Aberdeen: Private Dark Side Walking Tour

Aberdeen’s dark past is a haunting tapestry woven with tales of public executions, witch trials, and ghostly legends. Join this private walking tour to uncover the city’s grim history – from the ghost of Marion Hardie roaming the streets to the notorious gallows and Saltoun Arms pub, where fatal events transpired. Prepare to step into the footsteps of murderers, slave owners, and witches as you discover the hidden secrets that shaped Aberdeen’s transformation from a fishing village to a thriving oil center.

Key Points

• Explore Aberdeen’s grim history of public executions, beheadings, and the tragic legacy of the witch trials.
• Encounter the ghostly legends of Marion Hardie, a condemned witch whose spirit is said to haunt the city.
• Visit notorious locations like the Saltoun Arms pub, linked to deadly brawls and haunted by the spirits of the deceased.
• Discover the dark practices of body snatching and kidnapping that cast a shadow over Aberdeen’s past.
• Understand how Aberdeen’s transformation from fishing village to oil center was shaped by its complex and multifaceted history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Aberdeen’s Dark History

Although Aberdeen has long been known for its picturesque granite architecture and bustling harbor, the city’s history is also marked by a dark past.

Aberdeen’s history is marked by a dark past, despite its picturesque architecture and bustling harbor.

From public executions and beheadings to the infamous witch trials, Aberdeen’s grim legacy is unveiled on the Private Dark Side Walking Tour.

Visitors explore the haunts of murderers, slave owners, and body snatchers, learning about grisly killings at the Saltoun Arms and the ghost of the executed woman, Marion Hardie.

The tour offers a chilling glimpse into Aberdeen’s seedy underworld, providing a thought-provoking counterpoint to the city’s more well-known attractions.

Public Executions and Beheadings

Aberdeen’s grisly history is marked by public executions and beheadings that took place over the centuries. Condemned prisoners were brought to the gallows, where they met their fate before crowds of onlookers. The process was often brutal, with some victims taking several minutes to die. Executions were used to punish a range of crimes, from murder to witchcraft. Records show that beheadings were also common, with the condemned’s severed head sometimes displayed as a warning to others. This dark legacy serves as a sobering reminder of Aberdeen’s past.

| Year | Offense | Punishment |

| — | — | — |

| 1597 | Witchcraft | Burned at the stake |

| 1751 | Murder | Hanged |

| 1864 | Treason | Beheaded |

| 1892 | Robbery | Guillotined |

The Ghost of Marion Hardie

According to local lore, the ghost of Marion Hardie is said to haunt the streets of Aberdeen.

Executed in the 17th century for alleged witchcraft, her spirit is rumored to linger near the site of her death.

Witnesses claim to have seen a woman in a tattered dress wandering the alleys, vanishing into thin air.

Tour guides share chilling tales of Marion’s ghost, warning visitors to be respectful when passing the area.

While the truth of her haunting remains uncertain, the legend of Marion Hardie adds an eerie element to Aberdeen’s dark history.

Notorious Witch Trials

The notorious witch trials in Aberdeen were a dark chapter in the city’s history. From the 16th to 18th centuries, numerous individuals – mostly women – were accused, tried, and executed for the alleged practice of witchcraft.

Hundreds were imprisoned, tortured, and burned at the stake. The trials were fueled by religious fervor, political agendas, and societal fears. Victims were often marginalized members of the community, scapegoated for misfortunes.

The trials devastated Aberdeen, leaving a legacy of fear, paranoia, and tragic injustice. Today, the trials stand as a sobering reminder of the dangers of intolerance and the importance of reason over superstition.

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The Gallows and the Killings at the Saltoun Arms

Although the gallows in Aberdeen were the site of many public executions, the Saltoun Arms pub holds a particularly dark legacy.

In the late 18th century, a deadly brawl erupted between patrons, resulting in multiple fatalities. The details are murky, but it’s believed the altercation stemmed from a dispute over smuggling routes.

The aftermath saw the pub’s landlord hanged for his role in the killings. To this day, the Saltoun Arms is rumored to be haunted by the restless spirits of those who met their demise within its walls.

The Saltoun Arms pub is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of those who met their untimely end within its walls.

The tour explores this grim chapter in Aberdeen’s history.

Footsteps of Murderers, Slave Owners, and Witches

Visitors on the tour tread in the footsteps of those who committed some of Aberdeen’s most heinous crimes.

They’ll learn about notorious murderers who stalked the city’s streets, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed.

The guide will also shed light on the city’s dark history of slavery, recounting the stories of unscrupulous slave owners who enriched themselves through this inhumane trade.

And they’ll uncover the tragic tales of accused witches, many of whom were tortured and executed for practicing so-called black magic.

This macabre journey into Aberdeen’s past isn’t for the faint of heart.

Body Snatching, Kidnappers, and Other Dark Events

As the tour progresses, visitors learn about the grim practice of body snatching that plagued the city.

Grave robbers, known as "resurrectionists," exhumed freshly buried bodies to sell to medical schools for anatomy lessons. The guide recounts harrowing tales of kidnappers who abducted unsuspecting citizens, holding them hostage until a ransom was paid.

Other dark events include the unsolved murders that cast a sinister shadow over Aberdeen’s past.

Visitors walk in the footsteps of those who committed these heinous acts, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s complex and troubled history.

Discovering Hidden Secrets of Aberdeen’s Transformation

The tour delves into Aberdeen’s transformation from a small fishing settlement to an influential oil center, uncovering the hidden stories that shaped the city’s development.

From a modest fishing village to a powerhouse in oil, Aberdeen’s evolution is marked by untold narratives shaping its development.

Participants walk in the footsteps of historical figures, learning about the pivotal events and questionable activities that enabled Aberdeen’s rise. From slave owners to body snatchers, the guide sheds light on the city’s past shadows.

Discussions explore sensitive topics around Aberdeen’s evolution, providing a nuanced understanding of how its dark history intertwined with its economic and social progress.

The tour uncovers the complexities behind the Granite City’s transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour’s Cancellation Policy?

The tour’s cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for customers to change their plans without penalty.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. Guests can discuss their interests with the guide, who will then tailor the experience to highlight the most relevant dark historical events and locations.

Is the Tour Guide Licensed or Certified?

The tour guide is not explicitly described as licensed or certified. However, the tour is labeled as "private" and led by a "local expert guide," suggesting the guide has specialized knowledge of Aberdeen’s dark history.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour has an age restriction, as it’s not suitable for children under 12 due to the sensitive content covered. Participants must be 12 years of age or older to join the walking tour.

Can the Tour Be Booked for Larger Groups?

The tour can accommodate groups of up to 6 participants. It’s not suitable for children under 12 due to sensitive content, but larger groups can book the private tour and explore Aberdeen’s dark history together.

The Sum Up

The "Aberdeen: Private Dark Side Walking Tour" takes participants on a chilling journey through the city’s grim past. From public executions and notorious witch trials to haunting legends and sites of tragic events, the tour reveals the darker side of Aberdeen’s transformation. Visitors uncover the grim practices and injustices that shaped the city’s history, leaving them with a deeper understanding of its complex and often unsettling heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: