Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Did we catch your eye during the 2026 World Cup? Or did you hear our lively Tartan Army first? Come and experience that warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

12 Must-visit historic towns in Scotland

Get ready to take a journey through some of the finest historic towns in Scotland.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Final countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Follow the King’s Baton Relay across Scotland as we countdown to 11 days of world-class action with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across 10 sports!

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Summertime in Scotland

Embrace long summer days in Scotland with plenty of experiences to enjoy from gentle coastal walks by the sea to festivals filled with local tunes, incredible art and hilarious comedy.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Edinburgh Old Town around Ramsay Garden, with layered stonework, rooflines and historic city character.

© Ross McDowell / Tartan Compass

Old Town Edinburgh

Private Edinburgh: Old Town, New Town and Hidden Layers

Private Edinburgh guiding shaped around the city’s streets, stories, viewpoints and quieter details, with Ross McDowell, a Professional Guide based in Edinburgh.

Explore Edinburgh privately with Ross McDowell, a Professional Guide based in the city.

This private walking experience can be shaped around the Old Town, New Town, closes, viewpoints, architecture, political history, literary connections, Enlightenment stories, trade, faith, family, migration and the everyday life of the city.

The day is not a fixed public route. Ross shapes the pace, focus and level of detail around the people travelling. The guiding style is warm, thoughtful and well paced, with fair context, practical judgement and a strong sense of place.

Suitable for private visitors, families, returning travellers and professional introducers looking for a more personal way to understand Edinburgh.



Price on Request


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

January — December

Contact details

Tartan Compass

Stuart Crescent
City of Edinburgh
United Kingdom
EH12 8XR

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh

Length

½ Day

Transport

  • Walking

Type

  • Bespoke
  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • History

Tour Stops

Tartan Compass

Tour company information

Tartan Compass

Tartan Compass offers private guiding in Scotland, led by Ross McDowell, a Professional Guide based in Edinburgh. Guided days are shaped around place, story, pace and the people travelling, with private city, walking and Scotland experiences available by enquiry.

Opening times

Monday: 09:00–18:00
Tuesday: 09:00–18:00
Wednesday: 09:00–18:00
Thursday: 09:00–18:00
Friday: 09:00–18:00
Saturday: 09:00–18:00
Sunday: By appointment

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Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Did we catch your eye during the 2026 World Cup? Or did you hear our lively Tartan Army first? Come and experience that warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

12 Must-visit historic towns in Scotland

Get ready to take a journey through some of the finest historic towns in Scotland.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Final countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Follow the King’s Baton Relay across Scotland as we countdown to 11 days of world-class action with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing across 10 sports!

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Summertime in Scotland

Embrace long summer days in Scotland with plenty of experiences to enjoy from gentle coastal walks by the sea to festivals filled with local tunes, incredible art and hilarious comedy.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.