YOUR BESPOKE SCOTLAND JOURNEY STARTS HERE…
You deserve the best that Scotland has to offer.
Hi, my name is
Kerstin Devine
I’m a professional blue badge tourist guide, accredited by the Scottish Tourist Guide Association (STGA) to guide visitors all over Scotland.
It’s my mission to help YOU make the most of your vacation in Scotland and have an amazing, fun-filled time doing it.
This is your time, your adventure – here’s how you can make the most of it!
What would be your first steps?
- Decide where you want to go in Scotland.
- Determine how much time you have available.
- What is the reason for your trip?
- - historical interest.
- - the beauty of the country,
- - the lure of the cities,
- - exploring the culture or
- - to enjoy nature and take time out.
- Is this your first visit to Scotland or have you been before?
- If you are returning, which places must you include this time?
- To which places do you hold a special connection and want to revisit?
These are just a few prompts to get you started with your planning. A well thought-out trip will make all the difference. Whether you are a solo traveller or part of a small group of friends or family members, I’d love to help you explore and experience Scotland on your terms.
I also work with coach parties and corporate clients.
Please get in touch and let’s discuss how we can work together.
Latest topics from the Scotland Journal 2024
What’s happening over on Instagram?
Good morning ☀️
It’s a bank holiday today in Scotland, and what better way than showing you a small collection of Scotlands beautiful beaches.
Scotlands is my home of choice since 1992 and it’s absolutely amazing.
I can spend hours on a beach just walking, looking for sea glass, tidying up rubbish along the way and just simply listening to the waves and feeling the breeze on my face.
Do you live near a beach? If yes, where?
Let me know in the comments below 👇🏻😊
👀 at the Scots Language
The Scots language is characterised by its rich linguistic heritage and diverse regional dialects. It's a living language with a vibrant oral and literary tradition. To this day it evolves and adapts to the changing needs and expressions of its speakers.
In Tuesday's issue of the Scotland Journal we continue to look at the colourful Scots Language, which baffles many visitors who first set foot on Scottish soil.
There is still time to sign up using the link in my bio or simply comment below with a 💙 and I DM you the link details.
#scotlandjournal #newslettersignup #scotlandtravel #scotslang #scotslanguage
Let 2024 be the year you explore Scotland‼️
Don’t let the year just fly by you. Get planning and think about
Who you will take on a road trip with you?
Tell me in the comments below ⬇️
***
Hi, 👋🏻 I’m Kerstin, a professional, licensed Blue Badge Tourist Guide for all of Scotland, guiding in 🇬🇧 and 🇩🇪.
I help travellers to connect with Scotland’s culture and heritage through bespoke tours and experiences.
Interested in booking me as your personal guide or having a tailored itinerary designed for you? Visit my website or DM me for further details.
#bluebadgetouristguide
#bespokeitineraryservice
#bespoketours
#personaltourguide
#scotlandtraveltips
#scotlandroadtrip
A day out in Scotland’s nature!
🍃
From woodland walks to ancient burial sites, exploring waterfalls to cruising the mystic lochs with their islands once occupied by powerful clans - all is possible to do in just one day.
Discover what lies only a short drive away outside the urban realm of Glasgow.
If you’re looking for a bespoke itinerary created with your interests and time frame in mind, DM me for further details.
An international greeting comes your way today 🏴🇩🇪
A traditional German folk song for the month of May combined with the national drink of Scotland.
This theme continues tomorrow when I guide a German group through the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park with lots of exciting activities and a visit to Glenturret Distillery.
Check in again tomorrow to find out how we got on 😊
#scotlandtravel #scotlandtrip #scotlandguide #firstofmay #folktradition #maycelebrations #devinetoursofscotland #reiselust #reisezeit #schottlandurlaub #schottlandreise #schottland
Understanding the Scottish language better can be an enriching experience that deepens your appreciation for Scotland's culture and heritage.
The Scots language is something special that varies from region to region in their application. So many times travellers are stumped by certain Scottish words and phrases.
In tomorrow's issue of the Scotland Journal we start to look into this in more detail. There is still time to sign up using the link in my bio or simply comment below with a 💙 and I DM you the details.
#scotlandjournal #newslettersignup #scotlandtravel #scotslang #scotslanguage
Beautiful spring flowers in the gardens of Luss, a conservation area village on the shores of Loch Lomond amidst the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
#lochlomond #scotland #scotlandtravel #explorescotland #luss #discoveringscotland #schottlandreise #schottland #reiseführer #reisefürweltentdecker #devinetoursofscotland #guidinginscotland #guidinginyourpocket #bluebadgetouristguide
Can you believe it's been 10 years since the awe-inspiring Kelpies emerged from the depths to grace our Scottish landscape? Thousands of people are expected to visit Helix Park this weekend (Saturday, April 27), as these magnificent sculptures continue to capture hearts and imaginations worldwide.
