Anyone interested in Edinburgh's history, from first-time visitors to long-term residents, especially those who want more than ghost stories and typical tourist fare! You can see what people have been saying about me on my reviews page. Please note that all tours are given in English and are recommended for ages 16+.

My mantra is 'cosy head and comfy feet' because you will enjoy your tour much more if you are comfortable!

All tours take place outside and involve a lot of walking so I strongly recommend wearing sensible shoes and a wind/water-proof coat. You should also check the weather forecast as tours will go ahead come rain or shine. Bear in mind that the Scottish weather is very changeable and it is not unsual to have different weather in the morning and the afternoon! Even if the weather is warm, it is a good idea to pack a hat and an extra layer, especially if your tour includes Calton Hill as it often experiences a chilly coastal wind and damp sea fog.

A bottle of water is a sensible addition and you may also want to bring a sun-hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as, although we don't see it often, our sun can be surprisingly strong!

You don't need to be super-fit to take a walking tour of Edinburgh but the city is hilly, with lots of steps and steep slopes, so you will need a reasonable level of fitness, mobility and good-health. When organising private tours I will ask whether you would like a gentle stroll, active walk, or hearty hike to ensure that your tour is an enjoyable, and not an exhausting, experience!

However, I will always try to accommodate all history explorers so, if you have mobility or health issues, contact me so we can work out something that suits you. For example we can organise a 'scooter friendly' route or arrange to meet and chat at a specific location of your interest.

It's been said before but I'll say it again - in Scotland there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes! Check the weather forecast before setting out and dress accordingly, remembering that it can often be very changeable.Tours will run come rain or shine and will only be cancelled in extreme weather.

In the event of severe weather I will post updates on my social media channels and email all attendees using the address used to book tickets.

All my scheduled tours are taken in very small groups with a maximum of 10 people, while private tours are usually capped at 15 people. Not only is it easier to move around the city, you can also hear your guide more clearly and have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Additionally, small groups are kinder to the city's infrastructure as well as the natural environment.

My research is based on a mixture of sources including: maps, historic images, archives, local collections, academic texts, journal articles, seminars, talks and, of course, on-site visits.

There's a lot written about Edinburgh and its history which can be overwhelming for people who aren't historians but who want to discover a bit more than the guide books. My tours help to fill that gap and I'm always happy offer advice on further reading to those who want to discover more.

The short answer is 'no', as I am a local historian who enjoys creating and taking walking tours rather than a professionally trained tour guide. For a longer answer keep reading!

The 'Blue Badge' is awarded to people who have passed an accredited 18-month training course and are registered with the Scottish Tour Guides Association (STGA). Although the STGA exists there is no requirement in Edinburgh, or Scotland, to be registered with them in order to practice as a tour guide. I don't have a 'blue badge' because I didn't originally intend to be a tour guide and so have taken a different route to becoming one.

I initially went to university to get a degree to improve my job prospects after being made redundant. Because I have always had an interest in history I chose to do a 4-year Honours Degree in Social and Architectural History. By the time I graduated I was completely fascinated by Edinburgh's own urban history and decided to start my own walking tour company using that as my focus.

Although I mainly provide walking tours I also work with local institutions and community groups giving me a variety of experience within Edinburgh's heritage sector. Above all I enjoy sharing my love of Edinburgh's rich history with others and offer a professional level of customer service to all my clients.