how to become a tour guide scotland

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Scottish Tourist Guides Association

The Scottish Tourist Guides Association provides trained and accredited tour guides to help you enjoy your time in Scotland.

The Scottish Tourist Guides Association professionally trains and accredits tour guides so that they can offer a range of visitor experiences across Scotland.

From coach tours to walking tours, corporate days out and driver guiding, the Blue Badge or Green Badge Guides offer a great experience.

Each accredited guide brings a host of different skills ranging from languages to specialist areas of interest, they are excellent communicators and able to share their in-depth knowledge of Scotland with you.

With so much to see and do, ranging from history and arts and architecture, castles and culture to enjoying spectacular scenery, sports and wildlife, you can rest assure that STGA Guides can invigorate any travel itinerary.

As a membership association and accrediting body for all professional tourist guides in Scotland, the STGA are well placed to match the best guide to your needs.

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What does it take to become a Professional Tourist Guide in the Scottish Highlands

Many things look easy at first sight, but when you try it, it becomes a different story. Over the last weekend 9 daring tourist guide students took their practical assessment. I was fortunate to see them perform after they had completed a one-year course to become STGA Green Badge Guides for the Northern Highlands.

They applied their knowledge and showed their guiding skills whilst conducting a walking tour of Inverness (the capital of the Scottish Highlands), a coach tour along the Great Glen and guided their group at the sites of the Culloden Battlefield and Urquhart Castle.

Did they bring Scotland’s heritage alive? Did they communicate the fragility and uniqueness of the places we visited? Did they tell the stories of the people who inhabited the Highlands in the past and who are living here now? Did they look after our safety and comfort? Did they make us see, understand and appreciate what we where looking at? Do they embrace the business ethics and approaches required by a professional tourist guide? These are the difficult questions we assessors face. How can you capture the art of guiding? Over the 60 years of its existence the Scottish Tourist Guides Association has developed Standard of Performance, which govern the work of their members at all levels – whether Yellow, Green or Blue Badge.

Back at the desk now, full of experiences, it remains for me and my colleagues to record and evidence what we have seen. Check back in a wee while if you want to know more … .

Viola Lewis, STGA Accredited Trainer for Tourist Guides

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Explore Scotland with us

Create memories that last a lifetime, welcome to scotland your way.

Scotland Your Way provides an exclusive, personal tour guiding service for those looking to explore Scotland.

Although based in the historic and vibrant town of St Andrews, Fife, Bo is fully qualified to guide across the whole of Scotland, including the furthest-flung corners of the mainland and the many islands lying just offshore.

Scotland has so much to offer – whether your preference is for cities, countryside, castles or culture, there is something for everyone here!

We would love to work with you to create a tour just for you, and to introduce you to the country we know so well and feel so passionately about.

Having Bo as your driver-guide will allow you to encounter the history, culture and character of Scotland first-hand, immersing yourself in the spirit of Scotland and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Eric and Bo Fraser

Experience Scotland, Your Way

Jeniffer, Tennesee

“Bo is a remarkable bespoke tour guide. We spent two days with her this March travelling through her ‘back yard.’ Rather than visit some of the most famous sites of the area, we wanted to see the hidden places, the quieter streets, and places that don’t garner as much attention in tour books. Her knowledge of the area is outstanding as is her ability to teach and talk about anything. We have travelled a fair amount - Bo sets the bar very high.”

What Scotland has to offer

Scotland Your Way is looking forward to curating a private, guided tour that entirely suits your personal tastes and interests. This may be anything from a half-day tour of St Andrews’ golf courses and historic buildings to a full- or multi-day excursion around the Scottish mainland and islands. Whatever you choose, we will tailor a unique experience that ensures you can explore and experience Scotland’s diverse regions, culture and cuisine in a way that works for you.

Be inspired, educated and entertained by your fully-qualified Blue Badge Guide, Bo Fraser, who will personally escort you through the breathtaking landscapes, picturesque towns and vibrant cities for which Scotland is renowned. Her knowledge and experience ensure that every tour will be unforgettable.

We are proud to provide an eco-friendly service, ensuring all our Scottish tours are sustainable and respectful of the environment. We use hybrid vehicles and plant trees for every tour we run, are always mindful of our environment and will guide you responsibly through every aspect of your visit.

