Gallus Tours Scotland
Gallus Tours Scotland
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About
Tom has a deep passion for Scotland - a small country with a big history - and has been sharing this with visitors since 2013. He is happy to follow in the footsteps of others but, in his own 'gallus' way, his great love is to take visitors off the beaten track to see Scotland from a different point of view. Tom has an extensive knowledge which he loves to share through his easy-going manner and natural story-telling ability which can inform, move, amuse and amaze in equal measure.
Glasgow, Scotland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
228 reviews
Excellent
222
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Susan G
7 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
I wish I could give Tom more than 5 stars. To say I was happy with his tour is an understatement. We used Tom for 5 days of private tours in Scotland (2 day trips from Edinburgh, travel from Edinburgh to Inverness and 2 day trips from Inverness). Communication prior to the trip was excellent and he helped me focus my plans and guide me on what was realistic for the trip and provided suggestions. This was a huge 10 day trip for my family of 4 (with a 15 and 12 year old) and we wanted a specific itinerary that no group tours quite fit. You never know what you will get with a tour guide but from the moment we met Tom he was a perfect fit and by the end of the trip he felt like family. He shared so much of his knowledge about this beautiful country which he is clearly very proud of. He taught us history and shared his thoughts but never felt intrusive or over the top. He took us to places we never would have found on our own. He made us laugh and joked with the kids. We are back home and my teens are still talking about how they miss Tom (and if you have teens you know they are hard to please). I can’t recommend him highly enough!
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lori
New York City, NY8 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Yes! A definite Yes if your question is whether you should hire Tom Docherty and Photo Walk Scotland/Gallus Tours to be your guide on your fabulous trip to Scotland.
YES if you’re looking for a thoughtfully planned and executed tour
YES if you’re looking for a guide with a love of his country and a strong desire to share it
YES if you’re looking for an articulate individual with strong communication skills and a fluent understanding of his country’s history
YES if you’re looking for a tour guide who is personable, has an easy going vibe and a great sense of humor (who can take it as easily as give it!)
We met Tom through bloggers who recommended him since they were unavailable. We were 3 couples to be traveling and we gave him a spread sheet with all the places we wanted to see (like Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, Highlands, Standing Stones, Iona and Harris to name only a few.) He carefully reviewed our list, made suggestions on how we could improve our selections (including specific “Outlander” sites, that for one of us, if we didn’t get to them, was a deal-breaker!) and he went about creating a twelve-day tour that was the envy of other travelers.
Prior to the trip we had extensive communication about every facet and he was always aware of keeping within our budget. He rented a van that was big enough to give us extra room; he selected and booked our hotels according to our parameters (checking with us on each one) and when he knew our travels would get us into a town too late to decide where to eat, he made reservations in advance.
And when on our trip, he made sure not only that we would have fun, but that we were safe-guiding us on narrow passage ways and he even picked up one of us who couldn’t get across a large puddle at Culloden! It was this value-added kind of care, making sure we wouldn’t have to stress about anything (even the tiniest hiccup) that made him the absolutely best person to guide us.
And if that’s not enough, he has a beautiful singing voice with which he regaled us on our longer journeys! And even better- his being a photographer (generously offering up tips for the best shot) enabled us to get some excellent photos to enhance our mindful memories of our extraordinary trip.
So, YES! Choose Tom as your guide. We had a wonderful time on our trip. And seeing this beautiful country through his eyes made it even more fun and special. We couldn’t recommend Tom more to be the one to take you on your fabulous trip through Scotland!
YES if you’re looking for a thoughtfully planned and executed tour
YES if you’re looking for a guide with a love of his country and a strong desire to share it
YES if you’re looking for an articulate individual with strong communication skills and a fluent understanding of his country’s history
YES if you’re looking for a tour guide who is personable, has an easy going vibe and a great sense of humor (who can take it as easily as give it!)
We met Tom through bloggers who recommended him since they were unavailable. We were 3 couples to be traveling and we gave him a spread sheet with all the places we wanted to see (like Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, Highlands, Standing Stones, Iona and Harris to name only a few.) He carefully reviewed our list, made suggestions on how we could improve our selections (including specific “Outlander” sites, that for one of us, if we didn’t get to them, was a deal-breaker!) and he went about creating a twelve-day tour that was the envy of other travelers.
