About Your Guide
John Alasdair Macdonald, PhD
I founded The Hebridean Explorer nineteen years ago to offer private tours that go beyond simple sightseeing. My goal is to connect visitors with the spirit of the Scottish Highlands and Islands – its history, land and people – through personalised experiences.
19 Years Experience
Tour guiding since 2008.
Highland Roots
I was raised on a small croft in the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides. Scottish Gaelic was my first language though English became dominant during my schooling. It is due to my mother that I have kept a little Gaelic – she refuses to talk to me in English. These roots let me share insights into the landscape, history and culture.
Historian & Researcher
PhD in Highland History.
Highland Knowledge
My PhD research focused on Highland Jacobite clans and their social and economic lives in the decades following Culloden. I bring this scholarly depth to tours, ensuring that the stories I tell are authentic and engaging. You can read more about what this research actually involved.
5‑Star Rated
325 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor
What tour guests say about John...
It is impossible to overstate just how wonderful it is touring with John. He does all of the planning and background work which makes the tour relaxing and worry-free...
If you have ever wanted to tour this beautiful country and these isles you could not pick a better tour guide than John...
I can now attest that all those positive reviews are spot on! John is a superb tour guide – affable, down-to-earth, deeply knowledgeable...
John was an absolutely fabulous guide. His knowledge, enthusiasm and wonderful sense of humor made our times together a joy...
John is a gifted guide, with broad in depth knowledge of the places he goes, passion, and the ability to relate...
Scotland is good for the soul and John is a masterclass guide who will help you understand and appreciate it all...