I’ve said it numerous times before in my reviews of John but it remains true on each new trip with him - John is a master class guide in a land that is good for the soul. We traveled with John to Shetland in May 2022 (yes, this review is late). It was our 5th trip with John but our first trip to Shetland. My husband had to twist my arm to take this trip because I get seasick in a bathtub. I am so glad he did. Shetland is worth the looong ferry ride (Did I mention it is long?). Words don’t adequately describe Shetland - it has an almost mystical feel (as much of Scotland does for me). Admittedly, we initially booked because of the “Shetland” TV show and while we enjoyed seeing Jimmy Perez’s house along with other shooting locations, Shetland is so much more than that. So much more. Our trip coincided with an abundance of Puffins and baby lambs, both of which are delightful. And the shades of blue in Shetland are stunning. So soothing. True to form, John has Shetland down to a science. Every nook, cranny, comfort stop and every amazing viewpoint and historical site in between. It ended up being a bucket list trip that I didn’t know was on my list. And John was the best as always. Again I am a broken record but the reason we keep booking with John is his wealth of Scottish history knowledge (both from his phD matriculation and his local insight) and his genuine kindness. He truly loves his homeland and delights in sharing it with you. He also goes out of his way to make sure that you have an exceptional experience.

Our Tour with John was an experience no one should miss! His Tour exceeded our expectations. My husband wasn't really on board when I suggested taking a trip to Scotland. John quickly changed his mind. He can't stop raving about our wonderful guide and how beautiful Scotland is. John's wonderful personality and infectious laugh were so warm and inviting. His vast knowledge of the Highlands and it's Isles made it a perfect trip. I had so many questions and he patiently answered them all. We visited so many fabulous spots of unexpected beauty, that will remain with us the rest of our lives.
John was prepared and setup for any and every scenario. He was prompt and flexable.
Scotland is wonderful don't miss out on it our John MacDonald!!!

My wife and I echo the previously-expressed sentiments that five stars are insufficient to rate the extraordinary excellence of our week with John. Indeed, on our flight back to North Carolina, my wife and I agreed that John is the best guide we have engaged to date anywhere in the world. His historical knowledge, geniality, and attention to detail all are first-rate, making for a wonderful, informative, and relaxing journey throughout Macdonald and Stewart lands of the Scottish Highlands and Inner Hebrides islands. (And because our trip required significant automobile travel, we add that John’s driving skills also are first-rate.)

If you book a tour with John, we encourage you to remember it is bespoke—John loved nothing more than to receive our requests for alterations of the default itinerary, which he then researched and fulfilled appropriately. We also encourage you to follow his suggestions regarding where and when to book lodging and dinners, as none of them steered us wrong. Because of John we had a memorable trip, and we cannot thank him enough.