Prior to the trip we had extensive communication about every facet and he was always aware of keeping within our budget. He rented a van that was big enough to give us extra room; he selected and booked our hotels according to our parameters (checking with us on each one) and when he knew our travels would get us into a town too late to decide where to eat, he made reservations in advance.
And when on our trip, he made sure not only that we would have fun, but that we were safe-guiding us on narrow passage ways and he even picked up one of us who couldn’t get across a large puddle at Culloden! It was this value-added kind of care, making sure we wouldn’t have to stress about anything (even the tiniest hiccup) that made him the absolutely best person to guide us.
And if that’s not enough, he has a beautiful singing voice with which he regaled us on our longer journeys! And even better- his being a photographer (generously offering up tips for the best shot) enabled us to get some excellent photos to enhance our mindful memories of our extraordinary trip.
So, YES! Choose Tom as your guide. We had a wonderful time on our trip. And seeing this beautiful country through his eyes made it even more fun and special. We couldn’t recommend Tom more to be the one to take you on your fabulous trip through Scotland!
Written 20 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn W
4 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
My sister and I have always wanted to go to Scotland but we didn’t know where to start and we certainly did not want to drive over there. So we took a chance and hired Gallus Tours to show us the real country and not just the tourist traps. Boy, did we hit the jackpot with Tom! After asking us what we would prefer to do and see he showed us the real Scotland. Tiny villages, seaside towns where the locals go to vacation, family restaurants, and a few castles and golf courses (I am a golfer) thrown in for good measure. We spent 3 long days in his company and my only regret is that we didn’t book even more. A quick note about his car…not counting the driver, it was large enough for 3 adults or a family of 4 and the back seats were heated and even reclined! And if you needed more room, there is a 3rd row of seats. The ‘moon roof’ went all the way back so sitting in the back seats you could see the tops of the mountains we passed. I’ve booked private tour guides in other countries but I’ve never had one that came close to Tom. He is a national treasure!
Written 27 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric O
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Couples
My goal here is to be brief - who wants to read eleven paragraphs? But doing so is not easy. Especially a challenge when one attempts to recount a day so splendid! The sights and the lay of the land were "bucket-list" worthy...but these will be there tomorrow and 50 years from now. What made our tour so cherished was Tommy! Unrivaled acumen of the subject matter, a razor-edged wit, all wrapped in a kilt and poetic accent was Tommy! Going above and beyond to tailor the trip to our whimsy was Tommy's pleasure. To be sure, he had a perfectly orchestrated agenda - but with the agility to "read the room" and tweak the trip in real time to suit our preferences seamlessly. If you venture to the Highlands of Scotland, you owe it to yourself to partner with Thomas Docherty of Gallus Tours...otherwise, just go to Disneyland and wallow in the dull glow of sameness.
Written 9 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antoinette S
1 contribution
May 2024 • Friends
I recently traveled with my husband and friends for 2 weeks in Scotland on a private tour. Our tour guide Tom took our original ideas about what we wanted to see in Scotland over this period of time, and showed us so much more than we could have ever imagined or planned ourselves! He created an itinerary that took us all over Scotland from Glasgow to Oban to the Isles of Staffa, Iona, Harris and Lewis.From Inverness to Sterling to Edinburgh . He booked all of our accommodations and made sure we had a plan for our meals during the day. Tom’s knowledge of history was extensive and his passion for Scotland was contagious! We traveled to places with spectacular views which we would not have seen on our own . As our guide and as a person, Tom was always professional , caring and flexible. Our group really connected with Tom which truly enhanced our experience and appreciation of this beautiful country. We had great fun and learned a lot as well. Thank you Tom! I will never forget this trip!
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BartonMom
Seattle, WA8 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Just completed two wonderful days of touring with Tom, who picked us up from the airport in Glasgow and drove us up through beautiful Glencoe to Portree on the Isle of Skye, and then toured us around Skye before bringing us back to Glasgow the next day. Tom was incredibly accommodating to our very tight schedule and jet-lagged family, stopping whenever we needed for restroom and food breaks. He has a master's degree in history and also leads photography tours, and so we learned so much about the picturesque places he took us to, as well as some tips to photograph them at their best! He also clearly cares about the quality of the places he recommends, and left us back in Glasgow with several restaurants to try, as well. Tom helped us begin our first visit to Scotland in such a fantastic way and we highly recommend him and Photo Walk Scotland.
