Private tour in Edinburgh Ian A
5.0
(5) reviews
7 hours
1
7 hours
1
Ian A.
5.0
Guide rating
22
Reviews
Tours delivered
30 hrs
Avg. response time
I have a passion for my native country and love to tell stories, especially ones that bring alive our amazing history and landscape. Putting your trip into context, linking the places we visit with those you are familiar with, and taking you back in time to experience the atmosphere in days of yore. I am a more than fully qualified Scottish Tourist Guide Association Blue Badge Guide - having grown up on a farm in the Scottish Borders tending livestock and driving tractors from a young age, I have a countryman's eye for detail and knowledge of the landscapes and an in-depth understanding of the seasonal farming processes across Scotland. As a former naval aviator in the Royal Navy, I have a professional understanding of military history and enthusiasm for explaining the historical impact and significance of key battles and political events in Scotland. As an international corporate executive and Freeman of the City of London, I have been fortunate to see much of the world and experience multiple cultures. I use my knowledge gained outside Scotland to interpret the sights, sounds and history of this ancient land to those coming to Scotland from overseas. Between professional roles, I led an international overland expedition from Perthshire to Persia in a classic Range Rover. These days I offer guests the chance to tour in the comfort of a fully air-conditioned Land Rover Discovery 5 which combines luxury with the capability to explore areas off-limits and go further than other tours, travelling closer to sights of interest and often hidden parts of Scotland. My personal philosophy is "for better understanding" and my tours are designed to ensure you leave Scotland with happy memories and a better understanding and love of this beautiful country! Scottish Tourist Guides Association - Blue Badge Tourist Guide qualified to guide throughout Scotland Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS) None
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ian A.
Discover Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's crown jewels, stare over Scotland's capital to the Firth of Forth from the battlements, pose beside mighty Mons Meg cannon, listen for the one o'clock gun marking time. Tread the cobbles like Scottish Queens from Mary Queen of Scots to Queen Elizabeth, follow the path of King Charles III and his ancestors Charles I and II. Weave your way through the Old Town where history, life, death, heroism and mystery oozes out of all the aleyways, known as closes, used to bring Outlander to life. Process down the Royal Mile, pop inside the imperial crown-spire-topped St Giles Cathedral, the site of critical events in Scotland's tortured religious history. Contrast the narrowness of the medieval Old Town with the wide, planned streets of the New Town, famous for its splendid sandstone architecture. Marvel at skills of craftsmen long departed and the beauty of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Gaze out from Carlton Hill guided by a local to observe what is hidden.
Ian is an excellent tourist guide and a superb human being, we had a a fantastic day with him, he learn a lot od Scottish History and enjoy a lot with his stories. He really cares about his job, excellent recommendations ang great experience!!! We were late on arriving point and he was understanding and supportive which we all appreciated a lot.
Ian is an absolute gem! My family and I had an unforgettable experience with him as our guide in Scotland. His knowledge covers everything from geology and history to architecture and culture, and he effortlessly shared it all in engaging and fascinating ways. Ian’s warm and personable nature made us feel like we were exploring with a friend. He didn’t just show us the typical tourist spots but also took us to hidden gems we never would have discovered on our own. His recommendations for restaurants and activities were spot-on, making the rest of our trip just as delightful. We constantly wished Ian could join us for the entire vacation. His passion for Scotland and attention to detail truly elevated our experience. We can’t wait to return and tour with him again! If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Ian – it will be the highlight of your visit!
Excellent , personable,. Knowledge of Edinburgh, Scotland and history is superior tour of Britannia a must for visitors. Ian made it a memory we will it forget.
Ian was an outstanding guide! I don't know if we could have had a guide more knowledgeable about Scotland and its history. He took us wherever we wanted to go and in every spot he knew incredible details concerning the area. I would recommend Ian without reservation and will use him again the next time in Edinburgh!
Ian was a wonderful guide. He was very knowledgeable about Scotland and its history. We enjoyed our day with him very much. 😊
Each itinerary is unique to you, usually starting centrally with Princes Street, the classic exteriors of the National Gallery and artistic treasures within. Climbing upwards, across the Esplanade to enter the castle. Culturally and culinary nourished we descend the Royal Mile, from mighty castle to majestic palace, down the tail of a long-extinct volcano . Down to Grassmarket, and acoustically acclaimed Greyfriars Kirk, birthplace of religious ferment, its atmospheric graveyard home to Greyfriars Bobby and graves said to have inspired JK Rowling's Harry Potter characters. Past Scotland's historic parliament, Mercat Cross and City Chambers, into the Canongate with its Tollbooth, Kirk and period drama movie set closes. The new parliament building opposite the Palace of Holyroodhouse, its ruined abbey overshadowed by ancient Arthur's Seat and stunning Salisbury Crags dolerite rock dominating Holyrood park. But via Carlton Hill to the New Town whose architectural beauty still shines 250 years on.
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This is a walking tour of approximately 5 miles
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,Station: (Waverley Railway Station),ByGuide:
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7 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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