Highland Historian
Highland Historian
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Heritage Consultancy & Bespoke Tour Guiding with Andrew Grant McKenzie MA (Hons) FSA Scot Andrew Grant McKenzie is the former manager of Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre and has a lifetime of experience and knowledge of conservation and culture in the Highlands of Scotland. Take a tour with him or engage him in research projects to make the most of his knowledge and passion for the Scottish Highlands.
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5.0
26 reviews
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26
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Sharon M
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Was searching for something special to do in the Highlands as we were only there for 2 days in a motorhome.
We had a few ideas as to what we wanted to see but in the end left it up to Andrew to suggest an itinerary in the timeframe we had (3hrs). We drove through Inverness, down to Lock Ness, & finally a walk around Colloden Moor. Andrew was perfect as he gave us the inside edge on places & facts we just wouldn't have found out on our own.
It's pretty clear that there isnt much he doesn't know about all things Highlands/Clans/Culloden Moor! We're SO pleased we booked this and as a special treat he even played his bagpipes for us. It was an unforgettable afternoon . Thanks Andrew for your flexibility, enthusiasm & expertise. We'll be back!
* A special mention that due to Covid, we all wore face masks whilst in the land rover & adhered to social distancing whilst out & about, feeling very safe at all times.
We had a few ideas as to what we wanted to see but in the end left it up to Andrew to suggest an itinerary in the timeframe we had (3hrs). We drove through Inverness, down to Lock Ness, & finally a walk around Colloden Moor. Andrew was perfect as he gave us the inside edge on places & facts we just wouldn't have found out on our own.
It's pretty clear that there isnt much he doesn't know about all things Highlands/Clans/Culloden Moor! We're SO pleased we booked this and as a special treat he even played his bagpipes for us. It was an unforgettable afternoon . Thanks Andrew for your flexibility, enthusiasm & expertise. We'll be back!
* A special mention that due to Covid, we all wore face masks whilst in the land rover & adhered to social distancing whilst out & about, feeling very safe at all times.
Written 22 August 2020
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.
westp0747
Southport, ME2 contributions
Oct 2019
If you wish to experience Scotland’s ancient history and your own Clan history in depth, splurge and hire an expert privately! Not only will you use time wisely instead of getting lost but you will love exploring the “off the beaten path” treasures you would never find on your own. Andrew is extremely knowledgeable and his enthusiasm is delightfully contagious! Our five days with him were full of adventure and enlightenment! At Culloden Andrew played his bagpipes for us. A soulful song to remind us always of the life changing history all around us. Highland Historian highly recommended!!!!!!
Written 12 January 2020
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.
Ruth1302
5 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
On 22 October, we spent five fantastically interesting hours with Anndra Grannd MacCoinnich, aka Highland Historian.
We started with a visit to the Prehistoric Clava Cairns. Apart from sharing his profound knowledge about the prehistoric structure with us, he also gave the kids valuable insights into the troubles with pre-20th century archeological practice.
We then went to Culloden battlefield, where the Jacobite rising was defeated once and for all, with terrible repercussions throughout the Gàidhealtachd.
When we arrived we had a solid basic understanding of what had happened at Culloden and what it meant for Highland culture, but Anndra, with his thorough knowledge, gave us a far deeper understanding of the battle and its aftermath. We re-enacted the Highland charge (I think I ended up cut in half) and just kept asking questions for five hours.
The tour ended with a lament played on Highland Bagpipes by Anndra Grannd MacCoinnich and new insights into canntaireachd, pìobaireachd and Gaelic singing. Anndra both played and sang the lament for us and illustrated how he sought to imitate the human voice when playing the pipes.
The tour with the Highland Historian was one of the highlights of our trip to Scotland: visiting a historic site with an expert possessing incredibly detailed specialist knowledge was a dream come true! Whatever questions we asked - Anndra answered them with great engagement and enthusiasm.
Anndra’s knowledge of Gaelic culture, his music and his passion for the language made the day even more special.
I could have continued for the rest of the day!
Mòran taing, Anndra!
We started with a visit to the Prehistoric Clava Cairns. Apart from sharing his profound knowledge about the prehistoric structure with us, he also gave the kids valuable insights into the troubles with pre-20th century archeological practice.
We then went to Culloden battlefield, where the Jacobite rising was defeated once and for all, with terrible repercussions throughout the Gàidhealtachd.
When we arrived we had a solid basic understanding of what had happened at Culloden and what it meant for Highland culture, but Anndra, with his thorough knowledge, gave us a far deeper understanding of the battle and its aftermath. We re-enacted the Highland charge (I think I ended up cut in half) and just kept asking questions for five hours.
The tour ended with a lament played on Highland Bagpipes by Anndra Grannd MacCoinnich and new insights into canntaireachd, pìobaireachd and Gaelic singing. Anndra both played and sang the lament for us and illustrated how he sought to imitate the human voice when playing the pipes.
The tour with the Highland Historian was one of the highlights of our trip to Scotland: visiting a historic site with an expert possessing incredibly detailed specialist knowledge was a dream come true! Whatever questions we asked - Anndra answered them with great engagement and enthusiasm.
Anndra’s knowledge of Gaelic culture, his music and his passion for the language made the day even more special.
