Meet Our Guides

Jamie

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I stumbled across an advertisement for the job and my immediate reaction was that I couldn’t do it. A friend convinced me to give it a try, the best decision I’ve ever made. I spend my days in Scotland’s most beautiful locations with new and interesting people all the time. It certainly beats working for a living!

What’s the one thing that you think people would not know about Scotland?

I think people are always surprised by just how much beauty there is here, you think it has to end eventually but every bend in the road brings more. There are many surprises though, Our National animal being a unicorn is a pretty good example of that.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

Scotland has had some amazing comedians such as Frankie Boyle, Kevin Bridges, and Billy Connolly. They’d be fantastic company I think. Billy Connolly would be a dream travel companion for sure.

Our tour was better than we could have imagined! It was clear guide, Jamie, put a ton of thought into making this the most memorable experience possible. If you could give a Michelin star to a tour, we would! Will definitely come back for a longer tour next time!

Nestor

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I love to travel, take pictures and meet people of different cultures. Being a guide allows me to do all of it while working, simply a perfect combination.

What’s the one thing that you think people would not know about Scotland?

Most people think it is always raining in Scotland, as a matter of fact, we do have four seasons here. However, they happen every day.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

This question is a wee bit difficult, I would love to pick the brain of David Hume, but James Young Simpson’s party sounds more fun definitely.

It was a super fun 2-day trip through the Highlands of Scotland. Our guide was called Nestor and I couldn’t have met a nicer guide. He has told a lot about Scotland. Each story (and there were many) ended with a few appropriate (often Scottish) songs. It’s a nice driver, I felt safe in the car. He definitely took our trip to the next level. What can that man tell and what a lot of ready knowledge he has! We were taken to many nice and special places. It is a tour that is definitely recommended.

Chris

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I have a love for being outdoors and I enjoy showing off and talking about Scotland.

What’s your favourite place in Scotland?

The Isle of Skye, as it’s full of amazing scenery as well as Scottish mythology.

What do you like to do on your time off?

In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors in nature and exploring new places to hike.

One of the best guides we had in Edinburgh! Chris was super engaging and very knowledgeable, on Scottish history especially. He was a great storyteller and made us laugh a lot along the way. All stop locations were great, Stirling Castle was especially impressive. We had plenty of time at each location and never felt rushed. We really liked the inclusion of a stop at Bannockburn also. Overall we really enjoyed the tour and felt it was time and money well spent even on a short stay in the city – absolutely would recommend! We would love to come back and do a longer trip into the highlands.

Maj

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I have always been passionate about my country and love travelling around Scotland. When I realized I could get paid to see my beautiful country and meet some interesting people from all over the globe it was an easy choice to make joining the HEX team.

Where do you think people who’ve never visited Scotland should definitely go when they’re here?

I love the islands. If you want to see beautiful landscapes steeped in history, then the islands of the Hebrides are where you need to go.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

Karen Gillan.

Great Experience ! Maj is a very informative guide but funny at the same time, so that the whole trip (even though most of it you spend in the bus) turns out amazing. The best way to learn about Scottish history and the Highlands in a day for sure. Definitely worth every Penny ! 🙂

Iain

What made you want to become a tour guide?

Worked as a printer in a factory for 28 years manufacturing whisky cartons. Had enough and wanted out. What better way to change career by becoming a tour guide in Scotland, getting to wear my kilt every day, and meeting people from all around the world!

What’s your favourite tour to take people on and why?

Favourite tour is the Scottish Choice over five days. It touches all the best parts of Scotland, it’s relaxed, you get to have a couple of nights out with your passengers and by the end of the five days you have loads of new pals.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

Billy Connolly or Denis Law.

Iain was our tour guide and he was absolutely AMAZING!!! He made everything fun and kept us entertained with his jokes. The trip was stunning and having a fantastic tour guide like Iain made it even better. I could not recommend this trip more, 11/10 experience.

Steven B.

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I wanted to become a tour guide with HEX as I saw it as a challenge. I was quite shy in front of groups of people before this, so it was a big step for me. But this has really helped me get over that. Also, why wouldn’t you want to drive around the most beautiful country in the world every day?

What’s your favourite place in Scotland/ Hidden gem?

I have too many favourites. Glencoe, Invermoriston, Waterfall at The Hermitage. No matter where you go there is always a hidden gem. But The Devil’s Pulpit is something very special that not a lot of people know about.

