Shore Excursion Scotland Reviews
A public archive of genuine customer reviews from cruise passengers who have explored Scotland with Shore Excursion Scotland.
Looking to explore our shore excursions, check availability or make a booking? Visit the official Shore Excursion Scotland website to discover our small-group and private shore excursions from cruise ports across Scotland.
About Shore Excursion Scotland Reviews
Welcome to Shore Excursion Scotland Reviews, the official online archive of customer reviews for Shore Excursion Scotland.
This website brings together genuine feedback from cruise passengers who have joined our small-group and private shore excursions in Scotland. Our aim is to make it easy for future travellers to browse authentic customer experiences, learn more about our excursions, and make informed decisions before booking.
The reviews published on this website originate from recognised third-party platforms, including Google, Tripadvisor, Facebook and other trusted travel websites, together with reviews submitted directly to us where appropriate. Wherever possible, reviews are displayed in their original form and are presented in reverse chronological order. Each review includes a link to the relevant Shore Excursion Scotland excursion so visitors can learn more about the tour being discussed.
Our excursions operate from Scotland's busiest cruise ports, including Kirkwall (Orkney Islands,) Greenock (Glasgow), Invergordon, South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Newhaven, Leith and Rosyth, visiting some of the country's most iconic destinations such as Skara Brae, Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, Loch Ness, Inveraray, St Andrews, Culloden Battlefield, the Scottish Highlands and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
This website is provided as an informational resource and review archive only. It does not accept bookings or process payments. If you would like to explore our full range of shore excursions, check availability or make a reservation, please visit the main Shore Excursion Scotland website.
We believe that honest customer feedback is one of the best ways for future cruise passengers to understand what to expect from a shore excursion. By publishing reviews in a clear, transparent and accessible format, we hope to provide a valuable resource for anyone planning a cruise to Scotland while showcasing the experiences of the guests who have travelled with us over the years.
Latest Shore Excursion Scotland Reviews
Browse the latest customer reviews from cruise passengers who have travelled with Shore Excursion Scotland. Reviews are displayed in reverse chronological order and include the review date, star rating and the excursion being reviewed. Older reviews can be found in our complete review archive.
“Don’t miss this one!”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
Thank you Graham for making our experience memorable. You were welcoming, very knowledgeable, and easy to converse with. The van was spotless and comfortable. Highly recommend!!
Reviewed August 2026 • Tripadvisor • Inverness (Invergordon)
Excursion Reviewed - Culloden, Cawdor Castle and Inverness
-
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that Graham made your day in Scotland such a memorable one and that you enjoyed the comfortable journey. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to him. Thank you for travelling with Shore Excursion Scotland and for the fantastic recommendation!
“Incredible trip to Edinburgh Military Tattoo”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
We took the shore excursion from our cruise ship in Greenock to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Seeing that show was a bucket list item for me. We were picked up at our ship and driven to Edinburgh. The driver was extremely polite and fun to ride with. They dropped off the group close to the castle where we were escorted to our seats. After the show, our van trip back to the ship was parked really close as well. While this was the same excursion Princess has, ours left the ship 2 hours later and arrived back to the ship 40 minutes earlier. It was a much better experience overall than provided by the ship. I'd recommend this company over the ship's excursion easily.
Reviewed August 2026 • Tripadvisor • Greenock (Glasgow)
Excursion Reviewed - The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
-
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're delighted we could help make seeing the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, especially as a bucket-list experience, such a memorable part of your visit to Scotland.
It's particularly great to hear that you enjoyed the convenience of our smaller-group transfer, from being collected directly at the ship to getting you close to Edinburgh Castle and back to Greenock comfortably after the show.
We really appreciate your recommendation, especially your comparison with the cruise line's excursion. Providing a more personal and relaxed alternative to the larger ship tours is exactly what we aim to do. Thank you again for choosing Shore Excursion Scotland.
We hope the Tattoo lived up to everything you'd been looking forward to!
“Loch Ness”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
We had a fantastic day exploring Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands. Urquhart Castle was a real highlight, with incredible views across the loch, and the scenery throughout the day was absolutely beautiful.
No sign of Nessie unfortunately, but we had a brilliant day searching! Highly recommend this excursion if you're visiting Invergordon.
