The variety in this job is unreal! From the tour choices, to the people, you are pretty much guaranteed something new on every trip. But it’s the sights and locations that are the real biggies, from a stunning sunset over Oban to a dramatic, misty day on Skye.
The Highland Explorer brand began its journey in 2006.
We are part of the Edinburgh based Radical Travel Group Ltd, a local award-winning company with 30 years experience of delivering world-class tours throughout Scotland.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to delivering the very best travel experiences every day. Our tours are designed to make the most of your time in our stunning country and to give you an authentic experience of Scotland. Our mission is to exceed your expectations, a commitment that is recognised by our VisitScotland 5-star accreditation and consistent excellent customer feedback.
Scotland's landscape is stunningly beautiful with a magnificent history and culture that deserves to be told by the Scottish experts, our Guides. They will bring this heritage to life while ensuring you get to explore our nation's most breath-taking landscapes. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer visit, our range of tours will give you an unforgettable insight into our country and its people, leaving memories that will last a lifetime.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to delivering the very best travel experiences every day. Our tours are designed to make the most of your time in our stunning country and to give you an authentic experience of Scotland. Our mission is to exceed your expectations, a commitment that is recognised by our VisitScotland 5-star accreditation and consistent excellent customer feedback.
Scotland's landscape is stunningly beautiful with a magnificent history and culture that deserves to be told by the Scottish experts, our Guides. They will bring this heritage to life while ensuring you get to explore our nation's most breath-taking landscapes. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer visit, our range of tours will give you an unforgettable insight into our country and its people, leaving memories that will last a lifetime.
Award-Winning
We are passionate about delivering word-class experiences for travellers with our unique Scotland tours and have a strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism. We make great efforts to minimise the environmental impact of our operations while giving our customers an authentic experience of Scotland.
Highland Explorer Tours has always been dedicated to delivering great experiences and we're proud to say that we've been receiving TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice every year since 2013, we are also a 5-star Visit Scotland accredited Scottish tour operator.
Highland Explorer Tours has received a Green Tourism Award under the VisitScotland approved Green Tourism Business Scheme since 2016.
Award-Winning
We are passionate about delivering word-class experiences for travellers with our unique Scotland tours and have a strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism. We make great efforts to minimise the environmental impact of our operations while giving our customers an authentic experience of Scotland.
Highland Explorer Tours has always been dedicated to delivering great experiences and we're proud to say that we've been receiving TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice every year since 2013, we are also a 5-star Visit Scotland accredited Scottish tour operator.
Highland Explorer Tours has received a Green Tourism Award under the VisitScotland approved Green Tourism Business Scheme since 2016.
Passionate Local Guides
Our guides love Scotland; they want you to experience the best we have to offer and to understand why it’s such a special place. These highly trained and friendly locals will help you discover our history, culture, wildlife, and breath-taking scenery. They appreciate that travel is as much about having a great time as it is about discovering new places. We take pride in offering Scotland's most knowledgeable and passionate guides.
Passionate Local Guides
Our guides love Scotland; they want you to experience the best we have to offer and to understand why it’s such a special place. These highly trained and friendly locals will help you discover our history, culture, wildlife, and breath-taking scenery. They appreciate that travel is as much about having a great time as it is about discovering new places. We take pride in offering Scotland's most knowledgeable and passionate guides.
Meet Our Driver Guides
Rich
Duffy
Passionate friendly Scotsman. Proud to show off this wee Country’s mesmerising landscapes and share tales of ancient folklore and fascinating history. Happiest by a loch or walking through one of Scotland’s majestic glens. Up a mountain, followed by a dram of whisky by the fire is my perfect way to end a day out in Scotland. What a regard is Paradise Bonnie Scotland.
Dougie
As I start my 23rd season as a tour guide with Highland Explorer, I see myself as one of the most fortunate people in Scotland. Sharing the sites and stories from Shetland, to the Scottish Borders is a passion that grows deeper with every tour I have the pleasure in guiding, I hope to share our Scotland with you soon.