What’s your favourite tour to take people on and why?

My favourite tour has to be the Jacobite tour. You get to see most of my favourite places and then go on the Hogwarts Express. Also, the awesome people I’ve met doing that tour make it even more special.

I had the pleasure of being escorted to the Highlands of Scotland by Mr. Steven B. He was very respectful, knowledgeable and funny. I would certainly do it all over again given the opportunity.

Chloë

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I love history and story telling, so becoming a tour guide was a great way to combine the two! Also watching people experiencing the scenery for the first time is such a lovely feeling!

What is your favourite place in Scotland?

My favourite place in Scotland would have to be either the Fairy Pools in Skye or the Hermitage Walk by Pitlochry as both are beautiful and serene places that you can spend a good amount of time exploring!

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

I’d love to take James McAvoy on tour as I think he’d be hilarious!

We had a great (long) 12 hour day with Highland Experience. Our guide Chloe was so informative and I enjoyed hearing the history and stories between clans. It gave us more context of the landmarks we were looking at. I appreciated the stop to see the Highland cows! Kudos to our driver Stewart for navigating us safely through the Scottish terrain. It was a long day for everyone and I applaud Chloe and Stewart’s professionalism and friendliness. The Scottish music played on the bus (including Outlander soundtrack) was a nice touch and set the mood of the day trip.

Terri

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I studied acting as a degree, I love talking and being a tour guide lets me talk to people from all across the world, and learn about their culture whilst exploring Scotland’s beauty and being outdoors. This is a dream job.

What’s the one thing you think people would not know about Scotland?

All of the myths and legends! There are so many that connect to different parts of the country. There’s more to Scotland than Nessie.

What is your favourite place in Scotland?

That’s hard but I would have to say either The Devil Pulpit or Loch Lubnaig. They are breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful

Terri was such an amazing guide. She was very vibrant, dynamic and has such a bubbly personality that she made the tour come alive with her enthusiasm and very interesting stories. Stuart was the driver guide and he was such a calm soul and really talented with the very narrow roads. Together, they made such a great team.

Rory

What made you want to become a tour guide?

It’s the best job in the world! Doesn’t feel like work.

What’s one thing, that you think people would not know about Scotland?

We don’t all sound like Groundskeeper Willie!

Where do you think people who’ve never visited Scotland should definitely go when they’re here?

Skye! It has some of the most amazing scenery Scotland has to offer

Our guide Rory went above and beyond to look after everyone on the tour and gave great suggestions on where to eat, explore, and shop. He also made it easy to find meeting places, and his knowledge of Scottish history, stories, jokes, and good heart made me feel welcome.

Steven A.

What’s your favourite place in Scotland / Hidden gem?

The town of Fort Augustus, it’s a magical place

What’s your favourite tour to take people on and why?

5-day Scottish Choice, it has great variety for passengers and visits fantastic parts of the country

Where do you think people who’ve never visited Scotland should definitely go when they’re here?

The western isles of Scotland (one of the islands), the west is best for scenery.

Steven A, our guide, was amazing, and live and breathes Scotland. His tour is fun and informational, and when he’s taking you around, it’s very clear that you’re getting an experience that’s better than other options provide, and certainly way better than you could ever do on your own. He helps create a true appreciation for Scotland while you’re there, and you get the sense that even if it wasn’t his job, it’s what he would be doing.

John

What made you want to become a tour guide?

It’s the best job ever, showing people around my beautiful country.

Where do you think people who’ve never visited Scotland should definitely go when they’re here?

Invermoriston, Isle of Skye.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

Angus Young (ACDC)

We’ve just returned from Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness Tour that was led by John. I have to say that he is amazing, helpful, sophisticated, funny and diligent guy. He kept us informed with all relevant facts about Scottish Highlands (including its most crucial moments history). In our opinion this tour is highly recommendable to anyone Interested in this wonderful country!!!

Eddie

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I love to travel around the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

What’s your favourite place in Scotland?

My favourite place is Orkney Islands the most fascinating place, the Neolithic history and friendly Islanders.

What’s your favourite whisky?

My favourite whisky is the Highland Park on Orkney Islands. Light peat smoky and honey flavour. Very tasty.

We did the ultimate sky experience tour for 3 days and it was nothing short of best. Our driver and guide Eddie was superb and he made sure that we always get the best experience wherever we went. Special appreciation to him for taking care of all the details and making sure we enjoy the most of our tour. Definitely will recommend this to everyone.

