LISTEN: Walking tours by those affected by homelessness launched in Edinburgh
They're aiming to show a different side to the capital
A series of walking tours led by those who have struggled with homelessness has been launched in Edinburgh.
Aimed at showing a different side to the capital, 'Invisible Edinburgh', is the brainchild of Zakia Moulaoui, who moved to the city from France almost a decade ago.
She began setting up the tours after visting Greece, and seeing a similar project where street vendors also act as local tour guides.
Launching this weekend, 'Invisible Edinburgh' currently has four guides, with plans to recruit and train additional members at the end of the Summer.
The tours focus on the areas around Grassmarket, Middle Meadow Walk, and Castle Terrace, and showcase the history of the area, along with the guide's time on the streets there. Themes range from 'Crime and Punishment' to 'Food in the City', and 'Community Sport'.
"There is a homeless point to all the walks, which is personal to the guide, so for example the crime and punishment tour will tell you about Burke and Hare but the guide will also tell you about his own relevant problems with the court across the road with funny stories."
This is not Zakia's first work with the homeless community; she has previously worked with both the Homeless World Cup, and Edinburgh's own Social Bite, a non-profile cafe where 1 in 4 of the staff have experienced homelessness.