Reviewed August 2026 • Tripadvisor • Inverness (Invergordon)
Excursion Reviewed - Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness and a Search for Nessie
-
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're delighted you enjoyed exploring Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the beautiful Highland scenery with us.
It's a shame Nessie didn't make an appearance this time – she can be a little camera shy! Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Scotland again someday.
“Thanks, Graham”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent tour! Our guide, Graham was friendly, knowledgeable, and informative. His genuine pride in Scotland shone through in the stories he shared. Highly recommend fora memorable experience!
Reviewed August 2026 • Tripadvisor • Inverness (Invergordon)
Excursion Reviewed - Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness and a Search for Nessie
-
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such an enjoyable day with Graham. His passion for Scotland certainly shines through, and we'll be sure to pass your kind words on to him.
Thank you for choosing Shore Excursion Scotland and for your recommendation!
“Edinburgh City”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
This was such a great way to see Edinburgh during our cruise stop with Princess! We loved exploring the Old Town with our guide and learning about the history and stories behind the city. Edinburgh Castle was definitely a highlight, and the views were incredible.
The small group was a nice surprise and everything felt relaxed and personal. One of our favourite days in Scotland!
Reviewed August 2026 • Tripadvisor • Edinburgh (South Queensferry)
Excursion Reviewed - The City of Edinburgh
-
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted you enjoyed exploring Edinburgh with Shore Excursion Scotland.
It's especially great to hear that you enjoyed the relaxed, small-group experience. Thank you for choosing Shore Excursion Scotland during your Princess cruise – we're thrilled to have been part of one of your favourite days in Scotland!
“Beautiful Tour”
★★★★ 4 out of 5 stars
Loved the Stirling Castle. Our tour started with something not described on the tour- a visit to the canal and lochs. interesting but whittled our time from the castle and loch Lomond. The visit to the Highland Cows could also be eliminated but is probably a fun bathroom break and gift shop addition. All-in-all would recommend the tour.
Reviewed July 2026 • Tripadvisor • Glasgow (Greenock)
Excursion Reviewed - The Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond
-
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback for the Kelpies, Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond excursion.
We're delighted to hear that you loved visiting Stirling Castle. It's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, and we're pleased it was a highlight of your day.
We also appreciate your comments regarding the itinerary. Unfortunately, I think Helix Park was closed due to flooding over your visit so we include a visit to the nearby Falkirk Wheel and canal as an alternative to the Kelpies. While many guests enjoy seeing this remarkable feat of Scottish engineering, we understand that some may prefer to spend additional time at other locations instead.
Similarly, our stop to meet the Highland cows has become one of the most popular parts of the excursion for many visitors, but we appreciate that every traveller has different interests. Feedback like yours helps us continue to refine the balance of our itineraries.
Thank you again for your recommendation and for choosing to explore Scotland with us. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.
“Favourite Excursion”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
Shore Excursion Scotland was the best experience. It was our best excursion that we had from our entire 12 day cruise. The small group size enabled us to experience so much more than if we had been with a large group. Our guide took us to so many places. The Highlands of Scotland now hold a special place in my heart.
Reviewed July 2026 • Tripadvisor • Inverness (Invergordon)
Excursion Reviewed - Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness and a Search for Nessie
-
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, and a Search for Nessie excursion from Invergordon.
To hear that our excursion was the highlight of your entire 12-day cruise is an incredible compliment, and one that means a great deal to our whole team.
We're passionate about keeping our groups small, as it allows our driver-guides to offer a much more personal experience, visit places that larger coaches simply can't, and adapt the day to make the most of the time ashore. We're delighted that this made such a positive difference to your visit.
Your comment that the Scottish Highlands now hold a special place in your heart is particularly touching. We hope you took home many wonderful memories, along with a camera full of photographs, and that Scotland has inspired you to return one day to discover even more.
Thank you again for choosing Shore Excursion Scotland. It was a pleasure to be part of your cruise holiday, and we hope to welcome you back to Scotland again in the future.
“A great tour and experience”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
Our guide Andy met us as we exited the cruise ship tender dock area. His van was comfortable and clean. Andy took us to the best Outlander film sites and this tour was excellent especially since we didn't have to ride in a 40 passenger bus. I would highly recommend this tour experience.
