Private tour in Edinburgh Clare M

Discover Leith - Edinburgh's Coolest Neighbourhood

5.0

(1) review

-
Hours icon 1 hour 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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 1 hour 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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

Clare M.

5.0

Guide rating

7

Reviews

Tours delivered

17 hrs

Avg. response time

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).

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

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

Discover Leith, Edinburgh's coolest, up and coming neighbourhood. Recently voted one of the coolest places in the world by Time Out Magazine, the ancient port area of Edinburgh is undergoing some serious gentrification. This is the perfect tour to combine with a trip to The Royal Yacht Britannia - if you have booked tickets to the Yacht, let me know and I can make sure to begin or end the tour there. Go off the beaten path and see where Edinburgh locals come to escape the city centre. Explore its recent social history and how it inspired the cult novel and film Trainspotting. Discover why it may be Scotland's true home of golf. Find out why it has royal connections and an area known as King's Landing (not to do with Game of Thrones). And hear about its success as a port, and how it's reinventing itself today. Included in the tour will be a well-earned craft gin or beer from the area (or if it's too early, an artisan coffee)!

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

During this tour, we'll go off the beaten path to discover a real local neighbourhood: - The old buildings which inspired "Trainspotting" - Lamb's House - The Shore - Lind and Lime Distillery (exterior) - Kingslanding - Customs House The itinerary is flexible, for any changes please let me know.

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: Walking

This is a walking tour

What's included
Other: A craft beer or gin in Leith
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Public transportation, entrance fees, and any purchases of a personal nature are not included. Please note that viewing of and entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia is not included in this tour.
Public Transportation
Tastings
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Services
Accommodation
Private Transportation With Driver
Private Transportation
Tickets
Meeting location

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

By the Robert Burns statue on Constitution St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7BG. It is just beside the tram stop "The Shore". Alternatively I can meet you outside the Royal Yacht Britannia, or closer to the centre of town, or at your hotel reception - to organise just choose the customized tour option.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Off The Beaten Path
History
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
1106284
Languages
English
French
Activity level
Moderate

Traveller reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?

This private tour in Edinburgh is perfect for travellers who want to explore the vibrant and up-and-coming neighbourhood of Leith. It's ideal for those interested in local culture, history, and unique experiences off the beaten path. Whether you're a fan of the cult novel and film "Trainspotting," interested in Scotland's golfing history, or curious about royal connections, this tour offers something special. It's also a great choice for those who enjoy craft beverages, as it includes a local craft gin or beer.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

What languages is this tour offered in?

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

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 1 hour 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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 1 hour 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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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