About Us — Mary’s Meanders
Arrive a visitor, leave a friend
That’s the heart of Mary’s Meanders , we are a female owned business founded in 2013. We offer warm, personal, slower-paced Private Scotland Tours, Outlander Tours, and Ancestry Tours—designed to help you feel completely looked after and genuinely at home in Scotland. Our goal is simple: for you to enjoy the trip of a lifetime, leave with unforgettable memories, and often—just as importantly—leave with new friends too.
We’re proud to be five-star rated on TripAdvisor, and even prouder of the lasting friendships formed by guests who travel with us.
Award-winning Scotland tour guides
Mary’s Meanders has been recognised with VisitScotland Thistle Awards, including:
- Regional Ambassador for Lothian & the Borders (2018/19 and 2021/22)
- Tourism & Hospitality Hero (2019/20)
For over 12 years, Emma, Anne and our growing team have welcomed visitors from around the world to share our enthusiasm for Scotland—its landscapes, history, and the stories that bring each place to life.
Our specialties: Outlander Tours, Ancestry Tours & Private Scotland Tours
We’re best known for our Outlander Tours in Scotland, taking you to iconic filming locations and sharing behind-the-scenes details, local history, and plenty of Outlander chat along the way.
We also offer deeply personal Ancestry Tours, helping you explore family roots, places of origin, and the stories that connect you to Scotland. It’s an honour to be part of such meaningful journeys.
And for travellers who want flexibility, comfort and a tailored experience, our Private Scotland Tours let you shape the day around your interests—at the pace that suits you.
One of the biggest highlights of our Outlander journey was being asked by VisitScotland to host Diana Gabaldon on an Outlander locations tour—a real honour. Read about it here
Perfect for solo travellers and first-time visitors
Our tours are especially suited to solo travellers and anyone visiting Scotland for the first time. From your first enquiry, we’ll guide you every step of the way, so you feel confident before you arrive—and completely at home once you’re here.
Read what previous guests have said:
Based near Edinburgh — ideal for day tours and tour departures
We’re based in Linlithgow, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, just 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh. We’re ideally placed within Scotland’s rail and motorway networks, with many major filming locations within around an hour’s drive—perfect for Outlander day tours from Edinburgh, as well as private touring across Scotland.
Small groups, private tours, and a guide + separate driver
We offer:
- Private tours
- Small group tours (maximum 14 guests)
- Larger groups by special request
On our minibus tours, we always provide a separate driver and guide, and your guide will accompany you into attractions—so the day runs smoothly and you get far more from every stop.
Ancestry tours with heart (genealogy and local knowledge)
A big part of Mary’s Meanders is our Ancestry Tours and Packages, and it’s one of the most fascinating—and moving—parts of what we do. We’re privileged to hear family stories and help guests connect with places that matter.
Talks, events & sharing Scotland’s stories
Because we love our specialist topics so much, we’re also available for talks to groups. Anne particularly enjoyed speaking on Mary, Queen of Scots, including events at Borthwick Castle and during Tartan Week in New York.
Why tour with Mary’s Meanders?
As a friendly, independent Scotland tour company, we deliver the experience you’re looking for:
- Passionate local guides and great storytellers
- Flexible itineraries and a pace suited to you
- Trusted reputation — read our reviews
