FAQs

John Alasdair Macdonald, PhD – founder of The Hebridean Explorer – guides all tours. John is a native Highlander and a Scottish Highlands historian with over 19 years of experience leading private guided tours.

No. I do not sell individual or separate group tickets for people to join tours. The prices quoted are for your private and exclusive group only (of up to 3 people) where your private group collectively hires the vehicle as a whole for a tour. Advertised tour prices still apply if your group is less than 3.

No. The current tour vehicle is a Honda CR-V accommodating up to 3 passengers with window seats to ensure a high-quality, private experience. While there is a 4th passenger seat in the vehicle, it is a smaller middle seat with limited width and without a window view and as such I do not take three adults in the back.

Most tours can be combined to create a longer private itinerary. However, when combining the Outer Hebrides with Orkney or Shetland, a free day in Inverness is required between the tours to allow flexibility in case of ferry delays. The 3 Day or 5 Day Isle of Skye & Highlands tour can be combined with Orkney or Shetland without requiring this additional buffer day. All combinations are planned individually to ensure a relaxed and practical itinerary.

For combination tour enquiries, please email me directly with your preferred destinations and travel dates so we can discuss the best itinerary for your trip.

I do not offer standalone one day tours. My private tours run for 3 to 5 days, and a one day history extension can be added at the beginning or end of a multi-day tour.

No. To ensure a personalised experience and direct communication, I work exclusively with private guests. I do not accept bookings through travel agents or resellers. All tours must be booked directly by guests.