Although my home has now been Edinburgh for many years I was born and bred in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, a region steeped in myth, mystery and history. Inverness is just 6 miles from the famous Loch Ness with its much loved monster and 3 miles from Culloden, site of the last battle in the British Isles which shattered the dreams of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites and marked the downfall of the Highland Clans.
After studying at Glasgow University I worked abroad for many years teaching in France and the Middle East and found experiencing different cultures gives you a greater appreciation of your own country's culture. I returned to Scotland teaching courses in the rapidly developing field of computer network technologies and also setting up and managing networks and servers in central Scotland. At the same time I was also able to develop my passion for Scotland's past giving guided tours of the National Museum of Scotland and of Edinburgh's old town.
I now live in Edinburgh and it's a great privilege to show visitors round this historic city. The old town with its iconic castle perched atop the craggy remnants of a volcano and The Royal Mile meandering down to the renaissance Holyrood Palace is a must see for any visitor. Together with the splendour of the 18th century Georgian New Town they make up Edinburgh's World Heritage Site.

Land Rover driver guided tours
Most of my tours are private driver guiding around Edinburgh and into the Highlands. My car is a Land Rover Discovery SUV which has the best combination of comfort, luxury and spaciousness while being sturdy enough to cope with the rugged terrain of the Highlands. It can take 5 people (including myself) with plenty space for luggage. Alternatively for 1 day trips from Edinburgh without luggage it has an extra 2 adult seats allowing for 7 people including myself. All tours are customizable but typical tours are below:
1 day driver guided tour of Edinburgh 
This maximizes Edinburgh highlights that can be seen in 1 day. As well as seeing central Edinburgh highlights like Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile, the medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, traveling by car lets us easily visit parts of Edinburgh outwith the centre such as the hidden Village of Dean, Edinburgh's secret river - the Water of Leith, Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, Arthurs Seat, Duddingston village, Calton Hill and its Athenian monuments.
 1 day tours from Edinburgh
St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife
Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands
 Customisable multi-day tours from 2 days to 2 weeks exploring the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland
Typical itinerates include Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, the Trossachs, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden battlefield, St Andrews, Falkland Palace, Glasgow, Outland filming and Harry Potter filing locations.

RBGE - Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh Tours
I am fortunate enough to live next to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and offer a 2 hour private guided tour of these wonderful gardens. Dating back to 1670 they are one of the world's most important botanic gardens and are particularly renowned for sending intrepid plant hunters throughout the world in the 18th and 19th centuries in search of new botanical wonders.
 
NGS - The National Gallery of Scotland Tours
I offer 2 hour private tours of the National Gallery of Scotland in William Playfair's iconic Greek temple to the arts on the Mound in Edinburgh. This houses Scotland's greatest collection of national and international art. Let me share with you not only the paintings but the stories behind the artists and their subjects.
 
NMS - The National Museum of Scotland Tours
Let me help you discover the secrets of the National Museum of Scotland! From the spectacular Victorian Grand Gallery to hidden nooks and crannies, the NMS is packed with treasures. The west wing tells the story of Scotland through its artifacts from it ancient peoples (and invaders), Picts, Gaels, Vikings, Romans to its medieval monarchs and bloody battles. It is particularly rich in exhibits related the Jacobites and Mary Queen of Scots. The east wing has treasures and curiosities from around the world from sacred relics to scientific discoveries. A couple of gems are Dolly the sheep and the world's most famous chess pieces - the Lewis Chessmen. Highlights can be covered in a 2 hour private tour.