Tom
Originally from the Lowlands and having grown up in the city, I never tire of getting out and seeing the Highlands! I have a real passion for sharing stories about Scottish history and the folklore of this country. You will usually find me either up a hill and enjoying the views, or at the bottom enjoying a whisky...it depends on the weather!
Stevie
Since joining the team in 2019, I have been proud to be part of Highland Explorer! Every day and tour is a new adventure... I love being able to show off how beautiful and magnificent my home country is!
Louise
After spending 6 years following the sun around the world, a dastardly virus brought me home to Bonnie Scotland. Now I'm behind the wheel, showing off some of the best wee spots we have to offer and I can say it rivals some of the wonders of the world. Lowland born, Highland heart.
Alison
I'm 50% Highlander and 50% Lowlander so that makes me 100% Scottish. Being passionate about Scotland is one thing but sharing that passion with people only makes the heart grow fonder. From sampling our finest whisky, troubled past to following trails to hidden gems, there's something to make everyone to fall in love with in Scotland.
Iain
My name is Iain and I am passionate about the Highlands and Scotland in general. For me, it's a love affair with the beauty of the landscape, the rich complexity of the history of the lands, over thousands of years, combined with a deep respect for the language, regional dialects and culture of Scotland. It's nice to be able to talk about it and hopefully be entertaining at the same time.
Cara
A lowland lassie with a good mix of Celtic heritage and Irn Bru running through my veins. With spending summers in Ireland and the rest of the year exploring Scotland, the Highlands captured my heart. I love sharing the myths and legends of Scotland that I got told as a wee lass.
Sophie
Radical Travel’s very own Derry Girls Driver Guide. Passionate about all the beauty of Scotland and its mythical islands. Love meeting new people and welcoming them – regardless of the weather!!
Alistair
Hugely passionate about the outdoors, travelling and the natural world. Showcasing Scotland to foreigners and locals is a true privilege and I’m looking forward to sharing a little slice of Scottish paradise! Avid book reader and Puffin lover.
Paul
From the Borders, I have a passion for all things Scottish. Everyday is a blessing and there is nowhere else I’d rather be doing than travelling around god’s country, eating haggis and shortbread, and drinking Irn Bru. A keen travel and mountain Guide who loves to explore new areas and adventures around Scotland. I love to tell stories of the landscape and history of Scotland.
Harrison
An Englishman that got lost in the Highlands and fell in love with Scotland. This incredible land has everything from breath-taking landscapes, enthralling history, and wonderfully friendly people. I love helping people explore this magical country, learning new folklore tales and trying new whisky.
Stewart
Greetings I'm Stewart Scotland's modern-day nomad and expert guide! Born and raised in Nairn just outside Inverness, with a love for driving as deep as Loch Ness and a passion for sharing Scotland's hidden treasures, I am your go-to companion for unforgettable adventures. Buckle up and let me show you the Scotland only the locals know!
Amber
A Moray born and raised girl, often found on a windswept hill or one of Scotland's incredible beaches. I'm thrilled that I get to adventure around the highlands all day as a guide. Can't wait for a busy summer of sharing the fun with lots of travellers!
Our Fleet
Midi-Coaches
Our spacious and comfortable midi-coaches are perfect for exploring the Highlands and enjoying a day trip from the city.
Mini-Coaches
Ideal for smaller groups, our Mercedes-Benz 16-seater mini coaches provide a personal touring experience to explore Scotland's remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Travel in Comfort
Take in Scotland's stunning scenery in comfort with climate control and panoramic windows. Our fleet also includes onboard recycling.
iKnow Scotland – Information Partner with VisitScotland
We are proud to be providing local information to visitors as an accredited VisitScotland Information Partner (VIP). We want to ensure that you get the most from your visit to Scotland, so if you need any advice or information on what to see and do on your holiday here, visit us in our office in the heart of the Royal Mile.
iKnow Scotland – Information Partner with VisitScotland
We are proud to be providing local information to visitors as an accredited VisitScotland Information Partner (VIP). We want to ensure that you get the most from your visit to Scotland, so if you need any advice or information on what to see and do on your holiday here, visit us in our office in the heart of the Royal Mile.