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Elaine

Black

7 years of experience
Scotland
United Kingdom (UK)

Contact Options

About

Hi,

I am Noost Scottish Tours. I live in the Scottish Highlands in an old house in a very old glen (valley). A close neighbour is Rob Roy MacGregor. The notorious Highland rogue lived a colourful life in the late 1600s and he ‘sleeps’ next door in the village graveyard. Above my house is Creag an Tuirc or ‘hill of the boar’ where Clan MacLaren raised the ‘fiery cross,’  a burning cross that rallied clansmen to war.

Nearby, is the ruined fortification of a powerful lord. You may know it best as Castle Leoch in Outlander or perhaps in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

You can guess that I LOVE Scottish history and where I live – perhaps you might be tempted to let me share it with your clients.

A bit about me

I have a background in journalism, archaeology and museums. I am currently Site Director of an archaeological field survey on the island of Tiree, on the west coast of Scotland. I have an interest in Celtic and Viking archaeology and particularly the peoples of the Scottish archipelago. Boats are sometimes involved.

However, I am also fascinated by the history and culture of the whole of Scotland and have even been known to venture occasionally into the 21st century.

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Bus ToursCultural/Specialty ToursDriver GuideExperience HostGeneral Walking ToursLocal GuideMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPrivate ToursStudent Tour Director

I specialise in driver guiding, walking tours and small to medium group coach travel.

I am available for full, half day or extended guiding and also lead archaeology tours.

I guide the city of Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Highlands and islands including Shetland and Orkney.

I have also led specific interest trips such as an archaeological tour of Hadrian's Roman wall in northern England and sites along the Antonine Wall in Scotland. I have a background in Celtic Civilisation and Early Christianity and tours have included the medieval monastery of Iona and other important monastic sites in the Scottish Borders and elsewhere.

I am born and bred in Scotland so can offer a 'locals eye view' of the country's culture, music and languages.

Fun Fact!
Easily bribed with coffee and dark chocolate
Hobbies & Interests
Hillwalking, cycling, wild swimming, travel, archaeology (excavating) archaeology (field surveying).

Testimonials

Culloden Loch Ness Glencoe

“You made history come alive for us Stewarts and gave so much meaning to Rus's bucket list pilgrimage. Thank you." Stewart family, USA.

Stirling Castle  Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park  Glencoe

“Thank you very much for yesterday. You are truly a scholar of Scottish history and a very interesting person to be with - we tested you and your patience for at least 12 hours !" Barry and Deb Fell, Pittsburgh USA.

Rob Roy Country

“Elaine is a wonderful guide and we had a great tour. We had a large group and she was able to arrange transportation for us. She is very knowledgeable of the history and folklore of the area and made the entire day interesting and fun. The views and countryside are amazing and Elaine made our day memorable. I felt like we were leaving a dear friend by the end of the day. This tour is a great way to get out of the city and see the beautiful country.” Gene Lucas, Iowa. July 2019

Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park & Glengoyne Distillery

“Elaine was a terrific tour guide. She met us right on time with a large, clean, comfortable car. She was extremely flexible when it came to meeting our interests and schedule. Being from the area, she was able to give us interesting insights about the people and culture. Would highly recommend!” Martin Family, USA. July , 2019

Glencoe Mull Iona

“Hi Elaine, thank you for a fab 2 days. We all loved it and you were great. I shall mention you to any of my US clients who want to venture north of the border.” Konrad Start and friends, London. Sept 2019

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness

Licenses

Training

Scottish Tourist Guide Association Blue Badge Guide

Language(s)

English

Additional Education

(see CV)

Member of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association and The British Guild of Tourist Guides.

Former Year 1 Tutor in Celtic Civilisation (University of Glasgow)

General Availability

All year.

Photo Album