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, walking and Scotland experiences around the people travelling.
Get in touchPrivate 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
Four 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, 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.
How your private day comes together
From first idea to the day itself, I keep things clear, practical and considered.
1. Tell me your interests
You tell me what matters most — interests, pace, mobility, must-sees.
2. I prepare the day
I craft a day that fits you perfectly. Flexible, never fixed.
3. I lead the day
From first idea to the day itself, I keep things clear, practical and considered.
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, incentive travel, DMCs, PAs, concierges and business users who need Scotland handled with judgement. Response on the same day, Monday-Saturday.
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