THISTLE TOURS STORY

Beauly Priory1

HOW THISTLE TOURS BEGAN

THISTLE BE A DREAM YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE

Turas a 'Chluarain

Thistle Tours was first thought of in February 2007, who are a privately owned and family run business, located in the beautiful Village of Beauly, approximately 12 miles North West of Inverness – the capital and the heart of the Highlands of Scotland.

The name Beauly is derived from the French ‘beau-lieu’, meaning beautiful place, there is a story that Mary Queen of Scots first called it ‘beau-lieu’ when she stayed one night at the Old Beauly Priory in 1564.

Thistle Tours Family have set a high standard over the last 17 years, guaranteeing a high-quality Service, knowledgeable Guides and Drivers who’s unique knowledge of the local area give a great chance to see the best of the Scottish Highlands.

We are Highland based and specialise in personalised small group tours, tailored around your interests. We offer you a taste of Scottish exclusivity with access to private areas, off the beaten track and away from the crowded tourist paths. Whatever you are looking for, a love of rugged scenery, tastes of the Highland Whisky Trail, Scotland’s unique wildlife, historic Castles, Clan Lands and Folklore, all this and more are waiting for you to discover with Thistle Tours.

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Thistle Tours Team has a good bond of experience in Tourism, geographical & historical knowledge of Scotland and the Highlands. Our experience and education in the Travel Industry and the knowledge of foreign languages enabling us to provide the service at a professional level.

Thistle Tours Family is a proud Member of The Clan Donald Society of Scotland, Friends of The Clan Fraser of Lovat and The Classic Malts,, a long-time Member of The Historic Scotland and The ITT ((Institute of Travel & Tourism).

At Thistle Tours we pride ourselves in offering a unique touring experience in terms of being truly local to the area, our guides have spent many years working in the Highland Tourism and have a vast, first-hand knowledge of the geography, history, culture and language of the Highlands.

Thistle Tours will bring you the opportunity to explore new places and share the moments that become part of your story forever. We promise, you won’t find anyone more welcoming than our Highland people or anywhere richer than the places we open exclusively for you. That’s what our mantra, ‘Thistle Be a Dream You’ll Never Want to Leave’ is all about.

GO N-ÉIRI AN BÓTHAR LEAT

MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU

At Thistle Tours we plan the journey that’s perfect for you and no matter how you go or where your travels take you, along the way, you will find a community of people dedicated to your wellbeing and sense of wonder. We invite you to peek at the ways we’re conjuring up moments that reflect the best of these magical lands – where tears are met with laughter, fairies with faith and dreams with hope.

Come with us to meet the friends we have made through many years in Highland Travel and discover our favourite places, new and old. However you choose to travel – from Thistle Tours fully guided Small Group Tours to perfectly tailored Private Highland Vacations, we will show you a view through the eyes of the locals, seen by few.

Graeme, born and bred in Beauly in the Highlands has a large geographical knowledge of Scotland and the Highlands & Islands, has been and still is involved in many outdoor activities such as hill-walking, mounting biking and canoeing. Graeme often took part in many charity events, especially The Highland Cross that runs from Morvich in the West, running through Glen Affric then onto Beauly, he has done many walks, including Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor and The Munros of Glencoe. During his three years in Ireland, Graeme had done many walks throughout the country. Since leaving school he has travelled throughout Scotland and the Highlands, learning about the geography and history of his homeland, meeting many interesting people on his travels.

Larisa has many years’ experience guiding groups and working as a Guide in the Highlands, she has also been part of the management team in the Highland Travel and Tourism Industry, when the most experience was gained in arranging overseas holidays. Larisa has a Certificate in The Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management and also her London Home Learning College Degree in Travel & Tourism. During her four years in Seoul, South Korea, Larisa studied and received her Diploma of Korean Language at the Seoul Yonsei University, and she worked as part of a team for The Korean Broadcasting Company (KBS TV), giving daily tuition on their TV programme, promoting local tourism.

Highland Stag

THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND ARE CALLING

WELCOME TO THE LAND OF ANCIENT RITUALS AND LONG-RULING CLANS

Clans and Bagpipes, Kilts and Tartans, Gaelic and Tweed, Whisky and Porridge, Heather and Thistles, all originate in the Highlands and enrich the popular picture of Scotland throughout the world.

Join us to discover the real Highlands – the ancient heart of Scotland, the land of high Mountains, spectacular Glens, breath-taking Islands and deep, mysterious Lochs steeped in legends.

Come with Thistle Tours on your Highland adventure to explore Scotland’s wild heart and the Jacobite country, the land of ancient rituals and long-ruling Clans, where the imagery of Medieval Castles, Stately Homes, Clan Lands and romantic Hebridean Islands will stay with you forever… ‘Thistle be a Dream you’ll never want to leave’.

Thistle Tours was set up because of our love and passion for travel and travelling around the world, this gave us an idea to show the world Scotland’s rich history and unique Highland traditions and share our passion with others.

Thistle Tours Family are proud Highlanders with the unique local knowledge, the true Highland spirit and love for the land we are living on. ‘Ni h-eibhneas gan Chlainn Domhnaill’.

Travel Scotland the Highland Style with Thistle Tours – discover your favourite places, new and old, and we will show you a view through the eyes of the locals seen by few… Ceud Mìle Fàilte!

We Look Forward To Meeting You Soon,