Frequently Asked Questions

Were you born & brought up in Edinburgh?

Yes, I was born here in 1973 and have called it home for most of my life. I went to school here in Corstorphine and studied for a law degree in Aberdeen and a post-grad at Edinburgh University.

What are the advantages of a private tour of Edinburgh?

Most visitors to Edinburgh, hugely underestimate the amount of time needed to really discover Edinburgh.

It’s taken me a lifetime to uncover all its secrets and amazing stories, and that’s where a private tour with a local really shines! I’ve spent thousands of hours carefully researching and photographing the city, which I can share with you privately, away from the huge crowds and at your own pace.

Do you offer public group tours?

Yes, if you don’t require a private tour, I offer two very affordable small group tours with a maximum of 8 people per tour. The first is a tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town for history lovers and the second is a Photography Tour for photography enthusiasts. They cost just £45 per person and, with such a small group size, they allow you much more time with David and an opportunity to ask questions.

You seem a little expensive?

Like all businesses, there’s a lot of expenses, administrative & marketing costs to cover, and for every hour I’m with you, I’m spending another hour, either travelling to tours or running the business. I also spend a lot of time researching and updating the tours which is unpaid. Add in transport, running costs, software, tax and pension contributions and my profits are really very small. The business really runs on my passion & enthusiasm for the city.

Who do your Edinburgh tours really suit?

I created my tours for people who are genuinely interested in Edinburgh’s amazing history, people and taking beautiful pictures of the city. I will show you lots of old photos & maps of the city to bring the city’s fascinating history & characters to life. If you’re genuinely interested in history and taking better pictures, the tours will be perfect for you.

How many people can be in a private tour?

All my tours are fixed price and include up to 6 people (sometimes 8), making them great value for families and small, private groups.

Are the tours suitable for children?

All my walking tours of Edinburgh cover around 2 to 3 miles. I generally recommend that children are aged 12 and over.

What should I wear & bring on the tour?

Edinburgh is a city of lots of hills, steps and cobbled streets which you should be prepared for. Wear, comfortable, grippy shoes. The weather is changeable here all year round so please wrap up warm in the winter and always have a rain jacket in winter & summer.

Do your tours include the entry costs to paid visitor attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace?

No. I recommend you visit attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace separately. You will need about 2 to 3 hours at each, and I thoroughly recommend their Audio-guides, which are excellent, and offered in many languages.

I currently make monthly donations to help support St Giles’ Cathedral. For all free attractions in Edinburgh, I recommend making donations whenever you can.

When should I book an Edinburgh tour?

Most guests will find my tours are a really good first introduction to Edinburgh - especially my Old and New Town tours. You’ll get a good feel for the city and I can help you with any questions you may have about visiting Edinburgh. I’ll also tell you about some of my favourite cafes, restaurants, bars and places to visit.

Will there be a tea break?

Yes, there is a complimentary tea break on all my private Edinburgh tours. They last about 20 minutes when you can relax and ask me lots of questions about Edinburgh and visiting the rest of Scotland.

How far will I walk?

I recommend that you’re reasonably fit and in good health. Most tours will cover a distance of around 2-3 miles over the course of 3 hours. We can take small breaks along the way and there will be a 20 minute tea break about half way through each tour.

Will there be toilet & bathroom breaks?

Yes, we’ll never be far from a toilet or restroom. Just let me know and I’ll take you to one straight away.

Will you take photos of us on the tour?

Yes, I’m very happy to take pictures of you all as we visit places on the tour. I’ll do this on your own smartphones and cameras, so you can share them straight away. If you’re visiting on a special occasion, I also offer formal portrait/couple shoots to capture & celebrate your day. Please enquire when booking.

Do you offer a guarantee?

Yes, it’s extremely important to give you a warm welcome to Edinburgh and to work really hard to show you all my favourite things about the city, on and off the beaten track. If, for any reason, you feel I’ve not lived up to this promise I’ll refund your money straight away. I consider myself an ambassador of the city and I’m desperate to show it off in the best possible way.

What if the weather is bad?

My policy is to run tours whatever the weather. Tours will only be cancelled in extreme weather, where there is a danger to guests (e.g. very high winds). The weather in Scotland is highly changeable and it’s all part of the city’s charm!

If you get in touch 24 hrs before your tour, and I have availability, I am happy to reschedule (but only where possible).

What if I need to cancel my tour?

If your travel arrangements change, please let me know straight away so I can reschedule your tour or process a refund. To obtain a full refund, please let me know at least 24 hours before the start of your tour. Tours cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will not be refundable, unless there are strong mitigating reasons for cancelling.

Are you insured?

Yes, I am insured by Simply Business with £5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance. I recommend that everyone booking has their own specific travel insurance tailored to their own needs and circumstances.

Are you licenced by Edinburgh City Council to guide in Council run cemeteries?

Yes, I am licensed to guide in all Edinburgh cemeteries that require a license.

Do you offer anything cheaper?

Yes, I’ve written a 100 page guide book to Edinburgh that contains over 300 colour photographs of the city. It contains 100 of my favourite places to visit, along with a map of all their locations. I’m also in the process of writing guides to other parts of the city which will be made available to buy on this website. You can purchase it here.