About the Tour & Founder

Bringing History Back to Life

Peebles Witch Trials Walking Tours was born out of a deep community effort to remember & honour those who lost their lives during the darkest chapter in our town's history.

Local singer songwriter & actress Sharon King created the walking tours after taking part in the moving 2026 community play Rope & Flame. Inspired by the performance & The Witches of Scotland Campaign, Sharon set out to bring these true stories off the stage & into the locations where events took place. The tour also takes in the wider context of the Scottish Witch Trials.

The Inspiration: Rope and Flame

Rope and Flame was co-written & directed by Clare Prenton, Anita John, & Vivien Reid, & is rooted in the meticulous research of historian Mary W. Craig (Borders Witch Hunt).

Performed by 35 local cast members at the Eastgate Theatre in May 2026, the production told the true stories of 27 men, women, & children accused during the 1629 Peebles witch trials. It explored how fear, religious turmoil & local gossip turned neighbours against one another, turning historical records into deeply personal human stories.

Why We Walk

Our tours offer a respectful, engaging, & truthful look into the past. We explore how accusations spread, visit key landmarks where the accused were held & tried, & reflect on what their stories teach us about empathy & community today.