Private guiding in Scotland.
A place understood.
A story shared.
A day shaped around you.
Ross McDowell is a Professional Guide based in Edinburgh, shaping private city, walking and Scotland experiences around the people travelling.
Request your private tourPrivate guiding
Just you and your people
Experienced & qualified
Professional Guide
Local knowledge
History, stories & context
Care & responsibility
Thoughtful travel, always
Private days, designed around you
Rise.
Higher ground, open views and the pull of the road north.
Breathe.
Coast, light, harbours and the wider air beyond the city.
Remember.
Abbeys, Borders memory, craft, conflict and quiet detail.
Roam.
Water, glens, weather and the road into bigger landscapes.
I shape the day.
You enjoy the journey.
1. We talk
You tell me what matters most — interests, pace, mobility, must-sees.
2. I design
I craft a day that fits you perfectly. Flexible, never fixed.
3. You enjoy
Relax, explore and connect. I'll take care of the details and the driving.
Guest Experiences
"Ross provided so many great ideas, recommendations and resources... matched our interests and timeline."
— Theresa Snelling, Google review
"The route was thoughtfully chosen... I left feeling refreshed, grounded, and deeply inspired."
— Tatiana Gibson, Google review
"Ross was great at planning out a good route that was suitable for us."
— Mario Centenera, Google review
A professional guide with a passion for Scotland.
Tartan Compass Tours began from a simple idea: Scotland deserves to be shown with warmth, care and attention. Not as a list of stops, and not as a lecture, but as a place with beauty, character, complexity and people at the centre of the story.
Read More About RossTrusted by PAs, concierges, DMCs and travel professionals.
Professional guiding for private guests, executive visitors, incentive travel, DMCs, PAs, concierges and business users who need Scotland handled with judgement. Response on the same day, Monday-Saturday.
Explore Business ServicesLet's create your perfect day in Scotland.
Enquire now and I'll be in touch personally.
Request your private tour