Meet your maker or see them later | Walking tour

It is no irony that graveyards are teeming with signs of life.

The people of Scotland’s past saw death as a transition into a (hopefully) heavenly eternity, the point at which your soul would be judged for your earthly character. This belief system was illustrated through an intricate language of symbols and metaphors that adorn many of the monuments in Greyfriars Kirkyard, from the classic skull and crossbones to the more enigmatic ‘green men.’ As time went on, this peaceful acceptance of death transformed into a desire to conquer it – or at least delay the inevitable. The figures of Edinburgh’s medical enlightenment left their own mark on Greyfriars – understated but no less significant.

Join this guided walking tour to discover how centuries of death, immortality, and resurrection intersect in one of Edinburgh’s most bewitching places. Following the talk, there will be an optional scavenger hunt – with prizes!

The event will be presenter-led and the meeting place is by the Greyfriars Kirkyard sign to the inner left of the main gates on Candlemaker Row.

Important points to note

• The tours are suitable for anyone 12+. Younger children are welcome to join by parental discretion. All under 16s must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
• The tour will include references to death/dying and will take place in a graveyard. The tours will be conducted with the utmost respect for those interred in the Kirkyard and are intended for educational purposes.
• Attendees should note that tours will be conducted outdoors, on occasionally uneven (though paved) terrain. As a result, this tour may be less suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Appropriate footwear and outerwear are recommended.
• The tours will go ahead rain or shine, though we will cancel in the case of particularly poor weather and inform attendees the morning of the tour via email and phone.
• Attendees will also be asked to abide by the designated pathways in Greyfriars Kirkyard to minimise damage to grass and other sensitive surfaces and to be mindful of other tours and graveyard visitors.
• If the weather is likely to be very hot, a hat and some water are advisable.
• The tour will accept well-behaved dogs on a lead.
• Please consider making a donation to one of the donation boxes on site – all proceeds go towards protecting Edinburgh’s public cemeteries and graveyards.

• Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

SPEAKER

Daria Tuhtar

Policy Manager, Royal Society of Edinburgh and Fellowship Secretary, Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard

Daria Tuhtar is a policy professional who moonlights as a passionate graveyard enthusiast and conservation advocate.

A Bosnian-Canadian in Scotland, Daria has a graduate degree in environmental science from the University of Edinburgh and previously worked at the Scottish Government and a consultancy firm. She now heads up the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s policy team.

Daria serves as the Fellowship Secretary for Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard and was a contributing author to its debut guidebook, The Dead Centre of Edinburgh: Stories About Greyfriars Kirkyard, published in 2023. She also runs its social media presence, @fogkofficial.

In her spare time, Daria explores and documents graveyards in countries around the world. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

Privacy Policy

Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.

Newsletter

If you would like to receive information from the RSE on forthcoming events and activities, including our Newsletter, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk

Please visit the RSE FAQs page for further details about venue and events.