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- Tasks: Drive and guide small groups around Scotland, sharing stories and creating unforgettable experiences.
- Company: Tartan Viking, a fun and engaging tour company with a strong Scottish identity.
- Benefits: Earn £175 per day plus tips, with hotel stays and breakfast on multi-day tours.
- Why this job: Become a trusted Scottish friend while exploring stunning landscapes and meeting diverse travellers.
- Qualifications: Strong driving skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and a passion for Scottish culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing freelance work and potential full-time employment.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 25 £ per hour.
Location: Scotland-wide (with occasional England & Wales)
Pay: £175 per day + tips
Vehicles: Luxury 8-Seater Vans
We're looking for someone who can turn a drive through the Highlands into the highlight of someone's life. Tartan Viking is seeking a seasonal Driver Guide to support us during peak months (May through September and potentially other busy periods). This is relief cover — but if you're brilliant, there are opportunities for ongoing freelance work and possibly employment down the line.
About the Role
You'll be part chauffeur, part historian, part storyteller, part professional banter provider. Our guests are mainly American, but we host visitors from all over the world. They're couples, families, groups of friends and solo travellers — average group size is 4 (maximum 8). You'll spend anywhere from one day to a full week with them, becoming their trusted Scottish friend along the way. A typical summer day runs roughly 9am pick-up to 6pm drop-off (give or take an hour). Multi-day tours include hotel accommodation and breakfast for you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Driving small groups around Scotland in our luxury 8-seater vehicles
- Delivering engaging, accurate, and entertaining commentary
- Taking guests on short scenic walks (nothing extreme, but you need decent fitness)
- Managing timings, logistics and guest experience throughout the day
- Occasionally representing the business on marketing or familiarisation trips (as seen on our socials)
- Ensuring guests leave saying, "That was the best week of our lives."
What We're Looking For
- Excellent interpersonal skills – you're confident, warm, and great with mainly American guests (and other nationalities too)
- Strong driving experience – B licence required, D1 highly desirable
- Knowledge and passion for Scotland – history, culture, landscapes, whisky, clans, myths… the lot
- Natural storytelling ability (with a bit of banter)
- Good organisation and time management
- A professional, reliable attitude
- Good level of fitness for light hiking and active touring days
- Previous guiding, driving, hospitality or tourism experience preferred
Uniform
Our brand has a strong Scottish identity. Driver guides wear a kilt as part of the uniform (paired with appropriate tops and outerwear). You'll need to be comfortable representing the business in traditional Scottish attire.
Pay & Perks
- £175 per day (first year rate)
- Generous tips (varies by tour but can be significant)
- Hotels & breakfast included on multi-day tours
- Potential for expanded freelance opportunities
If this sounds like your kind of job, check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see what we're about.
Job Types: Temporary, Fixed term contract, Freelance
Contract length: 5 months
Pay: £13.00-£25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 8 per week
Work Location: In person
Tour Guide in Edinburgh employer: Tartan Viking Tours
Contact Detail:
Tartan Viking Tours Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tour Guide in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Check out their TripAdvisor reviews and social media to understand their vibe. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Since you'll be sharing Scotland's history and culture, think about how you can make it engaging and fun. Maybe even rehearse a few anecdotes that showcase your personality and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former guides on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can give you insider tips and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t forget to highlight your driving experience and passion for Scotland!
We think you need these skills to ace Tour Guide in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Scotland: When you're writing your application, let your love for Scotland shine through! Share your favourite places, stories, or experiences that highlight your knowledge and enthusiasm for the history and culture of this beautiful country.
Be Yourself: We want to see the real you in your application. Use a friendly tone and let your personality come through. Remember, storytelling is key in this role, so show us how you can engage and connect with our guests right from the start!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous guiding, driving, or hospitality experience you have. Even if it’s not directly related, any customer service roles can showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to manage guest experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tartan Viking Tours
✨Know Your Scotland
Brush up on your knowledge of Scotland's history, culture, and landscapes. Be ready to share interesting stories or facts that can engage your guests. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your storytelling ability.
✨Show Off Your Interpersonal Skills
Practice your warm and confident communication style. Since you'll be interacting with guests from various backgrounds, think about how you can make them feel comfortable and welcome. A friendly attitude goes a long way in creating memorable experiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Driving Experience
Be prepared to discuss your driving experience, especially if you have a D1 licence. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your reliability and professionalism behind the wheel. Remember, safety is key when transporting guests!
✨Get Into Character
Familiarise yourself with the traditional Scottish attire you'll be wearing. Think about how you can embody the role of a Scottish guide, complete with banter and charm. This will help you stand out and show that you're ready to represent the brand authentically.
