Events & Tours

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Kirkyard Tours for National Cemeteries Week June 2026

To mark National Cemeteries Week the Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard are offering 2 free tours of this historic burial ground. Opened as a cemetery in 1562, for over 300 years this was the City of Edinburgh’s principal place of burial. This tour explains the history, architecture, symbolism and social significance of the Kirkyard. Here we have the finest collection of monuments to the dead which collectively serve as one of Edinburgh’s finest museums, art galleries, libraries and green spaces. 

Tour one : Sunday 7th June starting at 2pm

Tour two : Monday 8th June starting at 2pm

Places on either tour are available free of charge (although voluntary donations to help fund our work to support the Kirkyard are welcome) on a first come first served basis.

Please reserve a space on Eventbrite by clicking on the button below.

The Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard are a Charity that aims to support the understanding, appreciation and conservation of this historic burial ground in the heart of Edinburgh.

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Legacies in Stone:
Free Online Conference Celebrating Graveyard Friends

Sunday 24 May 12.30 – 3.30 pm

Step “behind the scenes” of caring for historic graveyards with stories, insights, and practical lessons from Graveyard Friends across Scotland. Whether you are a dedicated volunteer or a local history enthusiast, these short talks offer something for everyone.

Talks will be delivered via Zoom. Book your free place:

https://legacies-in-stone-graveyard-conference.eventbrite…

Hear from: The Friends of Dunblane Cathedral; the Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard; the Friends of Kilbride; Kilmaronock Old Trust; Kirkmichael Trust; North East Scotland Preservation Trust & the Friends of Elyza Fraser Mausoleum; Stonehouse Heritage and Temple Old Kirk Friends

This event is brought to you by

The Legacies in Stone: Connecting Communities with Historic Graveyards project. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. Supported by funding from Historic Environment Scotland.

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First Sunday, each month

On the first Sunday of each month, members of the Friends of Greyfriars meet in the Kirkyard between 1pm and 4pm.

All members are invited to join in for any part of the afternoon, and are welcome to bring a friend. We start at 1pm by the main gate in to the Kirkyard and will be easily identified by our bright green hi-vis vests. If you arrive anytime after 1pm, please simply look for us around the Kirkyard, our green hi viz vests are easily spotted. Any problems finding us or questions, please call or text Mark on 07774 499589.

Foulis monument

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Arrange a Tour

We were happy to provide tours to local history, educational or special interest groups, who are interested in learning about the history of the Kirkyard and the exceptional monumental architecture within it.

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Previous Friends Events