Personal Tours of Scotland is a family-run, boutique tour operator based in Edinburgh, dedicated to creating privately chauffeured Scottish experiences tailored entirely to you

Founded by Brian Collie, a seasoned travel professional with decades of experience — from flight attendant for Virgin Atlantic and the Emir of Qatar, to hotelier in the Trossachs

the company offers a fresh take on luxury touring: customer service at it's finest

A fabulous overview of some of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. ..with a Forres centric flavour. Your guide will bring each area to life with stories of historical battles, strange folk, myths and legends. Some of the stories might actually be true!

What to pack? A carefree mind, an open attitude and a sense of humour!

You make your own way to the hotel from Edinburgh Airport. The hotel is in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, and minutes from the Old Town.

Travelling from the Airport to the Hotel: Trams can be found just outside the Terminal Building: It takes about 20 minutes to Edinburgh City Centre. Around £9 per person. Get off at St. Andrews Square, about 5 mins walk to the hotel. Taxis: About £45 in a taxi that can take 5 people directly to the Hotel Bus: (Airlink 100) £6.00 one way per person. Hotel will be around 10 mins walk from Waverly Bridge

Fun Fact: Edinburgh's 'New Town' is .older than the United States

We visit Culross, a charming historic village known for its stunning 17th-century architecture and beautifully preserved buildings. Culross was a centre for Witch trials in the 17th & 18th centuries. There were twice as many 'unfortunates' convicted in this village that the entire 'Salem' witch trials.

Fun Fact: Culross was Crainsmuir Village in Outlander, home of Gillies Duncan.

The Kelpies are stunning, 30-meter tall horse-head sculptures located in Helix Park. Designed by artist Andy Scott, these iconic structures symbolize mythical water spirits and also represent Scotland's role in the Industrial revolution.

" He who holds Stirling, holds Scotland". This is the brooch of Scotland, fastening the Highlands & Lowlands together. Walk in the footsteps of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary, Queen of Scots.

The National Wallace Monument stands tall at 67 meters, offering breathtaking views of Stirling and its stunning landscapes. Dedicated to the Scottish hero Sir William Wallace, visitors can explore engaging exhibitions that celebrate his legacy.

Head into the Trossachs National Park and to the pretty Trossachs town of Callander, where you will spend the next two nights.

Enjoy a ride in an old Steamboat, the Sir Walter Scott. The name inspired by the great man himself who was inspired by this loch. Sir Walter is known as the Father of Scottish Tourism.

Venture into the amazing Trossachs Trail and enjoy the wonderful Dukes Pass, a scenic mountain drive. Visit 'Frasers Ridge' a fantastic viewpoint known to fans of the TV show 'Outlander'. Get te opportunity to see and feed some of the cutest cows on the planet!

Aberfoyle is a charming village offering stunning views of the countryside and easy access to Loch Ard and Trossachs National Park.

Enjoy the amusing and informative Sheepdog demonstration. Our sheepdog display features the skill of the Border Collie working with a small flock of Indian Runner ducks. The ducks are shepherded through our commando course of obstacles including the bridge, the Tunnel of Love, and the Death Slide! 

We visit Doune Castle (included in your Explorer Pass - please show these on entry for free admission), used in TV/Movie productions such as Outlander (Castle Leoch), Game of Thrones (Winterfell), Monty Python & the Holy Grail, and Outlaw King.

The Castle has stood since 1400AD

We head North out of Callander for a wee bit of local history with a visit to the grave of the infamous outlaw 'Rob Roy MacGregor' at Balquhidder. You may have seen the movie 'Rob Roy' with Liam Neeson, well, the real Rob Roy was a wee bit more colourful than that! "MacGregor, Despite them!"

One of Scotland's most scenic villages. Killin sits on the Falls o' Dochart. Learn about and hold the remarkable healing stones of St. Fillen.

Enjoy the picture postcard Kilchurn Castle. A 15th century imposing but foreboding Fortress, once a mighty stronghold of Clan Campbell. It's (30 min return walk on flat ground).

St Conan's Kirk is Scotland's mini 'Notre Dame' and has a magical lochside setting. This is our last stop before arriving in the bustling harbour town of Oban.

This is an absolute hidden gem, missed by many visitors.

Iona Abbey and Nunnery is a historic site on the Isle of Iona, known for its stunning views and rich Christian heritage. It is the location of Scotland's first Christian monastery and features beautiful medieval architecture. Iona is known as one of the World's 'Thin places', where the veil between heaven and earth is at its most vulnerable. Visitors can also explore Celtic crosses and ancient grave markers, adding to the site's unique charm.

