 cities where tours are launching with Invisible Cities guides, all part of the wider Royal Foundation initiative with Homewards.

A Collaborative Effort for Change

This milestone event was supported by Homewards, Prince William’s five-year programme which aims to demonstrate it is possible to end homelessness. The launch was also attended by key supporters, including ABZ, VisitScotland, Skyscanner and TrainSplit all committed to creating long-term solutions through employment and tourism.

A group of people stands indoors near a sign reading "Congrats Aberdeen Graduates 2025," with a person in formal attire, resembling Prince William, addressing them. Stained glass windows form the backdrop, adding to the grandeur of this Invisible Cities empowerment ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Zakia said:
“We believe that doing tourism differently can create significant social impact, and today’s launch proves just that. By training people with lived experience of homelessness to become guides, we are not only providing employment but also challenging perceptions and sharing the untold stories of Aberdeen. We are honoured to have Prince William join us in celebrating this next step in our mission to expand Invisible Cities even further across the UK.”

Prince William’s visit highlights the power of collaboration in tackling homelessness. Aberdeen, historically known as an oil and gas hub, is a city in transition, facing rising homelessness alongside the need for more sustainable tourism experiences.

Invisible Cities: A Movement for Change

Invisible Cities has already transformed lives in cities including Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, York and Cardiff, and aims to expand to 10 cities in 10 years, completing that by 2026. The organisation’s ethos is simple: with the right support, people who have experienced homelessness can reclaim their futures and share their stories with the world.

As Aberdeen welcomes its first Invisible Cities tours, visitors now have the opportunity to see the city through a new lens—one that combines history, personal resilience, and community impact. Tours are available now to book at www.invisible-cities.or

Invisible Cities have been supported to deliver a new Aberdeen tour by the Homewards Fund and Aberdeen City Council’s ABZWorks Development Fund. The Homewards Fund offers up to £500,000 of flexible funding that can be accessed by each flagship location across the lifespan of the programme to support the delivery of their Local Action Plan.

A group of people gather indoors by a "Welcome to Aberdeen" sign, with some holding a "Commonwealth Archaeology Scalers 2023" plaque. Stained glass windows adorn the background, embodying the spirit of Invisible Cities as they explore unique narratives and hidden histories.

Guide Angus on delivering a tour for Prince William:

“It is a great validation and recognition of the work we do and I hope it brings much attention to us and makes us busier!”

David Jackson, VisitScotland Regional Director for Aberdeen, said:

“I am thrilled that Invisible Cities is launching its tours in Aberdeen. Their training is vital in helping those who have found themselves homeless to gain new skills and confidence in public speaking, customer service and storytelling”.

Book a Tour & Get Involved

Invisible Cities tours in Aberdeen are now available to book from April 2025.

Support the initiative by:

✅ Joining a tour – Experience Aberdeen’s history with a social impact.

✅ Sponsoring a community tour – Gift a tour to someone who wouldn’t otherwise afford it.

✅ Partnering with us – Businesses and community groups can collaborate to make an impact.

For more information or to book a tour available from mid April, visit www.invisible-cities.org

WHY ABERDEEN

While Aberdeen is often recognised for its oil and gas industry, it’s also a city in transition, facing some of the biggest increases in homelessness in Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, homelessness applications rose by 72%, with more young people than ever presenting as homeless. These statistics highlight a growing need for support, opportunities, and new ways to bring communities together.

Our mission is to create meaningful training and knowledge around skills like confidence building, story telling and public speaking, allowing people to seek out employment that they love and thrive in. That includes becoming an Invisible Cities walking tour guide.

Invisible Cities exists to prove that it is possible to end homelessness through training, employment, and meaningful experiences. By launching in Aberdeen, we are not just offering visitors a unique way to experience the city – we are investing in the people who live here.

OUR SUPPORTERS

Invisible Cities have been supported to deliver a new Aberdeen tour by the Homewards Fund and Aberdeen City Council’s ABZWorks Development Fund.

About Homewards

The Homewards Fund offers up to £500,000 of flexible funding that can be accessed by each flagship location across the lifespan of the programme to support the delivery of their Local Action Plan.