Blue Badge

Qualified to Guide:

All of Scotland

Languages:

English

Driver Guide:

Yes

About Me

Hi. I'm John Shaw - an Irishman resident in Scotland for the last 45 years [some people would call it missionary work!], but like most converts I am passionate about promoting the wonderful country that has kindly taken me in. E mail me for a chat to see what sort of ways I can bring Scotland alive for you!

Resident in Edinburgh, I bring over 30 years of creative industries experience and expertise to providing very special and bespoke tours.

With an active interest in contemporary Scotland, I use the past to inform the present - and in an informative and engaging manner brings alive Scotland's story.

I am willing and able to guide anywhere in Scotland, as well as having a first hand knowledge of Ireland and many parts of N. England.

My particular areas of interest are landscape, history and people - with emphasis on cultural, sporting and contemporary Scotland.

'At times humorous, at other times the erudite lecturer, John was able to mix accurate, informative and fascinating detail into a broader narrative of Edinburgh's fascinating history–famous and infamous alike. The only drawback to the tour was that it had to end. Like a really, really good movie, you just wanted to rewind the show and start it all over again right away.'
Daniel Thornton 
Filmmaker/College Professor 
Seattle

Tour Types

  • Coach Tour
  • Conferences & Incentives
  • Driver Guided Tour
  • Shore Excursion
  • Walking Tour

Qualifications

MA[Hons] Geography, Trinity College Dublin

MSc Town & Country Planning, Heriot-Watt University

Graduate, Common Purpose Programme

Director, Tartan Umbrella Tourist Guides

Director, Theatre of Ideas - creative business planning and performance

Associate, The Cambridge Centre - brand strategy and business re-engineering

Co-founding Director - Fringe by the Sea, North Berwick

Former Board Member - Edinburgh International Film Festival

Mentor - Project Scotland & Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

Former Board Member - East Lothian Coastal Tourism Partnership

Contact John

Use this form to book this guide via our booking service.

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Additional Information

  • Guide Type: Blue Badge
  • Months Available: All Year
  • Type of car: Hired as required
  • Year Qualified: 2012

Clients' Testimonials

  • VisitScotland is delighted to recognise the Scottish Tourist Guides Association as the professional membership body for fully trained and accredited tourist guides in Scotland. STGA accredited guides are passionate ambassadors for Scotland and in providing our visitors with information and inspiration, help deliver a memorable experience for them.

  • Visit Scotland

    National Tourism Organisation for Scotland