DARING WOMEN OF EDINBURGH 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

Yes, the Daring Women of Edinburgh walking tour has been going for 2 years! A brave band of women stepped out into the chilly Edinburgh air in late November 2022.  I boldly led the women around the significant locations around the historic Royal Mile where pioneering women had once walked proud. I shared the incredible stories of Edinburgh’s daring women in history which struck a chord with my audience. I knew in my heart these stories needed to be shared.  I believed these stories would spark inspiration for tour participants when they faced their own personal challenges.

Annabel Allen - Daring Women of Edinburgh lead tour guide

Since then women and girls (and men!) from Edinburgh and all over the world have come on the Daring Women of Edinburgh tour. Boyfriends have brought their girlfriends, husbands have brought their wives, daughters have brought their mothers, fathers have brought daughters, and 3 generations of one family have come. And lots and lots of friends have joined the tour. In addition to the regular Saturday daytime tour, we have added a night tour (very popular in the winter!) and private tours can be arranged at other times.

What a wonderful group

The tour quickly evolved into an exciting kind of interactive tour-workshop.  I have loved listening to people’s daring stories. I have been moved by participants honouring their mothers, grandmothers and even great grandmothers.  I enjoy the wonderful questions and comments and the strong sense of community arising from the tour.  I have been astounded by the overwhelming positive response.

In 2024 the tour attracted the attention of the corporate world and I led the first corporate training tour to boost women’s empowerment.  The women from Martin Currie felt very uplifted by the tour and more corporate training tours are planned in 2025.   

Really inspiring group of women from Martin Currie

During the 2 year anniversary week I was truly touched by the 87 year old lady (the oldest participant so far!) who came with her daughter on a private tour for her birthday.  What a lively, curious mind she had! She had written books about her adventures in the jungles of Peru! With an 87 year old, you can do anything. So we ventured into the high court of Scotland and chatted with the female keeper of the Faculty of Advocates.  I told the stories of the first female advocate and first female judge whose portraits hang there.  A week later, a group of young female solicitors and an advocate came on the Daring Women tour.

Sophie and her 87 year old Mum with Annabel - a true delight

Daring Women of Edinburgh will continue to evolve. I often find more stories about female firsts in Edinburgh’s history.  They all need to be celebrated.  Edinburgh’s women’s history has been hidden for far too long and now is the time to bring it out in all its glory.

Tours can be booked at:

https://www.daringwomen.net/tours-scotland

Stay daring,

Annabel Allen

Daring Women