About

Louise Brook

Managing Director

As well as being the force behind Unlock Tours, Louise is the Managing Director of Dickins Edinburgh Ltd, Edinburgh’s best and most trusted and respected short term letting company. Her family moved to Edinburgh 30 years ago and she lives in the centre of the city with her husband Simon and their two lively and lovely young sons.

Where’s the place you’d take a first time visitor to Edinburgh?

Calton Hill. I live very near it and it gives the most incredible vantage point over the city with views you never tire of. It’s why it’s the start of the Early Bird Tour I’ll be leading.

What’s your favourite season in Edinburgh?

That’s hard. I love spring because the flowers here are so beautiful and summer because I’m mad about the Edinburgh Festival and in autumn the changing leaves are stunning. That leaves winter, but even winter is great here with the chance to get cosy and over Christmas and Hogmanay Edinburgh looks so beautiful and of course my children find that time of year very exciting which rubs off on me! Edinburgh is incredible in that there is always something interesting happening.

If Edinburgh was a child, what kind of child would it be?

Handsome, two faced, intelligent, well read, energetic, metamorphic and great fun. What a child!

Describe Edinburgh in three words.

Home. Beautiful. Surprising.

Shawna Law

Tour Curator and Guide

Shawna has lived in Scotland since she was 10 years old. Her love affair with Edinburgh began when she moved to the city to study Business Management at The University of Edinburgh. Through a university summer project, Shawna set up her Instagram account @exploringedinburgh which has grown to become quite a phenomenon! As well as taking stunning photographs Shawna is passionate about tea.

Where would you take someone to capture the quintessential Edinburgh photo?

That’s a difficult one, I think I would have to say Victoria Street! The unique street has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors, and that’s why we can’t wait to show it to you on our Old Town Instagram Photography Tour - which I’ll be leading!

If Edinburgh was a type of tea, what tea would it be?

A dark smoky tea. If you’re unfamiliar with the Scottish capital, it was once known (and still sometimes affectionately called) the Auld Reekie, which means ‘Old Smokey’ in the Scots dialect.

Describe Edinburgh in three words.

Captivating. Historic. Picturesque.

Colette Adamson

Head of Operations and Tour Guide

Colette moved to Edinburgh in 2007. She’s lived and worked across 4 different continents and settled in Edinburgh after 8 years of travelling. She’s also a passionate and talented baker, making the most beautiful and impressive cakes. Her true love is her French Bulldog Rudi.

Where’s your favourite place to take Rudi for a walk?

There are so many lovely green spaces in Edinburgh so the choice is difficult!  I love the Hermitage of Braids out in Morningside as well as the Water of Leith especially on a Sunday when the Stockbridge market is on. There’s nothing better than a wander around the shops as there are so many of dog friendly shops and cafes in Edinburgh.

If Edinburgh was a cake, what kind of cake would it be?

A Hummingbird Cake - Pineapple, Banana and Pecan with a cream cheese frosting.  I feel this cake sums up Edinburgh well as it’s a city full of colourful people and it’s a mish mash of cultures.

Describe Edinburgh in three words.

Intriguing. Ever-changing. Braw