Standing proudly as symbols of Scotland's rich heritage and mythical folklore, The Kelpies embody the spirit of adventure and legend. In honor of their anniversary, let me share with you a tale as old as time - the story of the water horse, straight from Scottish mythology.
Legend has it that deep within the lochs and rivers of Scotland dwells the fearsome yet enchanting water horse, known as the Kelpie. With its sleek, powerful form and eyes that gleam like precious jewels, the Kelpie lures unsuspecting travelers with its mesmerizing beauty. But beware, for beneath its captivating exterior lies a creature of cunning and mischief.
According to ancient tales, those who dare to mount the Kelpie find themselves trapped, unable to escape its watery domain. Yet, for those pure of heart and brave of spirit, the Kelpie can be a loyal and steadfast companion, guiding them safely through the waters of life's journey.
As we celebrate a decade of The Kelpies towering over the Forth & Clyde Canal, let us not only marvel at their breathtaking grandeur but also reflect on the enduring power of folklore to unite and inspire us all.
Have you visited them recently? Why not share your pictures in the comments below ⬇️
🐴💧✨ #TheKelpies #ScottishFolklore #10thAnniversary #LegendaryScotland #helixpark #falkirk #exploringscotland #kelpieselfie #devinetoursofscotland #touristguiding
🦟 What to do about the REAL monsters of Scotland?
First of all let me tell you that there are plenty of regions in Scotland where midges (mosquitos) aren’t a problem.
The Lowlands and Coastal areas can often be midge free.
Yet, having said that, “midge season” is very real. It tends to run from May to September, with July and August being the worst time of the year.
Although midges feed on sweet nectar of flowers and plant sap, they are also attracted to us due to the CO2 (carbon dioxide) we produce.
To avoid being bitten excessively (if you’re unlucky) here is what you can do:
🚨Disclaimer - please note that there really isn’t a single “best” midge repellent that works for everyone.
🍋 Personally, I prefer natural repellents and avoid the shop bought chemical ones. The natural ones are more gentler to the skin, but do need to be applied more frequently. I use lemon eucalyptus oil and sometimes lavender oil and Skin so Soft.
🥼 On top of that I wear thinner long sleeved, light coloured tops and leggings.
I always carry a small citronella candle with me or natural room spray for when I am on tour, so I can fill the room with a lovely pleasant fresh lemony smell that wards off the midges.
‼️ Having said that, if you are resolving in buying products in the shops, make sure to read and follow the instructions on the labels carefully, especially if you use them for the entire family or if you have sensitive skin.
💻 You may be surprised to hear that there are resources available for checking midge forecasts in Scotland!
The Scottish Midge Forecast by SMIDGE is created using data collected from biting midge traps and mini weather stations across Scotland.
Other resources are weather apps with detailed weather information for specific regions in Scotland, as well as local visitor centres, which may have up-to-date information available for you during the midge season.
By taking these simple steps you’ll be better prepared for your summer vacation in Scotland and minimise bites and discomfort to next to nothing. Be aware though that midge bites affect us all differently. You know best what to do.
📚Bookworms BEWARE!
I love to read. I am a proper bookworm and when it comes to it, I have to apply solid restraint not to go into every bookstore I come across when touring Scotland with my guests.
There are a few exceptions though. Whenever possible (and time allows), I make a point to go into
📕 LEAKEY’S BOOKSHOP in Inverness
📘 THE BOOKSHOP in Wigtown
📒 VOLTAIRE & ROUSSEAU in Glasgow
📗 STATION BOOKSHOP at Wemyss Bay
📙 HOME FARM SECOND HAND BOOKSHOP, Culzean Castle
Of course there are more - far too many to mention, really.
If you are as passionate about books as I am, you will understand what I mean by quoting Carlos Ruiz Zafó, who says:
“Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you.”
Happy reading! 📖🤓
I’m currently reading ANAM CARA, A book of Celtic Wisdom by John O’Donohue
If you share my enthusiasm for books and like to leave a title of a book you are reading just now, put it in the comment below.
#booklovers #bookstores #bookstoresinscotland #antiquebookshop #antiquebooks #ilovereadingbooks #scotlandbookstores #bookworld #bookstagram #amazingbookstore #amazingbooks #statelylibrary #abbortsfordhouselibrary #thehillhouselibrary #bookgeek #bookreels
