Tour guide in Edinburgh Clare M.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

English, French

Tours Delivered,
Since Apr 19, 2023

7.0

Hours, Avg. response time

I'm Clare M., your private tour guide in Edinburgh

Guide #58364

5.0 (5)

Born and raised in Scotland, my first taste of tour guiding was in fact during a summer spent as a bike and segway guide on the busy streets of Paris. That was over ten years ago now, and the guiding "bug" never really left me. I've since been an events executive for the tourist board, and an events planner, designing tours and events around Scotland. But I am happiest when I get to showcase my beautiful country first hand, while meeting interesting people from around the world. I've been guiding in Edinburgh since 2019, and a few years ago qualified as a Blue Badge Guide. I am now a member of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association, and qualified to guide throughout Scotland. Last summer I was able to take groups as far as the Isle of Skye, Inverness and the Isle of Iona. But I mostly enjoy offering tours of Edinburgh, having lived there for ten years, (and nearby for many more years). It's a city that never ceases to amaze me. Every area of the city has something different to offer, from the grandeur and impressive architecture of the New Town, to the history and hidden alleyways of the Old Town. There are breath-taking views at every corner, and incredible histories and myths to discover. It's a city that has inspired great philosophers, writers, and scientists. . . I hope it inspires you too. I love telling stories and visiting the main sights of Edinburgh, but I think it's important to showcase some hidden gems, and the local favourites too! I'm an Outlander and Harry Potter fan and enjoy linking this into some tours, if guests are interested. Similarly, I studied Scottish Literature as part of my degree, so am happy to tailor tours with a focus on that. On all my tours I like to strike a balance between past and present, history and humour, pointing out great architecture but great coffee shops too. But most of all I'll find a pace and balance that works for you! Qualified Blue Badge Guide and Member of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA) MA French and English Language - University of Glasgow Emergency First Aid at Work - last completed 2025 If you wish to have a tour of St Giles Cathedral, please note all groups of over 5 people need to book in advance. If you wish to have a tour of Edinburgh Castle, I am only permitted to guide in designated areas (not in the roofed areas).

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5.0

Traveller reviews for this guide

5 reviews

  • Ernest H.
    April 2024

    Very knowledgeable. Tours adapted to your needs and interests. Very good selection of sites visited. Excellent local interest. Very pleasant demeanor and very good information given. Helpful info and met on site. Very nice coffee break locations

    Replied from Clare M.

    Thank you Ernest, it was a pleasure to guide you and your party around Edinburgh. Your enthusiasm for the beauty of the city was really nice to see. Hope the rest of your tour around Scotland and its isles goes splendidly!

  • Ernest H.
    April 2024

    Very knowledgeable. Tours adapted to your needs and interests. Very good selection of sites visited. Excellent local interest. Very pleasant demeanor and very good information given. Helpful info and met on site. Very nice coffee break locations.

    Replied from Clare M.

    Thank you Ernest, it was a pleasure to guide you and your party around Edinburgh. Your enthusiasm for the beauty of the city was really nice to see. Hope the rest of your tour around Scotland and its isles goes splendidly!

  • Eric P.
    February 2024

    Clare is AWESOME! We had amazing time on our custom tour of Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile and Leith. Clare is friendly, knowledgeable and informative. Clare is a great storyteller and delivers history with a sense of humor and wit. Highly recommend Clare for your tour of Edinburgh, Leith and beyond.

    Replied from Clare M.

    Thank you Eric! It was such a pleasure to guide you all around Edinburgh and Leith. Hope the rest of your holiday goes well and that you can all manage another trip to Scotland soon!

  • Christinia W.
    December 2023

    We hired Tours By Locals for a tour of Edinburgh and Leith on June 19, 2023. Our guide was Clare, and she grew up in the Leith area and knew it like the back of her hand. We visited lots of fun, local, authentic places we would have never found on our own. Clare was engaging, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to spend a couple of hours with. At the end of the tour, Clare...

    Replied from Clare M.

    It was lovely to meet you Eric and Chris, and spend an afternoon in Leith with you. Thanks so much for the review, I'm glad you enjoyed the tour. Best wishes and hopefully see you in Scotland again!