I could have continued for the rest of the day!
Mòran taing, Anndra!
Written 24 October 2021
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.
Sara D
2 contributions
Jul 2022
Our three generation family group (16 to 70) were all captivated by Andrew’s knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for historical conservation. He brought the battle to life for us all. We had various levels of previous knowledge among us, and he answered our seemingly endless questions with patience and charm. Other visitors on the battlefield looked longingly at our little group with its kilt clad leader! Meeting his charming border collie, a personal concert for us on his antique pipes, and our reluctance to end the day were memories we talked about well into the evening and probably shall continue to recall for years to come.
Written 8 July 2022
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.
Samantha
Los Angeles, CA29 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
I recently finished an extended winter tour of the Western Highlands with Andrew and had a magnificent time. I was amazed how intimately he seemed to know the area without needing assistance from navigation, and seemed to have fascinating tidbits of information about every single place we passed. He was able to answer the numerous questions I had about random things we saw, and knew all of the best spots to stop and take photos (and always seemed to arrive right when the lighting was at its best!). I had been warned that food in the UK was not great, but Andrew completely debunked that theory. He seemed to know exactly where to eat in every town we stopped for a meal, and they were all fantastic and used local ingredients. He also recommended some great Hotels and B&Bs (my favorite being The Torridon). I also booked my trip during a time when many attractions were closed for the winter, but Andrew was still able to find things for me to see and do, so I didn’t feel my trip to was lacking in the slightest.
I cannot praise Andrew’s tour guide ability enough, this was absolutely a trip of a lifetime. I felt extremely safe the entire time and he is a genuinely likeable and entertaining guy. I will absolutely be booking another trip with him in the future to look into my family’s genealogical history in Scotland. HIGHLY recommend!!
I cannot praise Andrew’s tour guide ability enough, this was absolutely a trip of a lifetime. I felt extremely safe the entire time and he is a genuinely likeable and entertaining guy. I will absolutely be booking another trip with him in the future to look into my family’s genealogical history in Scotland. HIGHLY recommend!!
Written 3 December 2021
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.
Annie P
Vancouver, WA9 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
My tour with Andrew was amazing. I did an all day tour he designed specifically for the things I was interested in and it blew away my expectations.
He made the history come alive and answered all my questions. On our drive he was able to point out so many features and things of historical significance.
I've been in Scotland for a week and this is the type of tour I've been wanting the whole time. I got to see, do, and learn thing I never would have been able to on a large tour or doing it on my own.
He also went above and beyond, helping me with my bags and made sure I got to my next accommodation safely. As a solo female traveler, this was a big help for my piece of mind.
And Sonas the dog was a lovely addition to the tour! Andrew made sure to ask before bringing him along but it was really nice to pet a dog as I was missing my own pup at this point in my trip.
I highly recommend the Highland Historian for any tour in the highlands! And when I come back, I'll definitely be using Andrew's services again.
He made the history come alive and answered all my questions. On our drive he was able to point out so many features and things of historical significance.
I've been in Scotland for a week and this is the type of tour I've been wanting the whole time. I got to see, do, and learn thing I never would have been able to on a large tour or doing it on my own.
He also went above and beyond, helping me with my bags and made sure I got to my next accommodation safely. As a solo female traveler, this was a big help for my piece of mind.
And Sonas the dog was a lovely addition to the tour! Andrew made sure to ask before bringing him along but it was really nice to pet a dog as I was missing my own pup at this point in my trip.
I highly recommend the Highland Historian for any tour in the highlands! And when I come back, I'll definitely be using Andrew's services again.
Written 9 July 2022
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.
Lizzy Loo
10 contributions
Aug 2020
Once again a superb bespoke tour for a group of us around Nairn and Fishertown by Andrew which was fascinating, bringing in little extra nuggets of information, willing you to explore our wonderful wee town in that bit more detail and really take in how steeped the area is in history. We will be booking him again for sure. A highly knowledgeable, entertaining and charismatic tour guide who I would recommend without hesitation.
Written 21 August 2020
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.
Carolyn Seggie
11 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Our host Historian Andrew Mackenzie was excellent. We were collected at and returned to our hotel and throughly enjoyed a day long varied tour taking in all our historical interests. His knowledge about -and obvious enthusiasm for - the subject he is relating is cleat. We have taken several tours with him and I highly recommend Highland Historian.
Written 22 April 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.
Monica N
5 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The experience was incredible. the information shared was informative and factual. The Passion in the guides delivery was infectious,
And the stories were historically accurate.
Overall, just a wonderful morning of history and excercise and beautiful sights… I would recommend everyone engage this Scottish Historian
And the stories were historically accurate.
Overall, just a wonderful morning of history and excercise and beautiful sights… I would recommend everyone engage this Scottish Historian
Written 20 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.
Ck1927
Akron, OH3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
My husband, parents and I booked a full day trip with Andrew and loved everything about the day. He was even so kind as to pick us up at our air B and B which was very much out of his way! Andrew, being a historian, was full of interesting information about he areas we toured. We truly enjoyed his company and that of his sweet Sonas. We will book again when returning to Scotland and will try to send our friends his way too. Book a trip with Andrew, you won’t regret it!
Written 28 October 2022
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.
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