Are you in need of some recommendations to make your Scotland trip unforgettable? I have compiled a list of locally owned businesses in Scotland that I think offer incredible experiences and go above and beyond for travellers. Some of these businesses have kindly offered my readers a discount! Think of it as my own little ‘Best in Scotland’ list. Be sure to bookmark this page and keep checking back, as I will be adding new recommendations and discount codes regularly.
I’ve explored the width and breath of Scotland, and met many amazing locals who go above and beyond to offer travellers unforgettable experiences. The majority of businesses on this list are locally owned and operated. Occasionally larger businesses will make this list, but only if they offer an outstanding experience/service.
Some of these businesses have kindly offered a discount to my Scotland Travel Tips Facebook group members and readers- discount codes will be included below. Please mention Yvette from Wayfaring Kiwi when booking 🙂
I will keep adding businesses to this list that I discover on my travels around Scotland, and please share this list with your fellow travellers.
Disclosure: Each business has been personally vetted and approved by me. I have worked with some of these businesses before, while other experiences I have paid for- the one thing all these businesses have in common is that they go above and beyond for their customers. I may earn affiliate commission from some referrals.
Are you a Scottish tourism business that has an amazing experience to travellers?
If you would like to be added to this list, please email yvette@wayfaringkiwi.com with the subject line ”Working together: Your business name” and I’ll be in touch! Please note that I am very picky when it comes to selecting businesses for this list, and not everyone will make the cut. I want to recommend the best local businesses and services to my readers and members of Scotland Travel Tips, so please include some information on you, your business, and why it’s amazing. But do get in touch and we can see if you’re a good fit!
💜 Yvette
Car hire
Celtic Legend
Locations: Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, London Heathrow, Manchester, Prestwick Airport, Southampton Airport.
Website: https://www.celticlegend.co.uk/car-rental/
Description: Our official recommendation for car hire in Scotland!
Discount: Save 10% when you mention the code WAYFARINGKIWI at time of quotation. Please type the referral code into the form on their website to receive the discount. Discounts cannot be applied on existing bookings.
Private Tour Guides and Driving Tours
The following list is of tour guides we recommend in Scotland. I have included the locations of where each guide is based, but many offer tours all over Scotland, so please check out their website for details!
Kiwi and Haggis Tours
Location: Edinburgh (and all around Scotland)
Website: https://kiwiandhaggistours.com/
Description: This is our tour company, and we offer private driving tours from Edinburgh (single and multi-day). We take up to 7 passengers.
Gallus Tours Scotland and Photowalk Scotland
Location: Edinburgh/Scottish Borders
Website: https://gallustoursscotland.com/
Description: Tom provides tours all over Scotland and can take larger groups. He also offers photography tours.
Please quote WAYFARINGKIWI at time of booking
Anderson Scottish Tours
Location: Glasgow
Website: https://www.andersonscottishtours.com/
Description: Callum provides private tours throughout Scotland starting from Glasgow and Edinburgh. He also specialises in shore excursions in Glasgow and Edinburgh. He can take a maximum of 7 passengers.
Discount: Save 5% using the code AST5
Macleod Heilan Tours
Location: Glasgow/Edinburgh/Isle of Skye
Website: https://www.macleodheilantours.com/
Description: John is from the Isle of Skye but lives near Glasgow, and offers private driving tours throughout Scotland starting from Glasgow and Edinburgh. He is my recommended Isle of Skye tour guide.
Discount code: Use the code STT5OFF to save 5% on your tour!
Mary’s Meanders
Location: Edinburgh/Linlithgow
Website: https://www.marysmeanders.co.uk/
Description: Emma and Anne specialise in Outlander tours, and offer a variety of tours throughout Scotland.
Please quote WAYFARINGKIWI at time of booking
Cath’s Inverness Tours
Location: Inverness
Website: https://cathsinvernesstours.com/
Description: Cath offers walking and private driving tours starting from Inverness.
Please quote WAYFARINGKIWI at time of booking
Orkney Uncovered
Location: Orkney
Website: https://orkneyuncovered.co.uk/
Description: Private tour guide based on the Orkney Islands
Group tours
Rabbies
Location: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, and England
Description: Rabbies offer affordable group tours all around Scotland and they are my go-to for group tours.
Click here to browse tours and save 10% with code KIWI10
A Wee Pedal
Location: Edinburgh
Website: https://aweepedal.com/
Description: Bike tours of Edinburgh- get off the beaten path and explore parts of Edinburgh you’d otherwise miss! E-bikes also available for tours.
Discount: Save 5% with code WAYFARINGKIWI
Shopping
ScotlandShop
Location: South Queensferry Street, Edinburgh
Website: scotlandshop.com
Description: High-quality, independently owned clothing shop with over 500 tartans to choose from. They create bespoke, tailored clothing and can help you find your clan tartan.
Discount: Save 10% with code KIWI10 (works online and in-store)
Food and Drink Experiences
Swirl Sip Socialise
Location: Edinburgh
Website: https://swirlsipsocialise.com/
Description: Private and small group food, wine and whisky tasting tours and experiences led by a local guide. Explore Edinburgh and enjoy the best artisan Scottish foods perfectly paired with wine and whisky.
Discount: Save 5% with code STTKIWI
Scottish Rogue
Location: Glasgow
Website: https://scottishrogue.co.uk/
Description: Whisky walking tours and distillery tours in Glasgow.
Discount: Save 10% with code STT10
Hampers and Champers
Location: Inverness
Website: https://www.hampersandchampersinverness.com/
Description: Graze boxes, packed lunches.
