Gains was an excellent guide. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him, touring New Town. Doing the tour by foot was an especially good way to see it and Gains's knowledge was extensive. We highly recommend him.
Private tour in Edinburgh Gains M
5.0
(7) reviews
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Gains M.
5.0
Guide rating
205
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Ever since I was a small boy, growing up in south-west Scotland, I have been fascinated by my country's history, landscape and culture. It has been a constant pleasure for me to show off the most beautiful city of the United Kingdom to new arrivals and reveal just some of its charms, secrets and unbelievable stories. Car and bus tours are all very well for getting a sense of Edinburgh but it's only through walking that travelers can really feel like they've fully experienced this truly unique city. I'm a keen traveler (I've spent a lot of time in the United States, Canada and continental Europe especially), therefore I understand the desire to make sure you make the most of your time while in a new place. My academic background has given me extensive knowledge of Scotland's history and culture but my guiding experience has also included Outlander themed tours as well as ghost tours which explore the darker side of Scotland's capital. I live in the city centre of Edinburgh and can meet you at centrally located hotels or at a convenient landmark. In 2015 I completed work on my PhD in Scottish history, I also hold an Undergraduate and Masters degree from the University of Aberdeen. I have built upon my extensive historical and cultural knowledge by using my research skills to find out about less known stories and events to incorporate them into my tour. Since January 2016 my primary job has been working as a tour guide in Edinburgh and have acquired a great deal of experience leading all sorts of tours.
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The story of how the New Town came to be is an endlessly fascinating one. Find out how the neighbourhood's eighteenth-century construction was a reaction to the squalor of the Old Town. On this tour discover the New Town's enthralling past in the company of an experienced guide with a PhD in Scottish history. Its revolutionary design still inspires architects and visitors today. Take in some absolutely stunning locations such as Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens and Dean Village. With Dean Village you feel like you're in a picturesque village in rural Scotland whereas you are in fact only a 5-10 minute walk from one of the busiest shopping streets in the country. One of the reasons I really enjoy doing this tour is it shows off the very best Edinburgh has to offer, historic architecture combined with unrivalled green space and scenery. I will make sure you leave with plenty of options as to places to eat and drink as well as further must do attractions to make sure you make the most of your stay.
Gains was an excellent guide. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him, touring New Town. Doing the tour by foot was an especially good way to see it and Gains's knowledge was extensive. We highly recommend him.
Gains was a terrific tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and friendly, and he told us lots of interesting things. He was well prepared and encouraged our questions. He adapted the schedule when we let him know we had some slow walkers in our group, and gave us good lunch recommendations. He clearly knows Edinburgh very well!
We recently visited Edinburgh for the first time and we booked Gains for 2 half day walking tours, one of the Old Town and one of the New Town. We found Gains to be a wonderful guide. He is extremely knowledgeable and was able to communicate well. We thoroughly enjoyed our tours and they met and even exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend Gains as a tour guide and would be happy to book with him on another trip to Scotland.
We had a great walking tour with Gains he was very informative and a pleasure to walk with. Would highly recommend taking this tour with Gains.
Gaines has a post doc in Scottish History and his knowledge and passion of the subject alone would make him an excellent guide. His sense of humor and easy manor make him a superlatively excellent guide.
This is a walking tour so these areas/buildings with be explored from the outside with plenty of opportunities for discussion and photos. The tour highlights we will visit will be: - Old Calton Hill Burialground - Calton Hill (Nelson Monument) - St Andrew Square - George Street - Heriot Row (R. L. Stevenson birthplace) - Stockbridge - Water of Leith - Dean Bridge - Dean Village - Well Court - Princes Street Gardens Feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this tour.
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Walking.
1 Princes Street, Scotland, Scotland, EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom
Outside main entrance to Balmoral Hotel
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