Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour welcomes participants aged 10 and older, with an accessible route suitable for families.

Are there any physical accessibility accommodations?

Yes, the route is fully accessible, accommodating wheelchairs and those with mobility concerns.

What topics does the tour cover?

It explores marginalized and overlooked local histories, including witch trials and social exclusion stories.

How large are the tour groups?

Groups are capped at 25 people to maintain an intimate experience.

Where exactly does the tour start?

The meeting point is at the benches outside Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting Church, Union Street entrance.

Is it necessary to book in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Exploring Aberdeen’s Hidden Histories on The Silver City’s Shadows Tour | City Tour | Guided Tour

Aberdeen, Scotland’s granite city known for its rugged coastline and maritime heritage, holds stories beneath its polished stone facades that often go untold. "The Silver City's Shadows with Michelle" offers a deeply personal and evocative walking tour through the heart of Aberdeen, uncovering the forgotten lives and overlooked histories that shape the city’s complex identity. This 1.5-hour journey ventures beyond the usual landmarks to explore voices historically marginalized—from accused witches of centuries past to single mothers navigating social exclusion—illuminating a side of Aberdeen rarely seen by visitors.

Meeting at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting Church’s Union Street entrance, participants join Michelle, whose own experiences inform the tour’s intimate narrative style. As you follow the streets and alleys, the story of Aberdeen’s darker chapters unfolds. The granite buildings and cobblestone paths serve as a backdrop to tales of judgment and survival, inviting reflection on how communities remember—and neglect—their most vulnerable. This tour reframes Aberdeen’s urban landscape as a place of resilience and quiet remembrance.

What sets The Silver City’s Shadows apart is its authentic voice and minimalist approach. Rather than a broad historical sweep, it hones in on personal stories, fostering connection through empathy and shared humanity. The fully accessible route welcomes all visitors aged 10 and upward, with a small group size ensuring an intimate atmosphere. The tour’s start point in the city center also makes it an easy addition to any Aberdeen itinerary.

Aberdeen itself is a city where old and new collide: sandy North Sea beaches lie just a few blocks from Victorian-era architecture, and modern art sits alongside historic churches. Yet, beneath this vibrant exterior, social histories remain in the shadows. This experience turns the spotlight on these narratives, helping travelers understand the full fabric of the city beyond its polished surfaces.

Those intrigued by history, social justice, or storytelling will find this tour uniquely rewarding. Whether visiting for the first time or returning, you’ll leave with a richer appreciation for Aberdeen’s humanity. "The Silver City’s Shadows with Michelle" stands out not just for its content but for the reverence and reflection it encourages—making it essential for thoughtful travelers eager to engage meaningfully with place.

About Invisible Cities Tours

Invisible Cities Tours is a social enterprise based in Aberdeen, Scotland, offering guided walking tours across multiple UK cities. The organisation specialises in city walks that blend local history, personal testimony and place-based storytelling. Tours include city-specific experiences such as Between Lectures and Legends: My Path Through Old Aberdeen, which starts and ends at 5 College Bounds; The Royal Mile: Edinburgh's Most Famous Street; Innovators and Inventors of Edinburgh; and a range of Manchester, Glasgow and York walks.

Guides are people with lived experience who share personal stories alongside historical facts. Some guides are trained from experiences of homelessness and use storytelling to connect visitors to architecture, social history and civic change. Tour lengths vary from one-hour Riverside Walking Tour in Glasgow to two-hour explorations like Innovators and Inventors of Edinburgh. Other offerings include themed walks such as Uncover Stories of Crime and Punishment, The Story of Guy Fawkes, and family-friendly and virtual options.

Invisible Cities Tours operates transparently as a social enterprise: revenue from tours supports work that empowers people affected by homelessness. The organisation partners with local communities and venues noted in its itineraries, including historic sites and public meeting places like the SEC and Maggie Dickson's pub. Each itinerary is rooted in factual research and lived experience to create engaging, educational visits.

Visitors choose Invisible Cities Tours for city walks that combine history, social impact and authentic local perspective. Booking is available online and details are provided for start points, durations and accessibility where applicable to visitors.