Private guiding in Scotland.
A place understood.
A story shared.
A day that's made for you.
Ross McDowell is a Professional Guide based in Edinburgh, shaping private city visits, walking experiences and wider journeys through Scotland around each guest’s interests, pace and priorities.
Get in touchPrivate guiding
Just you and your party
Experienced & qualified
Professional Guide
Local knowledge
History, stories & context
Care & responsibility
Thoughtful travel, always
Start with the city or go beyond it
In the City - Edinburgh
Old Town layers, New Town order and the city stories in between. Explore on foot, with wheels or through a mix of both.
Explore Edinburgh
In the City - Glasgow
Architecture, industry, art and neighbourhood character. Explore at a pace that suits you.
Explore Glasgow
Beyond the City - Pentlands
Hill paths, reservoirs and open views close to Edinburgh, with the route chosen around the weather and how much walking suits you.
Explore BeyondFour directions. Many ways to discover Scotland.
Start with a place, a story or a landscape. Or let me suggest all three.
Rise.
Higher ground, open views and the pull of the road north.
Breathe.
Coast, big sky, harbours and the fresh air beyond the city.
Remember.
Abbeys, Borders memory, craft, conflict and peaceful settings.
Roam.
Lochs, glens, stags and roads to bigger landscapes.
How your visit comes together
From the first idea to meeting you in Scotland, I keep things clear, practical and considered.
1. Tell me what interests you
Share what matters most: your interests, pace, practical needs and any places you would especially like to see.
2. I shape the visit
I prepare a sensible route and pace around what matters to you, with room to adapt.
3. I guide the visit
On the day, I handle the guiding and practical flow so you can stay present in the place.
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 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 and incentive groups, with clear communication for DMCs, PAs, concierges and other trusted contacts. Same-day response, Monday to Saturday.
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