Witchery Tales:
Darker Side of Old Edinburgh

Adam Lyal

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

Adam Lyal is fast becoming one of Edinburgh's most famous characters. No mean feat considering he was executed for highway robbery in the city's Grassmarket on the 27th March 1811.

His book comes to us 177 years after his demise and is based on his well-known nightly Old Town 'Witchery' walking tour. Inside you will find many authentic stories from Edinburgh's long and gory past. There are dark accounts of violence and crime, vivid descriptions of hangings and executions, information on plagues and disasters, and finally haunting tales of witchcraft and the supernatural.

As on his tour, Mr Lyal uses these stories to bring some of the character and atmosphere of the Old Town back to life. Visitors and locals alike are sure to enjoy the dark and wild side of Edinburgh's history in Adam Lyal's Witchery Tales.

Tour Website: www.witcherytours.com

Review by Chrissi (310311) Rating (8/10)

Review by Chrissi
Rating
Book 8/10
Tour 9/10
This slim volume is devoted to the rather gruesome history of Edinburgh which is so brilliantly illustrated by Adam Lyal, a highwayman who was hung for his crimes in 1811. Adam Lyal (deceased) appears nightly outside the Witchery Restaurant at the top of the Royal Mile dressed in his cloak and accompanied by a variety of characters from the rich history of Edinburgh, although we were less than charmed by the man sent out to collect plague victims and his rather curious mask which to be frank, was probably more posing pouch than authentic costume, but on a sub-zero night in Edinburgh, I think that anyone would have been glad for any extra layers to keep them warm.

The book is a more detailed version of the tour given by these brave theatrical gentlemen, they were entertaining and fun, and just so that you are aware, they employ the artistically valid ploy of jumpy-ooter-ing. Be warned, but be prepared to laugh yourself silly. We both so enjoyed this, in spite of the brutal January weather, even sceptic “I do not do this sort of thing” Nigel. Now there is a recommendation for you!

I am sure that there is a much more detailed history of Edinburgh, we saw many, but as a collection of ghoulish highlights and illustrating a surprising pride in the lesser known (but very efficient) Scottish Inquisition, it is a quick and entertaining read. A book which, after you have come home and are sitting in a much warmer place than Edinburgh, will bring to mind memories of your holiday or day out and remind you that there are places and times so much more interesting than we presently live in, but the best way to visit them is in the pages of a book.

Inside this tour guide you will find many authentic stories from Edinburgh's long and gory past. There are dark accounts of violence and crime, vivid descriptions of hangings and executions, the trial of the infamous body-snatchers Burke & Hare, information on plagues and disasters, and haunting tales of witchcraft and the supernatural.

As on his tour, Mr Lyal uses these stories to bring some of the character atmosphere of the old town back to life. Visitors and locals alike are sure to enjoy the dark and wild side of Edinburgh's history in Adam Lyal's Witchery Tales.
Chrissi ( 2011)