The Second World War Network (Scotland) is delighted to announce the launch of a mobile walking tour ‘Second World War Edinburgh’. Created with funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh, researched by the Network, and developed by Curious Edinburgh, the tour highlights important sites in the history of the Second World War in Edinburgh.

Although Edinburgh was fortunate not to experience large-scale air raids during the Second World War, it still has a fascinating and diverse wartime history. It was an important site for a range of military forces including British troops and foreign contingents and had close proximity to significant airfields and naval bases. At the height of the invasion threat in 1940, 33,000 British troops were located in the Edinburgh area of Scottish Command.

This tour also highlights more neglected histories, such as the anti-Italian riots of 1940 and those who rejected conscription, including conscientious objectors and some Scottish nationalists.

With 12 stops in the tour, there is plenty to learn about Edinburgh’s Second World War history.