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.
Private 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 Beyond
Beyond the City - Glencoe
Dramatic volcanic passes, mountain skyline and living Highland memory, shaped around walking or driver-guiding at your pace.
Explore GlencoeFour directions. Many ways to discover Scotland.
Start with a place, a story or a landscape. Explore through Map & Compass.
Rise.
Higher ground, open views and the pull of the road north.
Explore North
Breathe.
Coast, big sky, harbours and the fresh air beyond the city.
Explore East
Remember.
Abbeys, Borders memory, craft, conflict and peaceful settings.
Explore South
Roam.
Lochs, glens, stags and roads to bigger landscapes.
Explore West
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.
What guests say
Selected from public Google reviews.
“As a local himself, he didn't just bring deep historical expertise to the table—he shared genuine local insight and authentic stories that you won't find in standard guidebooks.”
Tareq Samih · 5-star Google review
“We saw and learned so much, and the tour gave us a great foundation for the rest of our time in Edinburgh. Afterwards, we felt like we had a much better sense of the city and knew where we wanted to go back and explore further on our own.”
Carolyn Fisher · 5-star Google review
“When we initially reached out to him, we had a grand plan for a lengthy walk throughout the city. As we began to realize how tired we were from all of the travel getting us to that point, we reached out again and asked for a less strenuous walk. He was unbelievably accommodating, providing a customizable experience to see everything we could without exhausting us.”
Lee Morrell · 5-star 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 RossThe work behind the guided day.
Notes on preparation, judgment, changing weather, street details and the craft of private guiding across Edinburgh, Perthshire and beyond.
Read Founder JournalTrusted 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.
Explore Business ServicesLet's talk about your stay in Scotland.
Prefer to talk it through?
A short conversation can help us understand what interests you and how you'd like to experience Scotland.
Book a planning call30 minutes. A planning conversation does not reserve a guiding date.