Pay our respects at the Spean Bridge Commando memorial where young men prepared to be dropped behind enemy lines during WWII. Many we lost in training as live ammunition was often used. The Commandos were the Worlds first ever 'Special Services'.

Eilean Donan Castle is the most photographed Castle in Scotland, outside Edinburgh. The location, construction and history is amazing. No wonder over 30 movies have been shot here, including 'Man with the Golden Gun', 007, and both Highlander movies.

Sligachan, the crossroads of Skye. Enjoy it's magical Faerie powers of the river. It is said that if you submerge your head into the flowing waters of the Sligachan river for seven seconds, then you will never age.

Portree captivates visitors with its stunning natural scenery and vibrant harbour, where colourful buildings create a picturesque backdrop. Enjoy local shops and eateries that offer a taste of Scottish culture.

Optional gentle walk at the Falls of Lealt on the east side of the Isle of Skye.

Fun Fact: During World War 2, the German 'Wolfpacks' (U-Boats), often used the falls of Leault to fill up with fresh drinking water under cover of darkness to facilitate their months 'hunting' in the North Atlantic.

Visit Kilt Rock and go hunting for dinosaur footprints after enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Fun Fact: Kilt Rock is named after the massive Basalt pillars which resemble the pleats of a mans Kilt.

Experience the stunning Quiraing, offering one of the most beautiful views on earth.

The photographs below are taken from roughly the same spot, just facing oin opposite directions. You can imagine Dinosaurs, ancient Herbivores grazing this land...and they did, around 178 million years ago...give or take a few days!

See the fabled but ruined Duntulm Castle at the northern tip of Skye.

This was one of many MacDonald Clan Castles on the Island.

This was the Stronghold of a sadistic Chief of Clan Donald, 'Donald, Gorm MacDonald'.

Meet the Faeries at the Fairy Glen before heading back to Portree. Be careful not to whistle, as this upsets them.

This is one of the most fascination short walks on Skye

2nd Night in Lochalsh

Eilean Donan Castle is the most photographed Castle in Scotland, outside Edinburgh. The location, construction and history is amazing. No wonder over 30 movies have been shot here, including 'Man with the Golden Gun', 007, and both Highlander movies.

Fort Augustus offers stunning views of Loch Ness and a unique experience along the historic Caledonian Canal. The charming village atmosphere is enhanced by its famous locks and boat traffic. An ideal spot for Lunch.

A lovely (optional) walk on historic and stunning Invermorriston bridges.

The Old Bridge was built by the British to try and suppress the Highland Clans.

Step aboard Castle Cruises for a truly personal and unforgettable boat tour on the legendary Loch Ness. We sail from Drumnadrochit Harbour on Urquhart Bay. Limited to just 12 passengers, this small-group cruise offers a relaxed and intimate experience aboard a comfortable 39-foot sports cruiser; with both open-deck and cabin seating to suit all weather. Your skipper, Ali, brings over a decade of experience with the renowned Loch Ness Project, and shares fascinating live commentary throughout the trip, drawing on years of scientific research and local insight. Cruise past the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle, pausing just 200 metres from shore for the perfect photo opportunity, and enjoy sweeping views right down the Great Glen. With upgraded Raymarine sonar and radar technology, you can even watch the mysterious depths of the loch live on screen as you sail. Whether you’re a curious traveller, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking the most immersive way to explore Scotland’s most iconic loch, Castle Cruises offers a scenic, story-rich adventure you won’t forget.

Today will depend on collaborations with any business that have been linked with the Sister Cities.

The events of today will be made clearer after discussions with the MDSCA committee.

We head East to your Sister City...Forres!!!

The Highlight of the year are the Forres Highland Games, set on the first Saturday of July. These games are very different from those in the USA. It is not a Clan Gathering, it is a town gathering (Basically, a big party with bagpipes, lots of food, plenty of testosterone, beer & Whisky!)

We invite you all to Dine on our last night as a group.

Walk the battlefield of Culloden Moor and let your guide tell the story of the battle, which was one of the most one-sided battles in history. With sheer exhaustion, starvation and very bad planning, there would only ever be one outcome.

This was the last ever battle on British soil, April 16th, 1746

The House of Bruar is an excellent location to stop and enjoy the very best of Scotland's produce and quality shopping.

The buffet lunch has everything from Soup & Sandwiches to Lobster & Caviar. This is known to locals as the 'Harrods of the Highlands'.

End of Tour

We will either drop you in Edinburgh City Centre or an Airport Hotel

The last nights accommodation is not included in the tour.