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Hugh was born
and brought up in the western Highlands, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s
highest mountain. 
His mother was a
Gaelic speaker, with a broad expertise in Scottish history and Highland culture.
She knew all of the tales and stories of the north, and the locations where
these events unfolded.
Hugh’s spare time was spent hill-walking on the tracks, byways and drove roads, learning about the flora and fauna of the area from his father. In this way he built up knowledge of the prettiest glens, the best views, the most inspiring waterfalls, and the ruined castles and towers with the blackest of legends.
The degree Hugh
studied for, at the historic Glasgow University, included Geography, Geology and
Scottish History. His early career included work for a couple of different
Scottish Tourist Boards, and he later became a senior manager in Cultural and
leisure services, for local government in the Highlands.
This meant that
he had responsibility for developing and promoting heritage and tourism; and the
1980’s and 1990’s saw Hugh gaining a string of prestigious awards for good
practice. He also wrote several publications on walks, car-tours, and the
geology; natural history; and myths and legends of the Highlands.
At the turn of
the millennium he chose to take employment with the charity “The National Trust
for Scotland”, managing both Brodie Castle and Culloden Battlefield for them. It
was also during this period that he realised the long-held dream of becoming a
fully-fledged author.
He has now
written three acclaimed books. The first book, “Roots of Stone” is an
easy-to-read journey through the last 2,000 years of Scottish history. The next
work, “Rivers Running Far “looks at the emigration of the Scots to America and
Australia. His most recent book “Culloden Tales” has become a popular buy, and
as well as outlining the role that each of the clans played at that tragic
battle, the book also tells the other tales and stories relating to the
Inverness area. Researching these books has also developed his ability to
undertake genealogy and archive searches for other people.
In the last few years Hugh has delighted in showing visitors around his beloved Highlands. After leaving “the National Trust for Scotland” he joined the Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association (HOSTGA) to concentrate on guiding full-time. His background in history and landscape combines perfectly with his lively sense of humour, skill as a storyteller and his knowledge of the area. A true Highlander, he is waiting to share his culture with you.
Hugh's vehicle carries up to six passengers, but larger vehicles up to eight
passengers can be organised by arrangement.
Born in Hertfordshire, England his mother was from Preston
Pans near Edinburgh and his father's family had connections in Caithness and
Sutherland. He was educated in Welwyn Garden City then Bude in Cornwall.
Owing to an allergy he failed all his university entrance examinations and moved to Manchester where he began a career in sales, rapidly progressing to store management. A move to Basingstoke in Hampshire accompanied a move into general industry and he held executive positions with Wella and then British American.
In 1978 he moved to Drumnadrochit on the side of Loch Ness and conceived, set up and ran the Official Loch Ness Centre for more than ten years. After a dispute with the owner who wanted to conceal the truth about the famous photograph he left and concentrated on other aspects of Scotland's heritage.
He designed, produced and lost a lot of money developing the award-winning Nessie Hunt board game. He has also written a number of booklets on the Loch Ness phenomenon and has recently completed a 400 page book on the subject which is awaiting publication.
In addition he ran and improved the Great Glen History and Heritage Exhibition in 1982; in 1993 he conceived, researched and set up the Macbeth Experience; in 1994 he designed and staged Scotland's largest private exhibition, the Story of Scotland at Fort Augustus Abbey. This latter exhibition covered not just the country's rich heritage, but also the natural history, wildlife and geology of the area and was very highly acclaimed.
More recently he has guided large and small groups of
visitors around the whole of the north of Scotland and runs InvernessTours.com.
In 2008 he published his book "Scotland's Bloody History" which is available on
the "Book Now" section of this website. He has guided heads of state,
royalty, army groups and university groups.
Tony has a Seat Alhambro vehicle which is comfortable for up to six passengers with good head and legroom for those of average build. There is very restricted luggage space with six passengers. Groups of eight or six with lots of luggage can usually be accommodated with enough notice at an extra charge of £95. He usually undertakes just one tour per week owing to other business interests. Once a day is booked three days either side usually become unavailable. If you would like to read more about Tony's background go to his Loch Ness Information Website here.
George was born in the beautiful Speyside town of Grantown, close to the home of his maternal grandparents. On his father’s side he has been able to trace his Highland ancestry back to the mid 1770,s when written records first appeared. On his paternal side he had a Gaelic influence while his maternal family brought him an understanding of the Doric language.
He spent all of his working life in and around Inverness - unofficially known as the capital city of the Highlands. A Chartered Accountant by profession he held a senior management post within the Highland Council, the local authority for the area, and latterly a post with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the statutory body established to bring employment stability to the area. These posts enabled him not only to travel extensively within the Highlands and Islands of the North of Scotland but around all parts of Scotland, representing his employers in a national context.
In addition to his professional career George is heavily involved with community activities at a local level, and is the current Treasurer of the Clan Munro Association, based at Foulis Castle in Easter Ross. A local sportsman of note he was well known around the local highland games circuit in his younger days, before a back injury caused while playing rugby at Gordonstoun School put paid to his sporting ambitions.
George has now decided he would like to share this knowledge, experience and love of his native Highlands with visitors to the area and as a consequence he has joined the Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association to concentrate full time on guiding.
George's vehicle is a modern comfortable four passenger car and he has access to seven-seaters (3+3). For a nine seater (8 passengers) vehicle there is an additional cost of £100 and subject to availability.