Scotland is a country fortunate to have many well-known, dramatic locations but Scotland Your Way also take roads that are less well-travelled. These let you discover more of its ‘hidden’ charms and visit places where you can get an appreciation of its true nature and character.

Every tour is designed around you and each is unique. Whatever draws you to Scotland – and this might include our history, scenery, amazing food or your own family connections – please let us know. We can then start creating an itinerary that satisfies your wishes and curiosity, providing experiences and memories that will remain with you forever.

Bo & Eric

Born and raised in St Andrews, Bo pursued her education at Edinburgh University before embarking on a fulfilling career in nursing.

​Following husband Eric around the world allowed Bo to explore and immerse herself in diverse cultures and experiences, giving her a unique perspective on her current career as a tour guide.

Bo is an avid golfer, loves cooking and has a keen interest in history. Having worked for two years to become a Blue Badge Guide, Bo is now an established member of the Scottish Tourist Guide Association.

Originally from Inverness, Eric is a true Highlander! His distinguished career in the Royal Navy saw him serve in many far-flung regions around the world.

Before retirement in 2014, Eric served as the Naval Attache in Washington DC. He then went on to become Scotland’s inaugural Veterans Commissioner, a testament to his experience and dedication to the broader military community.

Eric loves fly fishing and is also a keen golfer. His life story is a tapestry of travel, public service and passion for Scotland. Eric is the master of logistics in Scotland Your Way.

Get ready 

Start your journey today! We’re aware that planning your visit may take many months. Read our blogs to discover how to get the most out of your visit to  Scotland.

Give us a call or send a message - we’d be delighted to hear from you and promise to make sure that your private tour guide experience will become a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.

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+44 (0)7813 830698

Guided tours of Scotland with Susan Brown

Professional tours of.

Create your memories of Scotland with Susan Brown, Blue Badge Tour Guide.

The Hermitage, Dunkeld, Perthshire

The Forth Rail Bridge, Edinburgh

For you, your family or your group.

Come on a city walking tour, or book me for a day or multiple days as your driver guide or guide on a coach for larger groups. I work with you to get the itinerary & pace perfect for your requirements. Get in touch to discuss your tailor-made tour of Scotland.

Scotland is made up of diverse characters, events and folklore which I bring to life through the stories I tell, keeping you on the edge of your seat and leaving you wanting to hear more!

Connections

Part of having a fabulous vacation is connecting with local people and hearing about life in Scotland first hand. Scots are very friendly and happy to talk to anyone!

I can introduce you to a wide range of craftspeople, artists and artisans and also suggest the best pubs to listen to music in and strike up conversations with the locals.

“She enjoys what she does and her expertise of the history of Scotland comes through. I highly recommend touring with Susan”

Google review

“She goes above and beyond both before and during her tours to make sure that guests get the most out of their tour experience.”

Your expert

I am a Blue Badge Scottish Tourist Guide which means that I am qualified to guide across Scotland. I tour in English and French and work with groups, special interest tours, media & tour operator familiarisation trips and corporate hospitality. Get in touch to find out how I can enhance your trip.

Your guide, Susan Brown

scotlandtourguide

Scottish #bluebadgetouristguide. Experience Scotland with me as your #tourguide. Member of @eyesonscotland @stgaguides @guide.collective

TOURED WITH SUSAN? LEAVE A REVIEW!

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• Home: Explore careers

Tourist guide

Alternative titles for this job include tour guide, blue badge guide.

Tourist guides show visitors around places of interest like cities, historic buildings and art galleries.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

28 to 30 seasonal

You could work

freelance / self-employed flexibly

How to become

How to become tourist guide.

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• a college course
• volunteering
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

You could do a travel and tourism qualification like:

• Level 2 Certificate in Travel and Tourism
• Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism

This will give you an insight into the tourist industry and help you develop some of the skills to work as a tourist guide.

Having a language like French, German, Italian or Spanish, or a history qualification can also be useful for this type of role.

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• search for courses
• funding advice
• equivalent entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You may be able to gain some of the skills needed in this role through apprenticeships like:

• Level 2 Customer service practitioner
• Level 3 Event assistant
• Level 3 Cultural learning and participation officer

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering

Organisations like the National Trust and English Heritage offer opportunities to gain experience as a tour guide through volunteering.

Direct Application

Many people become tourist guides as a second career, for example teachers who want to work during school holidays or actors who need work between acting roles.

If you have customer service, teaching or language skills or you have experience of working with people, you may be able to apply directly.