Stefan

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I grew up loving history and Scotland really is a country rich in interesting history spanning across all ages. I studied ancient history and archaeology and worked in teaching and at a museum. I realised that I loved speaking to people about culture and history because it is a great way to learn about your own as well as other people’s cultures and interests, especially when you are meeting people from all across the world who have come to see your home country. I am also an active person and love being out and about while exploring all kinds of different places. Tour guiding is therefore a real dream job for me!

What’s your favourite tour to take people on and why?

I really like our Oban tour. It is a lovely wee drive slightly off the beaten track through amazing scenery. I grew up and spent most of my life near the sea so I am always happy to be by the seaside. Oban is also a paradise for lovers of seafood.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

William Topaz Mcgonagall. He was a poet from the mid 1800s famous for being a very bad poet. In fact some people call him one of the worst poets to ever write in the English language. But he never let his critics discourage him and continued writing all his life. If I could get a review in the form of one of his poems I’d be a very happy chappy.

Moray

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I always loved travelling & meeting people, and now I get paid for the privilege, BONUS!

What’s 1 thing you think people would not know about Scotland?

Edinburgh is as far north as Moscow.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

Bon Scott (from Kirriemuir), ex-singer with AC/DC. I think we would immediately hit it off & have some great adventures.

It was wonderful, so was our tour guide, Moray. He was very friendly, accommodating and helpful in his recommendations ! We can’t wait to come back in the future on other tours he leads!!

Alex

What made you want to become a tour guide?

Always had a passion for Scotland and wanted to travel. I enjoy driving so thought why not do it as a job and get to see more of this incredible country.

Where do you think people who’ve never visited Scotland should definitely go when they’re here?

I always say people have to visit Skye. The scenery is beautiful, and if you’re lucky to go on a sunny day even better.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

Sir Alex Ferguson. I’m a massive football fan and would love to be able to chat with him about his life in football.

One of the highlights of my visit to Edinburgh was going on this day trip. Alex was a great host: funny, friendly, and very clear with his stories and everything – as English is not my first language, I was a bit worried I wasn’t going to understand much of a Scottish accent. 

Catherine

What made you want to become a tour guide?

I love Scotland, I love its history & beauty – even its changeable weather! I also love talking to people, so this is perfect; getting to travel around Scotland showing visitors the best places! Having the scenery of Scotland as your office is way better than 4 walls, and every day is different

What’s your favourite tour to take people on and why?

My favourite tour to take people on depends on the people! I do a lot of private tours, and love being able to adapt the itinerary and add things that I can tell they will really appreciate and make their experience even better. For historians, Orkney is amazing! The scenery of Skye cannot be beaten, Islay is a whisky lovers’ paradise…. There are too many great tours to choose from!

Where is your favourite place in Scotland?

My favourite place in Scotland is in Skye; the waterfalls known as the ‘alternative fairy pools’. They are beautiful, accessible, peaceful and surrounded by stunning mountains. I can’t tell you the real name or it wouldn’t be a secret; you have to come on one of my tours!

Peach

What made you want to become a tour guide?

It’s wonderful living in the Scottish Highlands. It’s fantastic giving people an insight into the beautiful place I call home.

What’s your favourite place to take people on tour and why?

My favourite place to take people is Sligachan on the Isle of Skye. I’ve been visiting there for 23 years. With its magical waters, stunning views, and rich history it’s a very special place.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

Alan Cumming – he was in my favourite childhood movie and I was lucky enough to speak to him when he was performing Burn in Inverness.

Clare Mitchell KC –  she is an incredible lady who has been working hard to get convictions overturned for people convicted and executed under the Witchcraft Act of 1563.

Rob

What made you want to become a tour guide?

My tertiary education is in History and Photography so I’m spectacularly unemployable for anything else.

Which famous Scot would you most like to take on tour?

Robert the Bruce – to England to get it back! He’s my idol, my love – I would have married him! Also, William Wallace, just so that when passengers on my bus claim to be a direct descendant, he can look them in the eyes and say “naw ya urnae”

What’s your favourite place in Scotland/ Hidden gem?

Lewis and Harris, favourite tour is the Hebridean Escape. That’s where I’ll retire to!

Favourite Scottish food or drink?

Soor Plooms and Whisky. Not together.