Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands is an exciting experience, and we’re here to make it as straightforward as possible. Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions we’re asked most often about our private tours, booking process, pricing and travel advice. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
About Our Tours
Do you only offer private tours?
Yes. Every tour is completely private, meaning your group will never be combined with other travellers. This allows us to create a more relaxed, flexible experience tailored to your interests.
What types of tours do you offer?
We offer a range of private experiences, including Day Tours, Half-Day Tours, multi-day tours, private transfers and bespoke Highland itineraries.
Can we customise our tour?
Yes. Our tours are designed to be flexible. We’ll discuss your interests before you travel and, wherever practical, adapt the itinerary to suit your group.
How many people can travel together?
Our luxury vehicle accommodates up to seven guests, making our tours ideal for couples, families and small groups.
Who are your tours suitable for?
Our tours are suitable for adults, families, groups of friends, photographers, history enthusiasts and anyone wanting to explore Scotland with a knowledgeable local guide.
Planning Your Visit
Where do your tours start?
Most tours begin in Fort William. Alternative collection points may be possible depending on your itinerary, so please contact us before booking if you have a different starting location in mind.
Can you collect us from our accommodation?
Yes. We can collect you from accommodation in Fort William and other agreed locations where practical.
Can you recommend accommodation?
Yes. If you’re booking a multi-day tour, we’re happy to recommend accommodation based on your itinerary. If you prefer, we can also arrange accommodation on your behalf.
Do you offer airport transfers?
Yes. Alongside our tours, we also provide private transfers throughout Scotland, including journeys to and from Fort William, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness. Learn more about our services.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly if you’re planning to visit during the main tourist season between April and September, when availability can become limited.
Travel Advice
When is the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands?
The Highlands are beautiful throughout the year, but many visitors choose to travel between April and September when the days are longer and attractions are fully open. Autumn also offers spectacular colours and quieter roads.
Should I choose a day tour or a multi-day tour?
It depends on how much of Scotland you’d like to see. Day tours are perfect if you’re short on time, while multi-day tours allow you to travel further, spend longer at each destination and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
What should I wear on a Highland tour?
We recommend dressing in layers and bringing waterproof clothing, even during summer. Comfortable walking shoes are also advisable if you plan to explore viewpoints, castles or short walking trails.
What happens if the weather changes?
Scottish weather is famously unpredictable. Fortunately, our private tours allow flexibility, so where practical we can adjust the itinerary to make the most of the conditions and ensure you still enjoy a fantastic day.
Will we have free time during the tour?
Yes. While your guide will accompany you throughout the journey, there will also be opportunities to explore villages, attractions and scenic locations at your own pace.
Can you recommend restaurants or places to eat?
Absolutely. As a local guide, Jamie is always happy to recommend cafés, restaurants and traditional Highland pubs throughout your journey.
Can you help us plan the rest of our Scotland holiday?
Yes. Many guests ask for recommendations beyond their tour, and we’re always happy to suggest additional places to visit, scenic routes and attractions to help you make the most of your time in Scotland.
Are your tours suitable for photographers?
Yes. Scotland offers some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, and private tours provide the flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints, wait for changing light and spend extra time capturing the perfect photograph.
Are your tours suitable for children?
Yes. Families are very welcome, and because your tour is private, we can travel at a pace that suits everyone in your group.
Are your tours suitable for older travellers?
Yes. Many of our guests prefer a relaxed sightseeing experience. We can adapt the pace of the day wherever possible to suit your group’s mobility and interests.
Booking & Pricing
How do I book a tour?
Booking is simple. Just contact us by phone, email or through our online enquiry form. We’ll discuss your preferred dates, the type of tour you’re interested in and any specific places you’d like to visit before confirming your booking.
How much do your tours cost?
Our tour prices vary depending on the experience you choose. Multi-day tours are currently priced at £680 per day for your private group, with an additional £150 overnight accommodation charge for your guide. If you’re interested in a bespoke itinerary, please contact us for a personalised quotation.
What is included in the tour price?
Your tour includes private transport and your dedicated driver-guide throughout your journey. Attraction entry fees, meals and guest accommodation are arranged separately where applicable, and we’ll explain exactly what’s included before you book.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Not usually. We only require a deposit for larger bookings. Full payment is due up to 30 days before your tour.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major payment methods through a secure payment link, although bank transfer is our preferred payment method.
Can I make changes to my booking?
Yes. We’ll always do our best to accommodate changes to your booking where possible. While your itinerary is entirely flexible, changes to your tour date may not be possible within 7 days of your booking due to availability.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. Tours are 90% refundable up to 7 days before your tour. Unfortunately, cancellations made within 7 days of the tour are non-refundable.
During Your Tour
Will Jamie be our guide throughout the tour?
Yes. Jamie personally guides almost every tour, sharing his lifelong knowledge of Fort William, the Highlands, and Scotland’s history, folklore and culture throughout your journey. On the rare occasion that Jamie is unavailable, your tour will be led by his uncle, John, who also provides the same friendly and professional experience.
Can we stop whenever we see something interesting?
Yes. One of the advantages of travelling privately is the flexibility to stop for photographs, admire a view, watch Highland wildlife or simply enjoy a place for a little longer where it’s safe and practical to do so.
Will we have time to explore on our own?
Absolutely. We build free time into our itineraries so you can explore villages, castles, attractions and viewpoints at your own pace while still benefiting from local recommendations and guidance.
Can we visit places that aren't on the itinerary?
Where practical, yes. Every private tour is designed to be flexible, and we’re always happy to discuss additional stops or slight route changes where time allows.
Do you provide food and drinks?
Meals and refreshments are not included, giving you the freedom to choose where you’d like to eat during your tour. Jamie is always happy to recommend local cafés, restaurants and traditional Highland pubs.
About Tartan Tours Fort William
Why should I choose a private tour instead of a coach tour?
Private tours offer a far more personal experience. Rather than following a fixed timetable with large groups, you’ll enjoy a flexible itinerary, comfortable private transport and the freedom to spend more time at the places that interest you most.
Why choose Tartan Tours Fort William?
We’re passionate about sharing the Highlands with visitors from around the world. As a locally owned business led by Jamie McConnell, a lifelong Fort William resident, we provide authentic experiences, local insight and personalised service that larger tour operators simply can’t match.
Who is Jamie McConnell?
Jamie is the founder and guide behind Tartan Tours Fort William. Having lived in Fort William for virtually his entire life, he combines extensive local knowledge with a genuine passion for sharing Scotland’s landscapes, history and culture. You can learn more on our About Us page.
Do you only visit the famous tourist attractions?
No. While we’ll always include iconic destinations if you’d like to see them, Jamie also enjoys introducing guests to hidden viewpoints, quieter locations and lesser-known gems that many visitors would otherwise miss.
Where can I read reviews from previous guests?
You can visit our Reviews page to see genuine feedback from guests who have explored the Highlands with us.
Can you create a completely bespoke itinerary?
Yes. If you have a particular route, destination or experience in mind, we’ll be happy to discuss creating a tailor-made itinerary designed around your interests, travel dates and preferred pace.
Can't Find The Answer You Need?
We hope these FAQs have helped answer your questions and made planning your Highland adventure a little easier. Every trip is different, and we’re always happy to discuss your travel plans, recommend the right tour or create a bespoke itinerary that suits your interests.
Whether you’re visiting Scotland for the first time or returning to discover somewhere new, we’ll help you experience the Highlands with the flexibility, local knowledge and personal service that make every journey memorable.
Ready to start planning?
Call: +44 07723443309
Email: info@tartantoursfortwilliam.co.uk