Other Routes

You can do 3 levels of training to get a tour guide badge:

• level 2 - white badge
• level 3 - green badge
• level 4 - blue badge

You can apply to local tourist guide associations for training, or major tourist attractions that run their own schemes.

Guide London offers blue badge training, which usually takes around 18 months, and some heritage organisations, like York Minster , have their own training courses.

Career tips

An outgoing and friendly personality, plus being able to speak a second or third language, will give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Experience of dealing with the public and giving presentations will also help.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a guide from the Institute of Tourist Guiding .

What it takes

Skills and knowledge.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• sensitivity and understanding
• an interest and knowledge of history
• a good memory
• knowledge of English language
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

What you'll do, day-to-day tasks.

In this role you could:

• guide people around a castle, gallery, historic house or garden
• escort groups of tourists around a site
• give information about the history, purpose and architecture of a site
• accompany groups on day tours to a number of places of interest
• answer questions and suggest other places to visit
• organise or arrange for additional trips and visits

Working environment

You could work at monuments and castles, in a museum, at an art gallery or in parks and gardens.

Your working environment may be physically active, outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

With experience you could work for a tour operator as a regional tour supervisor or manager.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships in england, customer service apprentice.

• Wage: £12,480 to £22,308 a year Annually
• Location: 3-4 Morgan Way, Bowthorpe Employment Area, Norwich

Apprentice Customer service Parts Advisor

• Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
• Location: CONGRESBURY, BRISTOL

Courses In England

Travel & tourism applied diploma.

• Provider: VARNDEAN COLLEGE
• Start date: 09 September 2024
• Location: Brighton

Level 2 Travel & Tourism

• Provider: BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE
• Location: Burton on Trent

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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• Tour Guide Job (Scotland) /

Are you passionate about Scotland’s culture, history and stories? Do you want to connect visitors with the best wee country in the world? Can you bring Scotland’s story to life? If so then read on…

We’re looking for tour guides to join us to bring the unique Experienced Tours formula to more visitors to Scotland. We pride ourselves on an excellent level of service and a consistent product that customers have repeatedly rated 5 stars.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and feel you can contribute to our continued success and growth, get in touch with us below.

Private Tour Guide job (Edinburgh)

What’s the role?

We’re looking for outgoing, enthusiastic and passionate tour guides to join our small team in Edinburgh to provide day trips and occasional multi-day tours of Scotland. You will provide a connection to the best of Scotland, bringing our long history to life through storytelling, anecdotal information and by explaining quirks of personalities and events that have happened over the years.

Our clients are typically from North America. They’re well travelled and have a passion for knowledge that they gain from connecting with places and people. They expect a relaxed but high level of service and are typically friendly and down to earth.

No two days are ever the same and you are encouraged to tailor their tour to their interests.

What we do?

Experienced Tours offers a premium level of service with passionate tour guides. Our consistent and different approach to the experience has won us a constant 5-star award on Tripadvisor and we are very proud of that!

A typical day will include a visit to one or more castles (like Stirling), stops at viewpoints or points of interest, will typically include a lunch stop and include various Instagram-worthy photo opportunities along the way. You will be with the client for most of the day and it’s a great environment to really make a connection and get to know your guests.

What you should bring

• You’ll be outgoing, friendly and able to connect with guests
• You’ll have a great knowledge of Scotland’s past, present and future
• You’ll need to be an excellent driver, showing professionalism and patience behind the wheel
• You’ll be able to tell Scotland’s story without showing bias, especially relating to religion and politics
• You’ll be flexible in your approach, no two tours are ever the same!
• You’ll have excellent timekeeping and have a neat, professional appearance

What we’ll provide

• You’ll get full training which includes familiarisation trips on our most popular tours, relative to your experience
• We’ll provide a shared tour van (and all the associated kit & overheads like fuel)
• We’ll provide a relaxed uniform that includes a kilt
• You’ll get ongoing support and be part of a small team

Good to know

• You will be expected to provide an end-to-end service which includes guiding your clients through historic sites
• There will be a requirement for some weekend work and occasional overnights away
• Typically 8 hours on tour, 4 days a week
• Minimum age 25 (for insurance reasons)
• Non-smokers only please
• 2 years previous guiding experience required
• Successful candidates will be disclosure checked and DVLA checked

What are the benefits

• £ strong / day freelance rate
• Annualised performance bonus
• Client tips that are yours to keep

SOUND LIKE THE PERFECT JOB FOR YOU? GET IN TOUCH!

