FAQ’S

The guides will arrive 10 minutes before the starting time. If you are delayed and need to contact the guide please text 07818 687066.

Yes—especially if you want to experience more than just the main tourist sights. A guided tour of Scotland offers local insight, storytelling, and easier travel without the stress of driving or planning. Small, slower-paced tours allow you to enjoy Scotland in greater depth, with access to places and stories you might otherwise miss.

Please wear comfy shoes that you will be happy to walk in.  Some of the locations we visit on the  tours have steep staircases, heels not advised!

We would also suggest having a waterproof jacket with you as we will tour rain or shine.

We have a BMW Tiguan, and we use a combination of Mercedes and Ford 8 and 15 seater minibuses.

I am sure your guide would gladly accept a tip!

Yes, all our tours go ahead in the rain or shine. In case of severe weather such as gales or extreme cold your tour will be re-scheduled. For any questions prior to your scheduled tour please contact us at tours@marysmeanders.co.uk

No, they are not part of the tour cost. Details about additional entry fees are included in the tour description. A summary of additional entry fees is also available here.

Lunch is at your own cost, we make a stop on tours for lunch as a group. If you have any dietary requirements, please let me know so we can advise the venue in advance.

We have over 400 reviews on TripAdvisor and are rated a 5 star tour operator. Please click here for the reviews

Google reviews - Please click here for the reviews

Yes, for over a decade, we’ve helped travellers uncover their Scottish roots. Walk the villages, kirks, and landscapes your ancestors once knew. A meaningful, emotional journey home — curated with care.

We also have an Ancestry Package where you can find out more about your ancestors from your own home.

Find out more here

Yes. While Mary’s Meanders is proudly based in Scotland, we work in close partnership with trusted Irish tour operators. This allows us to design seamless Scotland & Ireland itineraries with consistent quality, pacing, and personal service throughout your journey. Emma is from Dublin and is happy to share her favourite local places to visit too!

From time to time, when fuel prices rise significantly due to global events, we may include a small adjustment within your personalised quote — particularly for longer journeys.

This is always shared transparently in advance, so there are no surprises.

We offer both private and small group Outlander tours. Click here to find out more.

Yes. We’ve been designing bespoke itineraries for over a decade.

Absolutely. Comfort, pacing and flexibility are built into every itinerary.

Reserve your tour by clicking on a date of your choosing and the Book Now button on this page. You will receive a confirmation of your booking via email after payment has been processed.

If you need help planning either a day tour or a multi day tour - please get in touch via our contact form here

Yes — we connect you with trusted local partners and tailored recommendations.

We will confirm your itinerary via email and include an invoice, with payment link.

This is your booking confirmation.

We are happy to accept payment via Paypal which also includes Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and American Express credit cards.

Yes, you do not need to add tax.

Our day tours typically begin at Linlithgow Railway Station, a short train ride from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Stirling. We know that you will want to start your tour straight away rather than spending valuable time travelling on the road through the city. By starting in Linlithgow, you can get to our first tour stop as quickly as possible.

Please do get in touch if you require collection from your accommodation as this can be arranged.

For multi day tours, we will collect you and your luggage from your accommodation.

Creation of the tour itinerary, a driver and a friendly, knowledgeable guide who will take you to the best spots in Scotland, including hidden gems.

Our private one-day & multi day tours do not include meals, but there are stops in for food breaks where you can buy snacks and meals.

Extras

• * Entry to Blackness Castle – £6 (£4.80)
• * Entry to Doune Castle – £9 (£7.20)
• * Entry to Linlithgow Palace – £7.20 (£5.40)
• Entry to Culross – Specially discounted rate £6.50 – usually £10.50
• Entry to Midhope Castle – £3 (cash only)

* An Historic Scotland Explorer Pass is great value if you are planning to travel in Scotland after your tour. As well as giving you access to these properties, you can also visit any of their 70 properties, including Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, for no additional cost. More details here. 

The prices listed here are for guidance only and can change at any time.

Yes, we can do that. We work with a number of well established businesses who can assist with transport and all the logistics involved in planning a trip for a group. In fact we have welcomed a multi generational family group of 20 twice in the last 3 years - they loved Scotland so much they came back two years later!

Absolutely. Comfort, pacing and flexibility are built into every itinerary. We do ask that you let us know about any mobility issues before the tour to assist with the tour planning. We are happy to do a zoom consultation with you before booking to chat through any queries you may have.

Contact us here to book a free zoom consultation

Yes. In 2019, Mary’s Meanders was asked by Visit Scotland if they would host an Outlander tour for journalists & Diana Gabaldon during her visit to Scotland, following her award for International Contribution to Scottish Tourism. The tour included key historic and Outlander-related locations such as Culross, Falkland. This was a one-off visit and does not imply an ongoing partnership or endorsement. It was a special moment - read about it here!

Your home for the week is at the Williamscraig  Cottages in the hills above the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow.

See the cottages here!

Absolutely! We are known for hosting many solo travellers over the years. You won't be on your own for long as we create a whatsapp group before tour starts so guests can get to know each other in advance.

Additionally, there is NO single traveller supplement and we don't ask you to share with anyone else!

They sure will! We make sure to tell the true stories behind the filming locations so even if you aren't in love with Jamie Fraser, it will be a great week.

We do ask friends to share a twin room (with two beds) if possible - you will have a private bathroom to yourselves.

Yes, that is no problem at all. Many people come to Culloden with us on the Saturday morning and then get the bus or a taxi back to their hotel in Inverness to continue their Scottish travels. Please let us know if you are going to do that, particularly if you want to stay another night in the hotel.