- About Us
Why choose us?
We commit to delivering top comfort, quality, and customer service from your first interaction with us through our website until we return you safely to your accommodations in St Andrews. Expect exceptional service and professionalism throughout your tour.
We understand that our customers may be either golfers, their non golfing partners or those with no connection to the sport, and that circumstances may well change, sometimes unexpectedly, our aim is to provide flexibility in meeting your needs, allowing you to adjust your itinerary easily, even on the day of the tour.
Our tour company specialises in historical locations, places of interest, and Scottish landmarks beyond St Andrews. We do not shuttle golfers or provide airport transfers, nor do we handle golfing arrangements. The tour vehicle and driver are dedicated to your tour for the day, allowing you to extend the day if desired and stop for a meal at any of the featured restaurants on our website.
We take great pride in Scotland, renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. A visit to this country would not be complete without an exploration of its centuries-old history, rich culture, and hospitable people. We invite you to join us on a journey beyond St Andrews and hope that it will become one of your cherished memories.
As avid golfers, we recognise the distinct appeal of the Old Course Ballot. The prospect of playing at the Old Course is highly desirable to many golf enthusiasts, and we understand that some may have planned a day with the hope of experiencing this renowned venue. At Beyond St Andrews, we have made special provisions for those considering entering the Old Course 48-hour ballot, who may also wish to embark on an unforgettable Scottish tour. We kindly request that you review the following information; (Terms &Conditions, 3.1)
What we need from you
Your Accommodation
We will need your accommodation address at the time of booking, and at the very least 24 hrs prior to your tour, if there has been a change, just so we can ensure the correct pick up location.
Amendments
If are there any last minute amendments, please let us know as soon as practically possible, if its on the day change, let the driver know as soon as possible, so that they can rearrange the itinerary and reduce its effect on the tour.
Your Pick Up
We do ask to please be ready at the pick up time, especially important if we have some pre-booked set times, which may be in place at certain locations, the driver will be at your accommodation address at least 10 minutes prior to departure.
Your Contact Details
It is important for us to have at least one mobile/cell number at least 24 hrs prior to your tour departure time, as ours and the drivers means of contact with your group, will be via WhatsApp.
Your Clothing
Please come prepared, an extra layer of clothing, overcoat or rain jacket for our unpredictable Scottish weather.
Your Footwear
It is very important that you wear a pair of comfortable shoes or boots that are suitable for the differing terrains we will likely encounter.
Your Pre Booked entry tickets
Remember to bring with you any purchased entry tickets or the downloaded versions on your phone.
The tour itself
Contact Details
We will confirm your driver’s name and contact details, the day before your tour begins.
We use WhatsApp messages as a means of contact throughout the tour, details are held until the days end in case something is accidentally left onboard.
Duration
- The tours duration is controlled somewhat by yourself, there is a minimum chargeable duration of five hours.
- 5 hours is a short tour, somewhere between 6 & 7 is a reasonable, 7 hours relates to a bit busier itinerary, whilst 8 hours or thereabouts is a pretty fully day, such as the “whisky galore” tour with the full experience.
- Tours are influenced by the amount of stops that are chosen, and the personal interest and engagement you may have with each location, for example a visit yo Stirling Castle alone can be one hour or so, whereas a investigative visit could take up to 4 hours.
Guides
At some of the stops, where there are no guides or guided tours, the driver may accompany you, offering assistance, and sharing their knowledge
Pre booked guides
Guides that are pre-booked in advance, are paid individually on the day by the group, more often than not in cash.
Not Included
- Pay at the venue, entry fees.
- Pay at the venue, private guides (if available).
- Meals & beverages.
- Gratuities, at your discretion.
Driver and vehicles
Safety first
- Safety is our top priority, our vehicles are regularly maintained and serviced to the highest industry standards,
- Daily pre and post tour vehicle checks are routinely carried out.
- Our vehicles have a comprehensive first aid kit onboard.
Road Awareness
- Drivers will drive within the guidelines,
- We try to limit our tours to 8hrs maximum
- Drivers will not knowingly exceed any speed limits even if it results in missing a pre arranged booking/guide/or visit.
- Drivers will respect any poor road conditions, traffic problems, roadworks and diversions all of which could result in the replanning of the tour
- We try to limit our tours to 8hrs or thereabouts.
- Drivers will take the opportunity to occasionally rest, whilst you are on a tour with an official guide.
What’s onboard
- Bottled Water
- WiFi
- Information guide pertaining to you chosen tour
- Rainwear in various sizes
- Brolly’s
Our Drivers
- Are mature and experienced, importantly they are smartly dressed, punctual, professional, and courteous.
- All have excellent navigation skills, are knowledgeable about local areas.
- Keep & maintain a pristine vehicle.
Meet our drivers
A key contributor to the success of the business is Hazel, who diligently manages operations while her husband, Laurie, handles driving responsibilities. Hazel efficiently oversees all administrative tasks, ensuring smooth day-to-day functionality. In addition to her professional capabilities, she is an avid golfer and a member of the St Regulus Golf Club.
Laurie spent 40 years as a deep-sea saturation diver, often confined in steel chambers for weeks at a time. He relocated to St Andrews with his wife Hazel, where they owned and operated a guest house and apartment. They soon realized that many non-golfers were interested in exploring areas beyond St Andrews. Consequently, Hazel hired chauffeurs to provide tours. Laurie decided to pursue this venture upon retiring from diving, thus beyond st andrews was established.
View the vehicles.
At beyond st andrews, we have selected the new Mercedes V Class MPV Exclusive, as our mode of transport to provide our passengers with the highest level of comfort and convenience. We believe that numerous small details contribute to a smoother driving experience for both the driver and the passengers.
