South Queensferry - Historic Town & Pier

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around South Queensferry's historic town and pier, with Detectives helping DCI Lauren Order investigate the disappearance of local businessman and Burryman Stephen Barr, and uncover who is behind the suspicious events around the town's ferry lifeline.

The investigation covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at The Binks car park, opposite the Police station, then work your way through the historic town, waterfront areas, harbour, pier and sea-view stretches before returning to The Binks car park.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route is mostly level, but there are some steps to negotiate, plus a narrow lane, a tarmac path, raised walkway sections and roadside walking.

Take great care in the harbour area because there are unfenced drops into water. The case also involves crossing roads and traffic lights, and walking alongside roads and near traffic, so keep Mini Detectives close while you gather the evidence.

Getting There

By car: Start the investigation at The Binks car park (EH30 9XW), opposite the Police station. If The Binks car park is busy, the Train Station (EH30 9JU) is an alternative option.

By public transport: Make your way to The Binks car park, opposite the Police station, to begin the case. The Trail is circular and ends back at the Binks car park.

Need the Loo?

Detectives can find toilets after Clue 09 and at the pier, giving you useful comfort-break opportunities as the waterfront evidence starts to stack up.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation, with a couple of important restrictions 🐾

Sniffer dogs are not allowed in the mosaic gardens (Clue 6), so one of your team will have to wait outside with them. Dogs should also be kept away from the harbour edge, especially as the harbour area has unfenced drops into water. The route includes roads, traffic lights, roadside walking, steps and raised walkway sections, so keep canine colleagues close throughout.

Food & Drink Stops

There are plenty of places for refreshments and to pick up snacks along the route, so your investigation team should be able to refuel as the case unfolds.

If you'd rather bring your own supplies, pack a picnic and enjoy it overlooking the sea at Clues 09-13.

Want to Make a Day of It?

The pier

The route takes in the pier and its sea views, making it a natural place to slow the pace once the clues have been checked. Toilets are available there too, so it is a handy waterfront pause during your South Queensferry case.

The Forth Railway Bridge

The 2.5 km (1.5 mile) Forth Railway Bridge was the world's first major steel bridge. With its gigantic girder spans of 521 m (1710 ft), it ranks as one of the great feats of civilization - a dramatic backdrop for any Detectives who like their evidence with engineering grandeur.

Queensferry Lifeboat Station

Located close to the Forth road and rail bridges, Queensferry Lifeboat Station has operated an inshore lifeboat since 1957. The latest station here was built in 2012, and the crews based here have been presented with three awards for gallantry to date.

Black Castle

Black Castle is Queensferry's oldest house, built by wealthy ship's captain William Lowrie. William's initials, along with those of his wife, Marion Speddie, were carved into the stone above the top windows, and can still be seen along with tools of William's trade.

The Burry Man

The Trail passes the museum area where The Burry Man appears beside it, tying in with the town's famous Burryman tradition. It is a fitting extra thread to follow, especially with Stephen Barr's suspicious disappearance at the heart of the case.