Downright Gabbler
Location: Beauly near Inverness
Website: https://downrightgabbler.co.uk/
Description: Food and drink storytelling experiences.
The Restaurant at Mingarry Park Hotel
Location: Ardnamurchan
Website: https://www.mingarryparkhouse.co.uk/
Bloom and Graze
Location: Mallaig
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bloomandgraze
Description: Graze boxes and a horse box cafe in Mallaig.
Experiences and Activities
Islay Sea Adventures
Location: Islay
Website: https://islay-sea-adventures.co.uk/
Description: Wildlife cruises, fishing trips, and seafood excursions.
Kitchen Coos and Ewes
Location: South West Scotland
Website: https://www.kitchencoosandewes.com/
Description: Go on a tour of a highland cow farm and meet this beautiful herd of highland cows
Wild West Coast
Location: Ardnamurchan
Website: www.wildwestcoast.co.uk
Email: hello@wildwestcoast.co.uk
Phone: 07584 394776
Incredible, ethical wildlife trips on the West Coast of Scotland leaving from Lochaline, Tobermory and Oban. We have White Tailed Eagles fishing off the side of the boat, we go and see Puffins 3 times a week, otters a few times a week and do the most amazing West Coast Whisky tour by boat.
Discount: Save 10% with the discount code KIWI10
Accommodation
Monkton House
Location: Near Edinburgh
Website: https://monktonhouse.scot/
Description: 15th-century castle and lodge accommodation that sleeps up to 21 people
Discount: Save 10% with the code WAYFARINGKIWI at checkout
Menstrie Castle
Location: Near Stirling
Website: https://www.menstriecastlestay.co.uk/
Description: Self-catering apartments, sleeps 1-6
Discount: Save 5% with the code WAYFARINGIKIWI at checkout
Little City Lets – Stirling
Location: Stirling
Website: https://littlecityletsstirling.holidayfuture.com/
Description: Self-catering apartments that sleep up to 4 people in Stirling’s city centre
Discount: Save 5% when you quote WAYFARINGKIWI – email littlecitylets@outlook.com direct
Mingarry Park Hotel and Restaurant
Location: Acharacle. Ardnamurchan
Website: https://www.mingarryparkhouse.co.uk/
Description: Hotel in rural area, some suites have hot tubs
Discount: Save 10% using the code KIWI10 (excludes Saturdays)
Ceol Mara
Location: Isle of Gigha
Website: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/828885842481134262
Description: House, three bedrooms, sleeps up to 6.
The Bothie
Location: Cairngorms National Park
Website: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/590229935553512943
Grantonville Bungalow
Location: Inverness
Website: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/31034047
North Shore
Location: Isle of Lewis
Website: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/32433588
Back Track Bothies
Location: Glenfinnan
Website: https://www.backtrackbothies.com/
Spean Lodge
Location: Spean Bridge (near Fort William)
Website: https://speanlodge.com/
Lochaline Hotel
Location: Lochaline, Morvern
Website: https://lochalinehotel.com/
Hostel accommodation
Castle Rock Hostel
Location: Edinburgh
Website: https://www.castlerockedinburgh.com/
Hostelling Scotland
Location: Properties throughout Scotland
Website: https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/
Photographers
Micaela Karina Photography
Location: Edinburgh
Website: https://www.micaelakarina.com/
Description: If you’re looking for a photographer to capture the moments of your Scotland adventure, I highly recommend Micaela! She specialises in weddings and elopements, but can cater to all needs- including families!
Discount: Save 5% using the code WAYFARINGKIWI
MY BEST TRAVEL TIPS FOR SCOTLAND
Here is a list of travel resources that I always use that save me time and money. For more tips check out my ultimate guide on planning a trip to Scotland.
💜 Planning: If you’re on a budget I highly recommend grabbing my Ultimate Scotland Travel Planning Bundle. It includes an ebook, digital travel planner, and cheat sheets for planning your trip.
💜 Planning a Trip to Scotland Course: If you are looking for help to plan your trip from start to finish, my Planning A Trip To Scotland course is my absolute best resource for creating your itinerary! It includes 70+ videos about every aspect of planning a trip to Scotland.
💜 Booking flights: I use Skyscanner when researching and booking my flights as I find them to have the best deals. I also use Google Flights to compare flights I’ve found on Skyscanner. I always book direct with the airline.
💜 Accommodation: I use Booking.com when booking my accommodation in Scotland. I also have a list of my recommended accommodation in Scotland here.
💜 Travel insurance: I always recommend booking travel insurance for any trip you take. Personally, I use CoverMore– I used to sell this insurance when I was a travel agent and dealt with claims on behalf of my customers frequently and they were really easy to deal with. World Nomads is also another high-quality insurance provider I recommend.
💜 Tours and Activities: I use GetYourGuide whenever I can to book tours and activities. I also recommend purchasing the Explorer Pass if you plan on visiting a few attractions.
💜 Transport: When hiring a car in the UK I always use Celtic Legend. You can save 10% off your car rental by using the referral code WAYFARINGKIWI when you ask for a quote. For train times and bookings I use Scotrail (Scotland’s main network) and I also compare prices with Trainline. For bus travel, I use Megabus for cheap fares.
💜 What to pack: The weather is changeable in Scotland and you can sometimes have four seasons in one day! I’ve written this comprehensive packing list for Scotland that will tell you everything you need to pack, whether you’re travelling from abroad or living locally and you’re planning a day trip to Scotland.
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