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• Travel Destinations

How Much Do You Tip A Tour Guide In Scotland?

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Taryn Rigby

• Budget Travel
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to bonnie Scotland, a land renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. As you traverse this picturesque country, you may find yourself wondering about the appropriate etiquette for tipping your tour guide. Tipping practices can vary from country to country, and Scotland is no exception. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when tipping a tour guide in Scotland, the average tipping rate, alternative options, cultural norms and expectations, as well as personal preferences and budgets.

Scotland is a popular destination for tourists eager to discover its majestic castles, explore the rugged highlands, and indulge in its world-famous whiskey. Tour guides play a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience, providing valuable insights, historical knowledge, and local anecdotes. Tipping is often seen as a way to express appreciation for their services, but it is important to understand the customs and expectations surrounding tipping in Scotland.

While tipping is not obligatory in Scotland, it is still customary to show gratitude for exceptional service. However, the amount to tip and the decision to do so ultimately depends on your personal discretion and the quality of the tour experience.

So, let’s delve into the various factors to consider when deciding how much to tip your tour guide in Scotland.

Factors to consider

When determining how much to tip your tour guide in Scotland, there are several factors to take into consideration:

• Service quality: Consider the level of service provided by your tour guide. Did they go above and beyond to ensure your enjoyment and satisfaction? Were they knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating? If you had a remarkable experience, you may want to show your appreciation with a generous tip.
• Group size: The size of your tour group can influence your decision. If you are in a smaller group, the guide may have more opportunities to interact with each individual and provide a personalized experience. Conversely, if you are part of a larger group, the guide may have less one-on-one interaction. In such cases, you might consider a lower tip amount.
• Duration of the tour: Longer tours may require more effort and energy from the guide. If you participated in a full-day or multi-day tour, you could take into account the extra dedication and time spent by the guide when determining your tip amount.
• Extra services: Did your guide provide any additional services or go out of their way to make your experience extra special? For example, did they arrange transportation, recommend local attractions, or assist with any special requests? Taking these extra efforts into account can help guide your tipping decision.
• Tour price: Consider the overall cost of the tour when determining your tip amount. If the tour was expensive, you may want to allocate a higher tip budget. On the other hand, if the tour was budget-friendly, a smaller tip amount might be more appropriate.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision on the appropriate amount to tip your tour guide in Scotland. However, it is important to note that tipping is ultimately voluntary, and you should never feel obligated to tip if you did not receive satisfactory service.

Average tipping rate

When it comes to tipping tour guides in Scotland, there is no hard and fast rule regarding the exact amount. Tipping practices can vary depending on personal preferences and the circumstances of each tour. In general, a common guideline is to tip around 10-15% of the total cost of the tour as a way to show your appreciation.

For example, if you participated in a day tour that cost £100, a tip of £10-£15 would be considered reasonable. However, it’s important to consider the factors mentioned earlier, such as the quality of service and the overall satisfaction of the experience, when deciding whether to tip more or less.

It’s worth noting that some tour companies may include a service charge or gratuity as part of the initial tour cost. In such cases, tipping may not be necessary, but you can still consider leaving a small extra amount to acknowledge exceptional service.

Keep in mind that this is just a general guideline and tipping is ultimately discretionary. If you feel that the service was exceptional or if you had an outstanding experience, you might choose to tip more generously. Alternatively, if you feel that the service did not meet your expectations, you may opt not to tip at all.

Ultimately, the decision on the tipping amount should be based on your personal satisfaction with the tour and the level of service provided. It’s important to remember that tipping is a way to express gratitude and appreciation, so choose an amount that reflects your overall satisfaction and appreciation for the tour guide’s efforts.

