Private tour in Edinburgh Barney N

Private Tour from Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & a Whisky Distillery

5.0

(17) reviews

-
Hours icon 9 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 9 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Barney N.

5.0

Guide rating

60

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

I've been a tour guide and driver now for 15 years, and every time I take guests to the Highlands, or castle spotting, or whisky sampling, I'm reminded that I really do have the best job in the world, in the best place in the world to visit. And I'd like to share that with you. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2008 with a degree in history. While a student there, I worked as a walking tour guide of Edinburgh, and also co-founded the university's first ever comedy writing and performing society, known today as the Edinburgh Revue. These experiences helped me hone the art of storytelling in an entertaining and interesting way. If you tour with me, you'll certainly learn plenty about Scottish history (and a fair amount about geography, nature, whisky, architecture or almost anything else that interests you) but most importantly, you'll hopefully be entertained. You don't have to remember a single piece of information I give you on my tours, as long as you enjoy the stories along the way. Also, as I have 15 years experience of guiding around Scotland, please don't feel limited to the tours listed here. I can take you almost anywhere you want to go in Scotland and northern England, as long as we begin and end in Edinburgh. Feel free to drop me an email and ask about a personalised tour for you. So sit back in my luxury Mercedes minivan, relax, and let me show you some of what this amazing country has to offer. - Member of SITOA (Scottish Independent Tour Operators Association) - MA (Hons) in History from the University of Edinburgh - PGDE(S) in History from the University of Strathclyde (high school teaching diploma) - 15 years of professional guiding and driving around Scotland Maximum 6 passengers for 1 day tours, 4 for multiday tours As a member of SITOA, I can accompany you into most castles, but I can't actively guide inside any room where the castle has its own guides or actors.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Barney N.

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

Honestly, this is close to being a perfect way to spend a day in Scotland! We'll visit Stirling Castle, where I'll show you some of my favourite parts of the castle while also letting you explore by yourselves. For lunch, I'll take you to a great wee Scottish pub where I've been going with my family for years. My grandparents are buried close by, so it's a special place for me. Then I'll take you for a tour of a whisky distillery. Although my expertise is history, whisky is my passion. Whether you're a fellow connoisseur or a complete novice, let me share that passion with you.

Recent Reviews

Lauri K.United States
1 week ago

Barney was wonderful great knowledge of the area and a good sense of humor too

Steve D.United States
June 2026

Barney was exceptional! He is a wealth of information and a great presentation style. We had such a great day with him. Definitely the highlight of our trip. We would highly recommend!

Robert S.United States
April 2026

Great day, great tour. John knows his stuff and very easy going. We learned a lot and were equally entertained.

Kelly W.Canada
September 2025

Truly the perfect day with the perfect guide. From the moment I contacted Barney for a private tour to Stirling/Bannockburn, Kelpies and Falkirk wheel, he helped me plan the perfect day for my mom and myself. He went above and beyond my expectations. From the moment he picked up us to the moment he dropped us off, it was spectacular. The history and stories Barney told us was incredible and his way of telling the history brings it to life. You can picture everything. At the end of the day he even surprised us with a stop at Dean Village after I mentioned it was one place I didn’t get to see. If you are considering booking a tour with Barney, I can honestly say, you will be in the best hands. Don’t wait and book that tour, you won’t regret it!! Thank you Barney for the perfect day. My only regret was we didn’t get a picture with you as I forgot by the end of the day. My bad . 😏

Samuel S.United States
August 2025

Barney was a great guide. Steeped in Scottish history. Great experience all around. Thank you!

Ali W.United States
July 2025

We loved this tour! Our whole family really enjoyed the day with Barney and seeing more of Scotland while learning more about the history of this country. Barney was fun, professional, and very easy to work with, I highly recommend this tour!

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

- We leave your hotel in Edinburgh at 8:30am, taking a one hour drive to Stirling Castle. We'll spend at least an hour and a half here on an in-depth tour of the castle including its great hall, ramparts and royal palace - For lunch, we'll head to Loch Lomond, in a national park, where you'll be able to eat in a delightful pub beside the loch. - Finally, in the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take a tour and tasting at a Scotch malt whisky distillery before returning to your hotel for 6pm. At the distillery, you can either take a standard tour as part of a larger group or a specialised tour and tasting for a little more money. Depending on availability, the distillery tour may have to be in the morning rather than the afternoon. Please note this tour can be customised. Use the 'message guide' button to contact me for a customised tour.

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 / Category: Minivan

I can drive up to 6 guests in my luxury Mercedes V Class minivan. A/C is included, as is complementary Wi-Fi and chilled bottles of still and sparkling water.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Entry to Stirling Castle - 18.50 GBP per personDistillery tour and tasting - 21 GBP per person for a standard tour as part of a larger group with 2 tastings afterwards.For whisky connoisseurs, a 100 GBP per person option is available for a more in depth tour and a chance to mix your own whisky!
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Stirling Castle 18.50 GBP per person, Glengoyne Distillery 25 GBP per person
Meeting location

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Food And Drink
History
Tour reference number
1084187
Languages
English
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, whisky lovers, and those who enjoy exploring beautiful landscapes. With visits to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and a whisky distillery, it offers a rich cultural experience. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Barney N. for deeper insights.

What should I bring or wear?

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?

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

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 9 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 9 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

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