The Dark Side of Glasgow

Tour Highlights

• Explore the beautiful and affluent Merchant city (hiding an ugly secret)
• Discover High Court, the stage for many dramatic, grisly court cases
• Stroll through luscious Glasgow Green park, where the bodies used to hang
• Visit the Barrowlands, both the iconic flea market and the trendy dancehall
• Admire the historical city entrance, with Mercat cross and Tolbooth Steeple

Tour Details

Let's share a dram and explore famous landmarks and gritty street art, while I tell you tales of Glasgow’s crime and macabre past. Hear about its ties to the slave trade, its gangs, its godfathers, its ghosts, and its twisted serial killers. Let's toast with single malt Scottish Whisky and have some traditional snacks whilst learning about the 'real' Glasgow, from a real Glaswegian.

Bursting with trademark dry Glaswegian humour and feisty, entertaining tales, this is a unique tour experience not to be missed. 'People Make Glasgow' and this is a tour dedicated to the people and their thrilling, hilarious, and sometimes terrifying adventures. Want to know about Bible John? The Human Crocodile? The Gorbals Vampire? Arthur Thompson and his kin? Then look no further

These are not the stories you will find in museums, they cannot be summed up in a book. Glaswegians are known to spin a yarn and are the world’s greatest storytellers ─ your guide will add their own anecdotes passed down from family, including both the historical facts and the mythical imaginings clearly defined.

Walk the affluent streets of the Merchant city, be faced with Glasgow's famous High Court of Justiciary, saunter through the cultural Glasgow Green Park, and head out to the Barras Market and Barrowland Ballroom before ending in the central historic heart of our city.

Tour Include

• A walking performance
• Historical tales full of gruesome facts and hilarious delivery
• Born and raised Glaswegian guides who have a personal attachment to the city and include personal anecdotes of their family dating back to the city's invention. They are highly trained, talented, well spoken and know all the hidden gems of the city
• Visit to the Barras, our famous weekend market
• Small intimate group setting with plenty of opportunity to ask questions or request recommendations for activities, locations, restaurants and bars

Tour Exclude

• Tips

Important Notes

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Rain gear
• Umbrella

Know before you go

• This tour will take place rain or shine. Please dress appropriately
• No stairs or rough terrain. We try our best to pick mobility-accessible routes
• The Barras Market is only fully open on the weekends

Meeting point

• Make sure to check your email for instructions and credentials to access the tour 

The tour is not suitable for

• Children under 3s are not allowed.
• The tour is not recommended for individuals aged 60 and above