Alternative options

While tipping is a common practice to show appreciation for tour guides in Scotland, it’s important to note that it is not the only way to acknowledge their efforts. If you prefer not to give a monetary tip or if it is not feasible for you, there are alternative options to consider:

• Write a positive review: One of the most valuable forms of appreciation for a tour guide is a positive review. Take some time to share your experience on review platforms, such as TripAdvisor or Google Reviews. Highlight the guide’s knowledge, professionalism, and any standout moments from the tour. By doing so, you can help generate more business for the guide and show your gratitude in a meaningful way.
• Recommendations and referrals: If you were impressed with your tour guide’s services, consider recommending them to friends, family, or fellow travelers who may be visiting Scotland in the future. Word-of-mouth can be a powerful tool, and your personal recommendation can help the guide gain more clients and business opportunities.
• Show genuine appreciation: A simple thank you note or a verbal expression of gratitude can go a long way in showing your appreciation. Take a moment to personally thank your tour guide at the end of the tour. Let them know how much you enjoyed the experience and their contribution to making your visit to Scotland memorable.
• Be an engaged participant: Show your appreciation by actively participating in the tour. Ask questions, show interest in the guide’s explanations, and interact with fellow tour members. This engagement not only makes the tour more enjoyable for everyone but also demonstrates your appreciation for the guide’s efforts.

Remember, while tipping is a common practice, it is not the only option to show appreciation. Find a method that aligns with your personal preferences and makes you feel comfortable in expressing your gratitude for a memorable tour experience.

Cultural norms and expectations

When it comes to tipping tour guides in Scotland, it’s important to understand the cultural norms and expectations surrounding gratuities. Unlike some other countries, tipping is not deeply ingrained in Scottish culture, and service charges are often included in the total bill. However, there are still some general expectations to consider:

Restaurants and cafes: In restaurants and cafes, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip if you received good service. Leaving 10% of the total bill as a tip is considered generous, but it is not mandatory. If a service charge is already included, tipping is not necessary unless you want to show extra appreciation.

Tour guides and transportation services: In the case of tour guides and transportation services, tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. As mentioned earlier, a tip of around 10-15% of the total cost of the tour is generally considered a reasonable amount to express appreciation for their services. However, it’s important to consider the factors discussed earlier, such as the level of service and overall satisfaction, when deciding on the tipping amount.

Hotel staff and other service providers: When it comes to hotel staff, such as bellmen or concierge, a small tip of a few pounds per service is appreciated but not mandatory. Other service providers, such as taxi drivers or luggage porters, may also appreciate a small tip as a token of gratitude.

It’s worth noting that while tipping is not mandatory in Scotland, it is considered a generous gesture when you have received exceptional service. However, it’s important to gauge the situation and use your discretion. If the service falls short of expectations, you may choose not to tip or leave a smaller amount.

Furthermore, it’s always recommended to check your bill carefully to ensure that a service charge is not already included. If a service charge is included, you may still choose to leave an additional tip to show extra appreciation for outstanding service.

Understanding the cultural norms and expectations regarding tipping in Scotland will help you navigate these situations with confidence and respect for local customs.

Personal preferences and budgets

When it comes to tipping tour guides in Scotland, it’s important to consider your own personal preferences and budget. While there are general guidelines for tipping, ultimately, the decision on how much to tip should align with your comfort level and financial circumstances.

If you had an exceptional tour experience and feel that the guide went above and beyond, you may choose to tip more generously. On the other hand, if your budget is tight or you did not feel that the service warranted a large tip, it is perfectly acceptable to tip a smaller amount or not at all.

It’s crucial to remember that tipping is a voluntary act of appreciation, and you should never feel obligated to tip if you do not feel it is warranted. Your tour guide may appreciate other forms of gratitude, such as a positive review or recommendations to others.

Additionally, consider the overall cost of your trip and the expenses you have already incurred. If you have allotted a significant portion of your budget for the tour itself, you may want to adjust your tip amount accordingly. The most important thing is to be considerate of your own financial situation and not put yourself in a difficult position by tipping beyond your means.

Ultimately, the decision on how much to tip should be based on a combination of your personal satisfaction, the level of service you received, and your own financial circumstances. It’s important to feel comfortable with the amount you choose to tip, knowing that it reflects your appreciation for the tour guide’s efforts.

Remember, tipping is a personal choice, and as long as you are respectful and grateful for the service provided, you can feel confident in the decision you make.

When it comes to tipping tour guides in Scotland, there are several factors to consider, including service quality, group size, duration of the tour, extra services provided, and the overall tour price. While there is no fixed rule for tipping, a common guideline is to tip around 10-15% of the total tour cost as a way to show appreciation.

However, tipping is ultimately discretionary, and it’s important to consider your own personal preferences and budget. If you prefer not to give a monetary tip, there are alternative options such as writing a positive review, recommending the tour guide to others, showing genuine appreciation, or being an engaged participant during the tour.

