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Meet your guide, Martin
Martin McMenigall • Jan 09, 2021
Martin McMenigall, Edinburgh Tour Guide
I have a passion for Scotland and it's rich tapestry of history. Like the many different tartans and kilts which form our national dress, the tales of our past are equally colourful. I specialise in Private Tours in my home town of Edinburgh a World Heritage Site, together with the attractions in the surrounding area.
I was born, raised and educated in this unique city but it was not until I returned after working in other cities that I came to appreciate what was here. My many years working in the design and installation of air conditioning and ventilation In shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants gives me an extensive knowledge of the range, quality and value available in the city and surrounding area which I am happy to pass on to my clients.
All my tours (except Harry Potter and Edinburgh and The Edinburgh of Adam Smith) are carried out wearing my kilt. In a recent referral from a client he stated that it was interesting to watch other tour groups rushing to photograph his private guide.
I amuse, educate and entertain by combining history with stories of people and places that we view. My Tours are easily modified for the less mobile, or to incorporate any special requirements.
We have experienced Scotlands best with horse riding, Highland cow feeding and amazing views. We now have 3 accredited Whisky Ambassadors look out for new tours.
February has been a busy month for us, we purchased a new vehicle, have been sampling Scottish cuisine, experiencing new hotels and planning multi-day itineraries.
Although Edinburgh is quieter and colder it is still an amazing time to be in here. Markets, theatre, ice rink and Christmas lights have us feeling festive.
Click on the image to go to the booking page for the Edinburgh Castle and Medieval Old Town Live Stream Virtual Tour. It is free to join, no app required and Tips are welcome. This is an introduction tour of 30 minutes duration. Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland's most iconic buildings. Explore the history of the Castle and of the City that grew around it. Perched on a volcanic plug hear stories of the Castle's past from the Esplanade. Travel down Castlehill into the Lawnmarket seeing stunning architecture, hearing fascinating stories of the characters that shaped this wonderful city's past.
Edinburgh is a beautiful city best explored on foot. However, travel is not possible right now. Why not take one of our Virtual Tours? The duration is around 45 minutes can be tailored to your needs. We have an Old Town Tour focusing on the upper part of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. We also have a Royal Mile and Place of Holyroodhouse tour which focuses on the lower part of the Old Town. Tours are offered via Zoom (free for you to use) or we can also FaceTime. Time zones can make it difficult to do a Live Virtual Tour, we can also offer a Zoom Tour using videos and photos with the guide talking you through the city and answering questions along the way.
The name Eilean Donan, or island of Donan, probably comes from the 6th century Irish Saint, Bishop Donan who came to Scotland around 580 AD. In the early 13th century the first defensive structure was built on the island. The castle played a part in the Jacobite risings which ultimately resulted in its destruction. It lay in ruins for around 200 years until the island was purchased by Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap in 1911. Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap and his Clerk of Works, Farquar Macrae, spent the next 20 years rebuilding the Castle to her former glory. The castle was rebuilt according to surviving ground plans and was completed in the July of 1932. The Castle walls are 14feet thick and the island has its own fresh water supply. Eilean Donan is one of Scotland's most iconic Castles, surrounded by stunning scenery and at the meeting point of three sea lochs. No wonder it has appeared in several movies, Highlander, James Bond and more.