Scotland's Best Tours

Margot McMurdo Margot McMurdo Tourist Guide

Margot McMurdo, Blue Badge Scottish Tourist Guide.
Email: margot@ctem.co.uk

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Edinburgh Experience

Edinburgh Castle

A Full Day Tour, and Half Day Tour

Full Day Tour:

(Half Day Tour and Events further down the page)

A fascinating full day tour where we visit some of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks and you could also visit a distillery, Glenkinchie, the closest Lowland malt whisky distillery to Edinburgh and you can even enjoy a wee dram of the amber nectar! - slainte mhath - good health!

Palace of Holyroodhouse You may take a self-guided personal audio-set led tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of King Charles III in Scotland. The palace was home to Mary Queen of Scots for six years and houses beautiful tapestries and paintings. You may also like to visit the new Queen's Gallery which hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from The Royal Collection. You may also visit Edinburgh Castle, part of which dates from the 12th Century. the Castle contains the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.

Edinburgh Castle We shall travel through the Old Town using the Royal Mile, which connects the Castle and the Palace and go around the 18th Century Georgian New Town. You may even care to visit the Georgian House and see life in 1796! Going back even further in time to 1424, you may enjoy a visit to Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542 and home to all the Stewart Kings.

The Scottish Parliament You may also like to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia This is the ship where presidents, kings and queens were entertained and it was, first and foremost, the home of the Royal family. The ship is now berthed in Edinburgh's Port of Leith and a visit to it gives a fascinating insight into the world of probably the world's most famous family! You may also like to see The Scottish Parliament building, a very unique modern building located at the foot of The Royal Mile in the Old Town, opposite The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Other attractions include the Scottish Whisky Heritage Centre; Gladstone's Land; The Writer's Museum; St Giles High Kirk; The Museum of Childhood; John Knox House; The Dynamic Earth; The Royal Museum of Scotland; The Royal Botanic Garden and Art Galleries.

You will have a chance to shop too!
We can visit James Pringle Weavers where you can purchase quality tartan clothing/highland dress, gifts and souvenirs. They also have a Whisky Shop where you can even sample the 'water of life' before you buy!

If you prefer to spend a little time in the countryside, where better than at a whisky distillery! Glenkinchie Distillery is a very pleasant drive from the city. It produces the driest and smokiest of Lowland whiskies and is a fine pale smooth single malt. You can have a V.I.P. tour with a special tasting!

Edinburgh on Foot - at your own pace!

City Walks Edinburgh

You may enjoy exploring the city at your own pace with a walk. In some areas of the city, it is easier to walk than use transport. I have written a book 'City Walks Edinburgh' detailing 15 walks around the Old Town Georgian New Town, Art Galleries, Museums and Parklands. You will encounter interesting historical characters, hidden gardens and wonderful places to enjoy a traditional Scottish Afternoon tea or lunch. The book is available through Amazon or from myself and I would be happy to sign copies so you will have a lasting memory of your trip to Edinburgh.

Near Edinburgh

You may prefer to spend the afternoon exploring a stately home. Dalmeny House (home of the Earl and Countess of Rosebery); Hopetoun House (home of the Marquess of Linlithgow) are all just a short drive from Edinburgh and boast fine collections of furniture and paintings. Dalmeny House has one of the world's most important Napoleonic Collections. The houses are set in the most beautiful grounds and have excellent tea shops where you can enjoy some fine home baking!

Falkirk wheel

If you are interested in modern technology, you may enjoy a visit to The Falkirk Wheel, the world's first rotating boat lift, linking the Union and Forth and Clyde Canals. If you are fascinated by the 'Da Vinci Code' or would like to visit a 15th century church, Rosslyn Chapel on the outskirts of Edinburgh is superb. The stone carvings are masterpieces of the stonemasons craft and make the building very unique.

Please note:

The Palace of Holyroodhouse will be closed on the following dates in 2023.

Options:

1. Guiding Only

You supply a fully insured coach and driver that is qualified to drive on our roads and I will guide.

2. Driver-guiding

I driver guide you in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes Viano Ambiante which is fully insured (maximum 6 passengers).

3. Minibus/coach with driver and guide (For groups with over 6 passengers)

I will arrange a suitable fully insured vehicle for your group with my business colleague who has many years driving experience. They will be your driver and myself as your guide.

Prices for the above options on application.

To enquire or book:

Email margot@ctem.co.uk or call/fax +44 (0)1899 880207

Please see: Terms and conditions

Wine and Dine in Royal Surroundings

Lunch at the Palace There is an excellent cafe/restaurant at the Palace of Holyroodhouse with a good selection of soups, salads, hot dishes and sandwiches, home baking and refreshments to suit all tastes.

Tea on The Royal Deck The Royal Yacht Britannia offers the chance to enjoy refreshments, light lunches, soups and sandwiches, speciality teas and coffees, delicious cakes and freshly baked scones with a glass of chilled beer or bubbly!

Edinburgh Castle The Queen Anne Building offers tasty snacks and can be reserved for special lunches for small groups.The Mills Mount cafe offers a selection of home baking, sandwiches and hotdishes.

Scottish Evening

A full Scottish dinner and entertainment can be arranged for you to complete your visit to Edinburgh. Prices start at around £70.00 per person.

On this page Above: Full Day Edinburgh Tour, Below: Half Day Tour, and Edinburgh Events

Edinburgh Experience - Half Day Tour:

A superb half-day tour, where I will show you Edinburgh's most famous landmarks...

Edinburgh Castle You may take a self-guided personal audio-set led tour of Edinburgh Castle which contains The Honours of Scotland – the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. You may also visit the Palace of Holyrood House which is the official residence of the Queen in Scotland. The Palace is adjacent to the 13th century ruin of the Abbey of Holyrood which is all set against the beautiful backdrop of Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags. We also travel through the Old Town, using the Royal Mile which links the Castle to the Palace and the Georgian New Town which was begun in 1776.

Please note:

The Palace of Holyroodhouse may be closed on some dates throughout the year due to royal visits, and the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

To enquire or book:

Email margot@ctem.co.uk or call/fax +44 (0)1899 880207

Please see: Terms and conditions

Prices do not include entry fees to places of interest:

Concessions may sometimes be available for senior citizens; families; groups and children.

Scottish Evening

A full Scottish dinner and entertainment can be arranged for you to complete your visit to Edinburgh. Prices start at around £70.00 per person.

Special Edinburgh Events for 2023

You may like to incorporate these events into your visit.

Margot McMurdo Blue Badge Scottish Tourist Guide. Email: margot@ctem.co.uk

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