Understanding the cultural norms and expectations surrounding tipping in Scotland is essential. While not mandatory, tipping is appreciated for exceptional service. It is important to gauge the situation, use your discretion, and check if a service charge is already included in the bill.

Lastly, remember to consider your own personal preferences and financial circumstances when deciding on the tipping amount. Tipping should reflect your satisfaction with the tour experience and should not put you in a difficult financial position.

In the end, whether you choose to tip or not, the most important thing is to express your gratitude and appreciation for the tour guide’s efforts in making your visit to Scotland memorable. Enjoy your time exploring the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture that this beautiful country has to offer!

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 Edinburgh Tour Guides

We are a family run tour company that prides itself on providing private tours of Edinburgh and Scotland. With your time in Scotland we will show you the best views, locations and landmarks. All while providing historical background of Scotland and making each trip individual.

Every tour we operate is unique. From a Day Trip from Edinburgh to an Outlander Experience Tour or to a Multi-Day Tour of Scotland . Each experience is different, however we guarantee to make your trip memorable.

Our private premium service includes knowledgeable local tour guide, bottled water and hotel pick up and drop off.

Make sure to check our gallery to see more of what we do! We look forward to taking you on a tour with us soon.

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Provided by our sister company Hidden Scotland

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Build your own customised tour of scotland with us., let us help you plan your trip of a lifetime. we can help plan your tour, recommend accommodation and more. email us today..

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Scotland Guided Tours & Trips

• Choose from 200+ Scotland tours
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10 best fully guided Scotland tour packages

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2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)

5 day skye & highland fling, jacobite steam train & the great glen, 3 day isle of skye, isle of skye and the highlands, scotland by train 2025 - edinburgh start, country roads of scotland (classic, 9 days), best of scotland (winter, 7 days), outer hebrides & skye explorer - 6 days.

“It was fantastic, great commentary from Murray our driver, it was truly amazing!” Marion O'Brien, traveled in July 2024

• In-depth Cultural
• Clava Cairns & Culloden Battlefield: Walk the historic battlefield and learn more about the Jacobite Rebellion.
• Doune Castle: Explore the historic castle, which you may know as Castle Leoch
• Black Ness Castle: The ship that never sailed, which featured in Outlander, standing in for Fort William

“The ceilidh in a local pub in Oban was a lot of fun too! If you've never been to Scotland before, it's the perfect way to see a lot of the country in a short space of time.” Katherine Pringle, traveled in August 2024

• Admire the scenic beauty of remarkable Glen Coe
• Learn all about the fight for independence
• Hunt for Nessie and get your first glance of Highland life

“great time had by my wife and me.” Trevor Hutchings, traveled in September 2018

• Train & Rail
• The Hogwarts Express: Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and join one of the world's most scenic railway journeys
• Loch Ness: Monster spot from the shore
• Mallaig: Explore the coastal village with views to the Isle of Skye

“Got to see amazing things and will never forget this trip. Thank you for showing me around your beautiful country!” Sophie Hooley, traveled in August 2024

• Coach / Bus
• Explore Scottish Highlands and admire its scenery
• Soak up the vibes, sights and sounds of Scotland
• Learn about the emotive history of the Culloden Battle

“Interesting material.” Sterling Levy, traveled in October 2023

• Stroll through historic Inveraray by Loch Fyne
• Explore Edinburgh's UNESCO-listed center
• Boat tour on Loch Ness and see Urquhart Castle

“The locations we went to were out of this world and the B&B was amazing as well.” Brooke Hardt, traveled in February 2024

• Christmas & New Year
• Enjoy the greatest railway journey in the world (Mid April – Mid Oct)
• Spot Nessie as you explore the shores of Loch Ness
• Hear the legends of the Isle of Skye and admire the views

• Discover Inverness and its museum highlights
• Ride the Jacobite train to the Isle of Skye
• Tour Glasgow and taste whisky at Glengoyne

“It has a fast but comfortable pace, allowing us to experience both large and small cities, and many historical sites along the way.” Anne Thompson, traveled in August 2023

• Spot the legendary monster at Loch Ness
• Visit the home of 'Chariots of Fire', West Sands Beach
• Gaze in awe at the magnificence of the Grampians

“Knowledgeable, personable and hard working. They made everyone feel welcome and safe.” Gregory Thompson, traveled in December 2023

