Private tour in Edinburgh Andrew M

Ancient Scotland - Full Day Tour

5.0

(4) reviews

-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Andrew M.

5.0

Guide rating

23

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

My story - over 10 years ago I worked in construction. I hated it. I worked too many hours and was missing out on seeing my kids growing up. I was just never around. Then one day I fell from a roof and smashed my legs. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. After a couple of years I was out of the wheelchair and looking for work but no one would hire me. Frustrated, I said to my wife that I would sit on a checkout at the local supermarket if I had to. Exactly one week later a job came up at the local supermarket to sit at the checkout. I sat there for over a year just to prove to future employers that I could hold down a job. It was insanely easy with terrible pay but I was just putting my time in so I decided that I may as well have a laugh whilst I'm doing it. I had fun every day even though I was the ugliest checkout lady in the store, by a country mile. Eventually I began to receive excellent customer service reviews which I used to help me get a job selling tickets at Stirling Castle. (I really liked the funky tartan trousers they wore to work. ) I began to just soak up the history and stories of this magnificent place. I would natter away to customers about where to look for some really cool stories and stuff to see. I laughed a lot and had loads of fun every day. I was regularly given extra encouragement from the management to speed up my transaction time. It seems that I was telling too many stories! For all of the magnificence of the castle, the restorations, the preservation, the history, its' excellent presentation, the guides and the costumed guides; a helpful cashier called Andrew began to receive first class reviews on trip advisor. Not long after, the castle management asked me if I would like to be trained up as a guide. I jumped at the chance. I absolutely loved being a guide at Stirling Castle and injected heavy doses of fun and laughter into what was sometimes very serious and uncomfortable medieval history. Then the first class reviews starting rolling in from visitors who had either been on one of my guided tours or folk that I had told stories to or helped in some way personally. It was a joy. I loved every minute. I heard of a job with a company that needed a freelance driver/guide for all of Scotland. My first class reviews helped me to secure that position and now all of Scotland would become my playground. It also solved a rather large problem that had been plaguing me. I could now create the quality time that I needed to be a present father to my children in mind as well as body. Before long I had my own vehicle and the necessary insurances to begin creating and offering my own private tours. I recognise that all of my clients are on holiday and want a good time whilst exploring Scotland's history, food, music, shops, mountains, glens and lochs. I even know where the best toilets are! (More importantly, I know where the worst ones are). The really cool stuff in Scotland is just off the beaten path and I specialise in finding these extraordinary places. If I am not having a good time with you then I am not doing it right. I've always felt a great deal of responsibility towards my clients in ensuring that they have a world class experience in my country on what might be their trip of a lifetime to a destination that they have long had on their bucket list. I'll show up when I say I'll show up and we'll explore Scotland with sincerity, kindness, honesty, curiosity and laughter. I love my job. It's almost as if somebody up there loved me enough to shove me off that roof! Guide since 2016. None

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Andrew M.

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

Scotland can be a mysterious place where strange beliefs sat comfortably beside christianity. The ancient pagan habits endured in the Highlands long after christianity took root. On this tour we visit some sites where the lines between the christian and druidic faiths were at times, non existent. We will visit a sacred pool, a neolithic standing stone circle, a yew tree that is thousands of years old and a wee hill where a church minister once famously communed with the fairies; all whilst enjoying the magnificent backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. If you like stories, this could be the tour for you. Bring a small, biodegradable offering to stay on the faries good side!

Recent Reviews

Michael P.United States
September 2025

Really exceptional guide! We had an amazing day with Andrew seeing the Highlands and learning about things only an experienced local Scotsman could provide. He was timely, professional, funny and completely accommodating, has a great personality and we would hire him again for our next excursion. His "tastings" and the lunch were the added piste de résistance of our day! Incredible - get him while you can!

Amy B.
June 2025

Andrew was an amazing storyteller and guide. Not only was he knowledgeable about the sites, he entertained us with historical and interesting stories. He listened to our interests and added a stop to an additional site which we thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend using him for any upcoming tours.

Daniel S.United States
January 2024

Andrew was a terrific guide. Broad knowledge of Scottish ancient history delivered in engaging stories, awesome tour sites based on personal exploration, and spirited, enthusiastic personality. He was able to tailor our one-day excursion to the Highlands, fitting our interests and the time available. He was fun to be with and left us wanting to return with him to the Highlands and many other sites off the beaten path.

Robin S.United States
December 2023

Andrew told delightful stories about the region and it's old history. He was ver accommodating to our schedule and we would love to visit again.

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

- First we will head for the Highland Boundary Line. This will take 90 minutes if departing from Edinburgh or only 40 minutes departing from Stirling. - If weather allows, we take a little known mountain pass to Fortingall to visit a sacred yew tree that is thousands of years old. - Next we go to Killin to a rarely visited neolithic standing stone circle to ponder on the culture that built it and why. - Lunch could be had here at the excellent local smokehouse or at the next stop at an award winning cafe. - We then go forward in time to the 8th century and learn how the early christian missionaries made inroads on the wild pagan frontier by visiting a holy healing pool near Tyndrum. - For our last stop, we hurtle forward in time again to the 17th century and climb a fairy hill with a jaw dropping tale of a well respected christian man and his run in with the fairies. This tour is entirely customisable and can easily be altered to fit a tighter schedule for a shore excursion.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation

A luxurious Toyota Alphard. Extremely comfortable for five passengers with full legroom and great visibility. Explore Scotland in style.

What's included
Other
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Day Trip
City Highlights
Religious Sites
Tour reference number
1229084
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?

This private tour in Edinburgh is perfect for those who are fascinated by myths, legends, and folklore. If you enjoy stories and want to explore the mysterious side of Scotland, this tour is ideal. It's also great for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Andrew M. for deeper insights into the Highlands' history and culture.

Can this private tour in Edinburgh be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

Is this private tour in Edinburgh suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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