The Real Mary King’s Close launches British Sign Language and International Sign tours in Edinburgh

History belongs to everyone, and we are making sure it can be experienced by everyone too. This summer, The Real Mary King’s Close has launched brand new digital tours in British Sign Language (BSL) and International Sign (IS) to coincide with the start of Edinburgh Deaf Festival on 8 August.

This is more than just a translation. It is a milestone in our commitment to make history immersive and accessible to all. Working closely with Deaf Action, we have brought the city’s past to life in sign language, ensuring deaf and hard-of-hearing guests can step beneath the Royal Mile and explore our fascinating 17th-century streets with the same depth and detail as every other visitor.

Bringing a historic figure back to life

The new sign language tours are led on screen by a storyteller portraying Alexander Blackwood – founder of the world’s first deaf church and deaf organisation in 1830. His early meetings were held just a short walk from our doors at Lady Stair’s Close, making him a fitting guide for this special experience.

By connecting the stories of Mary King’s Close to such a significant figure in deaf heritage, we are weaving Edinburgh’s social history together in a way that is both authentic and engaging.

Shaped with the deaf community in mind

From the very first script to the final filmed performance, this project has been created with deaf guests at its heart. Every stage was developed in partnership with Deaf Action, ensuring the tours meet the needs of the community while delivering the same atmospheric storytelling The Real Mary King’s Close is known for.

Paul Nixon, our general manager, said:
“We want everyone to feel the thrill of stepping into Edinburgh’s hidden past. These new BSL and IS options are a meaningful extension of our storytelling, built in partnership with the deaf community. Reprising the Alexander Blackwood character adds an extra dimension to the tours, allowing our guests to connect not only with the history of the Close, but with a pivotal figure in deaf heritage. His story belongs here, and we are proud to honour it in a way that is more accessible, more immersive, and more representative of all who shaped this city’s past.”

A shared mission to break down barriers

Deaf Action, the world’s oldest deaf charity, was founded in 1835 – just five years after Blackwood established his pioneering church. With such deep Edinburgh roots, the partnership feels like history coming full circle.

Richard MacQueen, commercial manager at Deaf Action, said:
“With such a strong shared connection to the city’s history, it’s fitting that two organisations with deep roots in Edinburgh are working together to break down barriers. We applaud The Real Mary King’s Close for taking meaningful steps to ensure deaf residents and visitors can fully experience the fascinating stories hidden beneath the Royal Mile.”

Visit us during Edinburgh Deaf Festival

We invite you to join us during Edinburgh Deaf Festival and be among the first to experience our new sign language tours. Guests can access them through our free language guide app, which also includes translations in 11 other languages.

Step down into Edinburgh’s hidden history, and see the past in a whole new way.