Reviewed July 2026 • Tripadvisor • Edinburgh (South Queensferry)
Excursion Reviewed - The Outlander Trail
-
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our Outlander Trail excursion from Queensferry.
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your Outlander excursion and that Andy was there to welcome you as you came ashore. It's great to know you found the vehicle comfortable and that you enjoyed visiting some of Scotland's most iconic Outlander filming locations.
One of the things our guests appreciate most is travelling in a small group rather than on a large coach. It allows for a more relaxed pace, easier access to many of the locations, and a much more personal experience with your driver-guide, so we're pleased this made such a positive difference to your day.
We'll be sure to pass your kind comments on to Andy—he'll be thrilled to know he helped make your visit to Scotland so memorable.
Thank you again for choosing Shore Excursion Scotland, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
“Great excursion from Greenock - Glasgow”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
Outstanding first day in Scotland
Today we arrived in Greenock and toured all over. We saw Glasgow and what is left of the shipbuilding industry. We then headed to The Kelpies, two 100ft horse statues that represent not only the importance of Clydesdales in Scottish history but also is a reflection of Scottish mythology. They were insanely impressive up close. Pictures do not do them justice.
We then headed to Stirling and toured Stirling Castle. Originally built in the 12th century, it had many additions and subtractions throughout its history and was of major importance of controlling Scotland. Off the distance slightly from the castle is William Wallace Tower, built in the 1800s to commemorate his incredible victory over the English. It's impressive but we didn't get to go close to it.
Next we drove to Falkirk to see The Falkirk Wheel. This was absolutely amazing. It is a one of a kind in the world system for lifting boats from the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal which are located 115 away from each other. The most remarkable thing: it uses only 1.5 kWh of electricity to complete a rotation!! It's an absolute marvel.
Finally we drove out to see and pet some Highland Cows. They were very sleepy and had eaten too much to be fed any more but Hamish finally got up and let the kids pet him.
Another great day with a great tour guide!! Thanks Scott!! And thanks Martin with Scotland Excursions!!
Reviewed July 2026 • Tripadvisor • Glasgow (Greenock)
Excursion Reviewed - The Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond
-
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a fantastic review of your private excursion from Greenock port.
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed exploring so many of the country's iconic sights, from the engineering marvel of the Falkirk Wheel and the impressive Kelpies to the rich history of Stirling Castle. It sounds like you made the most of your time ashore!
We're especially pleased that Hamish eventually decided to get up and say hello! Like many Highland cows, he prefers to do things on his own schedule, but we're glad the children still had the chance to meet him.
A huge thank you as well for your kind words about Scott. We'll be sure to pass your comments on to him—he'll be delighted to know he helped make your first day in Scotland such a memorable one.
On behalf of everyone at Shore Excursion Scotland, thank you for choosing to travel with us. We hope the rest of your cruise was every bit as enjoyable, and we'd love to welcome you back to Scotland again in the future.
“Highland Coos and Much More!”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
We were picked up right off our ship and travelled just 15 minutes (with a quick photo spot, thanks Barney!) to the farm! The family who owns and run the farm shared a piece of their world with us - they put their heart and soul into their land and animals and it shows! Not only did we get up close and personal with the adorable coos, but we also were joined by their two sheep dogs, visited their sheep and horse and met one of their farm cats! They educated us on the history of their land as they showed us the remnants of that history which still stands, all with an absolutely breathtaking view of the Scottish countryside backdrop. The snapshots we captured during this excursion don't feel real and some of our coo pictures look like they could be on postcards! I recommend this to anyone, I don’t see how you could leave disappointed!
Reviewed July 2026 • Tripadvisor • Glasgow (Greenock)
Excursion Reviewed - Highland Cow Farm Experience
-
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Barney and the Highland Cow Farm Experience excursion.
We're absolutely delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your visit to the farm. One of the things that makes this experience so special is that it's not just about meeting Highland cows—it's about being welcomed onto a real working Scottish farm by a family who are genuinely passionate about what they do. We're so pleased that came across during your visit.
It sounds like you managed to meet almost every member of the farm family too, from the Highland cows and sheep to the hardworking sheepdogs, horse and even one of the resident cats! We're also glad Barney helped get the day off to a great start (and found time for a quick photo stop on the way!).