Written 25 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian S
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Tom was an amazing guide for our family trip to Mull and Glencoe. He was extremely knowledgeable in the rich history of our destinations. He took so much care and attention to our needs and his deep love for Scotland was so evident. He was prompt and anticipated our needs extremely well. A wealth of great stories and charm. Communication was top notch from start to finish. Could not recommend Tom more highly!
Written 31 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne P
5 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
The views were stunning, we took so many photos and made lots of memories. Our guide was Tommy Docherty. After several tours this trip, we had a day with a private guide, Tommy. I wish we had him as our guide for everything. We had so much fun and he really knows interesting things about Scotland’s history and the area. He has a very comfortable way about him that put us at ease immediately. Also, he selected real “local’s” favorite stops, not just run of the mill tourist traps. The best day ever!
Written 20 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ A
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
I highly recommend a photo walk through Scotland with Tommy Docherty. My husband and I had the pleasure of being shown Glasgow's highlights and history. He is very
knowledgeable, and we learned interesting facts and tales about Glasgow's history.
We would definitely book again when we go back to Scotland.
knowledgeable, and we learned interesting facts and tales about Glasgow's history.
We would definitely book again when we go back to Scotland.
Written 20 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyNomadNovaScotia
Nova Scotia5 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
A wonderful half-day tour with Tom Docherty/Gallus Tours. Tom was very accommodating of our wishes to visit the Kelpies, Midhope Castle and Blackness Castle. He is very knowledgeable and shared such interesting stories/history with us. The time, unfortunately, went way too quickly. A thoroughly enjoyable time. I would highly recommend a tour with Tom.
Written 22 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PolyakAndi
Godollo, Hungary
Hi Tommy, would there be a 1 day outside of Glasgow tour 14 or 15 March 2020 that the 2 of us could join? If so, what would be the price? Thanks, Andrea
Written 4 February 2020
Hi Andrea, thank you for your enquiry. Both of those dates are free at the moment so arranging a tour for you would be no problem. Why don't you contact me through the Photo Walk Scotland website and we can arrange something for you.
Kind regards,
Tom
Written 5 February 2020
For a half day (4 hours) its £50. I did the mural tour and that was the cost.
Written 19 March 2018
Hi! Is there any tour on anytime tomorrow,12th September? Would love to be notified on that.
Written 10 September 2017
Sorry Sanchita, nothing available until Friday....
Written 11 September 2017
Hello Tommy, would there be a night Photo Walk of Glasgow on the 30th August, Wednesday? If so, may I know what the timings would be and how much would it cost? Thanks in advance. MJ
Written 28 August 2017
Hi Myrna,
Unfortunately we don't run our Evening Workshops during the summer months due to the fact that it doesn't get properly dark until really late. We'll be starting them up again at the end of September....
Kind regards,
Tom
Written 28 August 2017
Hi, was wondering if you had any tours tomorrow (11th or may) or on the 12th I could tag along to?
Cheers, Amelia
Written 10 May 2017
Hi Amelia, sorry for the delay in responding to your enquiry but I only received the message just now. I am afraid that we don't have any tours on the 11th or12th. We do have vacancies on Saturday and Sunday if that was any use...?
Regards,
Tom
Written 11 May 2017
Sophie M
Brussels, Belgium
Hi photo walk, ll be in Glasgow thursday 20 of April, is there a tour i coule join? Thanks a lot in advance. Regards. Sophie
Written 18 April 2017
Hi Sophie,
Thank you for your enquiry. I'm afraid we don't have any availability for Thursday. Maybe another time...?
Kind regards,
Tom
Written 18 April 2017
Hello
Two people looking for tour of Glasgow and thereabouts between tuesday April 18 and Thursday 20th
Jeannette
Written 11 April 2017
Hi Jeanette, I am sure that we can accommodate you both. I am just waiting for a date confirmation from a client and will get back to you asap.
Kind regards,
Tom
Written 11 April 2017
Hi - have u any availability for Monday 11th April ??
Written 8 April 2017
Hi, thanks for your enquiry. Unfortunately, we don't have any tours until next weekend. So sorry. Hope to catch you another time.
Tom
Written 8 April 2017
Hi, Jeanie. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Hi can I check where can I join this tour, I will be in Glasgow next week for 6 days and would like to join this photo walk tour
Written 31 January 2017
Hi Jeanie I agree with Beth. If you email Tom he's very responsive and willing to work with you as much as possible.
Written 1 February 2017
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