• Explore the mystical lanes of Edinburgh
• Visit St. Andrews and the Scottish Highlands
• Sample whisky at a traditional distillery

“A lovely trip which is well organized. Enjoyed the companionship of the friendly tour mates 😊” MUI KWAN CHEN, traveled in July 2024

• Sightseeing
• Glencoe - Soak up the stunning mountain views and learn about the tragic and famous massacre that took place here in 1692
• Scottish Highlands - Uncover some of the UK's best scenery as you traverse coastal roads, pass mountains and native pine forests
• Loch Ness - Hunt for 'Nessie', the mythical beast believed to dwell in the dark waters of Scotland's most famous loch

More about Scotland

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Scot Tour Guide

Your tour, your wishes - from magnificent panoramas, castles and wildlife to retracing

ancestors footsteps,  from deep geological time to fine whisky, literature and architecture

• 01786 447 784
• [email protected]
• 01786 451 953
• [email protected]

STGA Guide Fees

All guides that are members of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association are self-employed, with all terms and conditions and tour rates set by individuals.

We understand that when planning your trip to Scotland, you are travelling to a budget so we have given indicative rates below.

These rates are for guidance only, representing the typical rates that you may be charged for different types of tours. These indicative rates are for guiding only and does not include any travel expenses, accommodation, meal expenses, travel time or entrance to paid venues. 

The quote that you will be given will vary depending on your specific needs.

There are multiple factors that can affect the price of a tour:

• The number of people in the party
• The extent of itinerary planning required
• Unsociable/extended hours
• The size and type of vehicle
• The duration of the tour
• The distance to be covered

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Shore Excursions

• Multi-Day Tours
• 07801354512
• [email protected]

scotland's best private tour company

Experience a fun and friendly tour with our guides.

Tour Guide Scotland offer a range of private tours of Scotland which are perfectly tailored to your individual interests. From shore excursions and full day tours exploring Scotland's castles and historic sites or sampling its renowned Whisky to multi-day tours of the entire country allowing you to take in its stunning natural landscapes and immerse yourself in all that Scotland has to offer from its culture, history, food & drink, wildlife and amazing scenery with an exclusive private tour.

5-7 Day Tours

Speyside whisky tours, orkney tours from edinburgh, experience scotland in luxury with a private tour.

A Private tour of Scotland is a great way to explore the country and experience its rich history, culture and natural beauty. Because our tours are tailored specifically to you, they offer a flexible and personalised way to travel, allowing you to customise your itinerary and travel at your own pace.  

We have a great range of ready-made tours that you can choose from, or we’d love to work with you to design a tour that includes the places and activities that are most important to you. This could include visiting famous places like Edinburgh or Stirling Castle, taking a whisky tasting tour of the Speyside region, or simply exploring the rugged Highlands and Islands.

Our private tours offer you a more personal and intimate experience of Scotland, with the opportunity to learn from a knowledgeable and experienced guide who can share insights and stories about the places visited, providing you with a deeper understanding of Scottish history and culture.

We also offer more specialised tours, such as genealogy tours that help you trace your Scottish roots, or, if you are a fan, how about a tour focused on Outlander or any other specific themes.

Whether you are coming to Scotland from foreign parts by boat, train or plane, or you are simply popping over the border we will arrange for you to be picked up in your own private use minibus with your dedicated driver from a location of your choice before whisking you off on your Scottish adventure.

You could find yourself touring through the Scottish Highlands on route to the Isle of Skye for a fabulous sightseeing tour, or, if you are an Outlander fan, we can take you on a tour that covers some of the most memorable locations of Outlander as well as take you to some of Scotland’s most important historical and iconic places such as Glencoe and Culloden on our fabulous 7 Day Tour of Scotland .

Alternatively, if Whisky is your passion, we can offer you a full 7 day tour covering all of Scotland’s main distilleries , or, for a more intensive look at specific areas renowned for whisky production, you may prefer to immerse yourself in one of our Speyside Whisky Tours or set off for one of the islands famous for Whisky, with a 5 day Islay Whisky tour .  Whatever your taste in Whisky we have a tour to delight your tastebuds.

This is your holiday, so it is important to us to make sure that the whole experience is personal to you, that’s why we make sure that the only passengers travelling with you are your companions.

There are many benefits to taking a private tour of Scotland with us, including personalisation and flexibility, which means you get the opportunity to design your own unique travel experience and when you leave, you’ll have some great memories to take home with you.

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