The scenery around the farm really is spectacular, and we're thrilled to hear your photographs captured those postcard-worthy views. It's wonderful to know the experience exceeded your expectations, and we truly appreciate you recommending it to future visitors.
We hope to welcome you back to Scotland again someday!
“Great safe driver. Not an actual guided tour”
★★★ 3 out of 5 stars
Excellent safe driver, warm beautiful summer day in Scotland. Newer clean comfortable 7 passenger van. Driver could not be heard by passengers in the second and third rows so basically this tour did not provide commentary. I do not recommend unless van included a speaker device. Sorry for the review but I wanted our day in Scotland to be great with commentary
Reviewed July 2026 • Tripadvisor • Glasgow (Greenock)
Excursion Reviewed - Inveraray and the West Highlands
-
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review of our Inveraray & West Highlands excursion from Greenock.
We're delighted to hear that you found your driver to be safe and that you enjoyed travelling in one of our newer, comfortable vehicles on such a beautiful Scottish summer day.
That said, we're genuinely sorry that the commentary didn't meet your expectations. We completely understand that hearing the stories, history and local insights is a key part of any sightseeing tour, and it's disappointing that passengers seated further back in the vehicle weren't able to hear your driver clearly. I'm glad that we were able to compensate you for this and it did not affect your other excursions with us.
Following feedback such as yours, we've now made it a required that each of our suppliers provide portable microphone and speaker systems to ensure all guests can comfortably hear the commentary, regardless of where they're seated. This has made a significant difference to the overall tour experience.
We really appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we're sorry that this improvement came after your visit rather than before it. We hope you'll consider travelling with us again should your travels bring you back to Scotland, so we can provide the experience you were rightly expecting.
“Tremendous Tour & Guide”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
We thoroughly enjoyed this excursion. Our guide, Scott was fantastic and took us to a few extra places which were absolutely beautiful. We saw highland cows which were not even part of the tour but when we asked about them, he made a stop for us. He recommended a great little restaurant which was delicious and got us back to the ship in plenty of time. This private tour was soooo worth it!
Reviewed June 2026 • Tripadvisor • Inverness (Invergordon)
Excursion Reviewed - Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness and a Search for Nessie
-
Thank you for your review of Scott and your private excursion from Invergordon.
Bonus coos is always great! It's great to see that you felt the private excursion was worth taking and please do not hesitate to get in touch on your return to Scotland if you would like to explore some more with us!
“Amazing Tour”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
We had a wonderful day seeing all the beauty of Scotland on this tour! Scott was our driver guide and he was great, informative and funny! Highly recommend this tour and this company. This was our favorite excursion on our cruise.
Reviewed May 2026 • Tripadvisor • Glasgow (Greenock)
Excursion Reviewed - The Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond
-
Thank you for your lovely review of Scott and our Kelpies, Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond excursion.
We really appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again soon!
“Worth every penny”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
I love that this tour was in a small minivan, four other customers besides myself and my husband. Our driver/guide Andy took very good care of us. Compared to other tours I’ve been on, he seemed interested in what was important to us, asking us questions about the itinerary along the way.
I chose this tour for 2 specific reasons-pickup/drop off at the cruise terminal, and time with the Coos. I got both and then some. Very happy I picked this even if it was more expensive than other tours.
Reviewed May 2026 • Tripadvisor • Glasgow (Greenock)
Excursion Reviewed - The Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond
-
Thank you for your kind review of Andy and the Kelpies, Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond excursion.
It's great to hear that you felt you got value on this excursion and met some friendly coos as well!
“Wonderful personal tour”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
Great tour. Small van (8 passengers) with driver/guide. We had Andy and he was wonderful. Good driving-I felt safe. He gave us some history, but not overwhelming. He also set realistic times to be back at the van. I didn’t feel rushed as I have on other tours. Picks you up at the cruise terminal-SO convenient.
Reviewed May 2026 • Tripadvisor • Glasgow (Greenock)
Excursion Reviewed - The Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond
-
Thank you for your kind review of Andy and the Kelpies, Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond excursion.
Our number one priority is safety on board so I'm delighted to see that you enjoyed the drive and didn't feel rushed either. This was very important to us when starting up - we wanted to show Scotland to passengers at a slower pace.
We hope to see you again soon on a future BI cruise!