Jul 12, 2025
Best Day ever because of the guide! - This day was the best of our 28 day cruise and it was because of Stuart our guide. He met us at the port (sign with my name on it) and drove us to the Kelpies. We only knew they were horse statues but they are 30 meters high and super impressive! Stuart told us ALL about them and we walked around the area, taking them in and then up close. No rushing! Lots of pictures! Very impressive! We proceeded to the Falkirk Wheel. It too was way bigger than we expected - massive engineering design. My husband & our friend are both engineers & they were loving this! We watched the boats go up & down. Stuart had prebought our tickets and we had time for lunch in the cafe - scones were delicious! When we came out to get in line to take our ride, Stuart was standing #1 in line saving our place for the best seats! That is service!! Stuart had thought of everything to make our day the BEST DAY ever!! We have traveled on all 7 continents and he rates at the top of the guide list!!
Review provided by Viator
Jul 10, 2025
Experience of a lifetime! - Stewart and Stewart Tartan Tours was amazing! Communicated well, on time, gave us the local fables of the Kelpies which made it more meaningful. As a lifelong horse lover, it filled my heart to see these majestic modern sculptures captured them so perfectly! Stewart pointed out the best spots to take photos, and in the Visitor Center, showed us concept art that inspired global fundraising. Then on to the Falkirk Wheel, where Stewart had tickets for us, and pointed out the best place to sit on the boat, where we experienced the Wheel for ourselves!
From start to finish, I was truly glad I chose Tartan tours for our first trip to Scotland.
Review provided by Viator
Jun 27, 2025
Wanted to visit these sites for some time and they did not disappoint - Could not fault Stewart’s knowledge. He made our visit one we will treasure. Our visit ran like clockwork due to his attention to detail.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 18, 2025
What a wonderful day - When my husband and I travel we like to see and do things out of the ordinary. Thus on our recent British Isles cruise I searched for something to do on our day in Greenock/Glasgow. other than the excursions the ship offered. I read about the Falkirk Wheel which sounded right up our alley.
What a wonderful day! Stewart picked us up at the cruise terminal in Greenock and away we went. His commentary along the way included the history of Scotland and Glasgow. The first stop was the Kelpies. What an amazing sight! We learned the how the Kelpies appeared when the slag from the iron smelting hit the cooling water and the steam looked like Kelpies rising. The monument celebrates the horse's role in industry and agriculture as well as with the canals as tow horses.
We talked about the history of the Roman Empire in Scotland and so we made a stop not on the schedule to view part of the Antonine wall, an old Roman wall that ran across Scotland between the River Clyde and the Firth of Forth.
And then we made it to the Falkirk Wheel. What an engineering marvel. We even went on a boat ride to get a first hand experience of how the lock worked.
I encourage anyone planning a trip to Scotland and wants to something other than castles and museums to consider Tartan Tours .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 30, 2024
Private Tour was the way to go! - Long overdue review of a FANTASTIC tour! Our overseas trip to the Glasgow area would not have been complete without seeing the Kelpies and the Falkirk wheel, but we were surprised few tours were offered. My husband is handicapped, and since we weren't planning to pick up a rental car until later in the trip (and I doubted my ability to use public transport), we decided to try out the private tour with Tartan. Boy, was it the best decision!
From the get-go, Stewart kept in contact, checking in with us via email before the trip. Pick-up from our hotel was easy and Stewart was so easygoing, knowledgeable, and friendly (and a great driver) we were at ease right away. We learned so much along the way and Stewart knows the absolute best photo spots at each location. We had ample time and were never rushed - Stewart was so also helpful and patient with my disabled husband. This was such a relief for us! We were able to relax and really enjoy our day without thinking we were holding anyone up. Stewart even snuck in a hidden location after learning of my husband's fascination with the Roman empire, lol. It ended up being a highlight!
We weren't sure what to expect from a private tour, but Stewart's warmth and expertise actually made our whole visit. We can't recommend him and this tour enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 2, 2024
One of the best excursions ever! - Our driver Stewart made the day exceptional. We adored the Kelpies. The Falkirk Wheel was beautiful and an engineering marvel. Stewart was informative, entertaining and delightful.
Review provided by Viator
Oct 7, 2024
GREAT TOUR! - Stewart provided a wonderful day. He picked us up at our hotel and took us to the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.
Stewart was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We were not rushed through either site. He has a great sense of humor and was very engaging.
I'd book another with Stewart!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 14, 2024
Great day! - We really enjoyed our day with Stewart. The original tour was the kelpies and Falkirk wheel but asked about adding Sterling castle, and Stewart made it happen! I also want to add that we had planned this tour with Stewart in Oct of 2023 but had to cancel at the last minute, so am very happy we were able to finally make it. We would definitely recommend tartan tours! Barb and Kelly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 11, 2024
August 5th Tour - Stewart was a great guide. Picked us up at our hotel & delivered us back after tour. Very knowledgeable on the history of the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel.
Review provided by Viator
Jun 30, 2024
Great Tour Guide - Stewart was a fantastic guide who knows the area well. He picked us up right at the cruise terminal door in Greenock and toured the Kelpies and then the boat tour at Falkirk Wheel. It was a great six hours of touring and one of the best excursions during our Scotland cruise.
Very comfortable van for the four in our group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor