Frequently asked questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we get picked up for our tour?

We are a St Andrews based company and pick you up from your accommodation doorstep in town or the surrounding area.

Why should I book a private tour?

The tour is exclusively yours, nobody else sharing the tour, allowing you to enjoy visits at your own pace and alter you itinerary so it truly suits your needs.

How long are the tours?

Depending on what you have chosen, tours can be anything from five hours (minimum chargeable tour) to eight hours or so, its all in your own hands, the day is yours, at beyond St Andrews, we only have one booking per day, there’s is no rushing back for another customer.

What should I wear?

Scottish weather can be unpredictable, we ask that you be prepared, additional layers, wind/water proof jacket, together with some comfortable walking shoes or similar.

Why are there no tours in the winter months?

Daylight is more limited in the winter, together with that, many venues close earlier, some even close altogether. Our staff are very busy during the Season, so the break for us is welcome opportunity to rest, recharge and refocus on the season ahead, running From April thru to October

How many persons can we take per tour?

The maximum number is 4 persons plus the driver, there is no minimum

Are the prices per person or per group?

The prices quoted are for the for the tour, regardless of group size

Are entry fees included in the tour cost?

Are the drivers our destination guides?

Our drivers are very helpful and informative, it is important however that you view the attractions at your own pace allowing you to engage with the attraction or part of. Drivers will assist you in and out of the attractions when they can, and if there are no guides perhaps walk around with you, its your choice, we just want you to enjoy each stop and be relaxed, content and happy when you depart.

Do we need guides?

A local guide will enhance your experience, offering a unique perspective on a destination, they are knowledgeable about the history and very familiar to places you visit, many locations have fantastic and well rehearsed tour guides, where private local guides are available we will advise you when you book.

What does the driver do whilst we visit sites that have guides?

Some locations requires off site parking, for peace of mind drivers will remain with or be very close to the vehicle, you can get in touch at any time through the contact details that we provide on the day. If the vehicle is parked in a secure area, the driver will likely accompany you at some stage of tour stop.

How do we get in touch with our driver?

We will give you the drivers name & contact details, the day before, we find WhatsApp easier to use, having your contact numbers is advantageous in case the party get separated or for other reasons, we hold your contact details for 24 hrs after the tour, jus in case you have left something on the vehicle, after this period your details are deleted.

Should we tip the driver?

Tips are entirely at your discretion.

Are refreshment breaks possible?

Breaks and toilet breaks are a very important part of any day not only for yourself but the driver also, the driver will keep you well informed on the choice and style of available eateries en route.

What’s included in the tour?

Your vehicle, the driver, your primary stop entry tickets, onboard wi-fi and and bottled water.

What language is spoken?

All our drivers first language is English.

Can I smoke?

Smoking or is strictly prohibited within our vehicles, and also at many attractions and public areas.

Can I consume food on our transport?

Pretty much at the drivers discretion.

Can I consume alcohol on our transport?

Excessive alcohol usage is discouraged as any distractions can put the drivers and passengers safety at risk.

Find tours

Heart of Scotland

Explore Tour

Glorious Glamis

Glamis Castle has a rich history dating back to the 14th century, and inspired one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, Macbeth. This Primary stop to the castle with its beautiful gardens is a visitor’s favourite.

This tour is perfect for those who prefer not to wander to far from St Andrews.

Explore Tour

Outlander

Explore Tour

Our Happy Community

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Hamby 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Absolutely Outstanding Day with David!

We had an absolutely fantastic day with David and Beyond St Andrews. From beginning to end, he was far more than simply our driver — he genuinely became part of what made the day so memorable.

David was personable, knowledgeable, funny and incredibly easy to spend the day with. His knowledge of the area was outstanding, and as an avid golfer, he seemed to know virtually every golf course we passed — along with some wonderful stories and local insight that you simply wouldn’t get touring on your own.

The black Mercedes V-Class was beautiful and extremely comfortable, but the real highlight was David himself. Nothing felt rushed or scripted. The entire day was relaxed, interesting and fun, and his personality turned what could have simply been transportation and sightseeing into one of the highlights of our time in Scotland.

We’ve traveled extensively and have used many private drivers and guides over the years, and David is exactly what you hope for when booking this type of experience.

If you’re considering Beyond St Andrews, ask for David. We would book with him again without hesitation. Five stars aren’t enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Topian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Laurie and David were very knowledgeable, warm and lovely to be around. They were also flexible as to where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see. We would highly recommend Beyond St. Andrews and will   definitely use them again on our next trip to Scotland!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Clare Woodward 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Whilst on holiday with my father, I used this company to help me explore the surrounding areas. I found Laurie to be very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly and would definitely recommend his services and would definitely use him again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicola Beaumont 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I wanted to step outside of St Andrews and opted for the City of Discovery tour to include all 'Recommended Stops', it did not disappoint. We were pleasantly surprised by the history and museums of Dundee, and were pleased with the advice and knowledge that Laurie offered, and of course, the luxury mode of travel!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Geddes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We chose the “Heart of Scotland” tour and enjoyed an exceptional day exploring its many memorable sights.
Our first stop was the Wallace Monument, where a shuttle bus took us from the car park to the base. We then climbed the 246 steps—phew—up the narrow spiral staircase, with three welcome levels along the way to catch our breath and learn more about William Wallace. From the summit, the countryside views were spectacular; on a clear day like ours, you could see for miles.
Just three miles further on, we reached Stirling Castle and the Church of the Holy Rude. The castle’s rich history was captivating, and the excellent free local guide was both knowledgeable and friendly, as were all the staff.
On our way back to St Andrews, we ended the tour at dusk beneath the Forth Road Bridge, which was stunning. Scotland is a truly beautiful and striking country.
Our host Laurie answered all our questions thoughtfully and gave us time to chat among ourselves, without the constant commentary often found on guided tours.
We highly recommend this excursion and will definitely book another tour with the Company the next time we return to St. Andrews.
Many thanks to the Beyond St Andrews team for making both the booking and the tour such a pleasure.
Bobby and friends.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   alan clason 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We arranged a trip with Beyond St Andrews to Glamis Castle in Sept, 2025 and had a truly wonderful experience. The Mercedes van used by Beyond St Andrews provided a very pleasant travel experience on some narrow and windy roads.  Our driver Laurie provided excellent coverage of local places and events on the journey. On arrival we were dropped off at the entrance to Glamis Castle with detailed advice provided by Laurie on how to make the best of the visit. We spent a very nice afternoon on the guided tour of the castle, visiting the various sites around the grounds. The Castle Kitchen Restaurant was highly recommended by Laurie and the food there was excellent, we had the Glamis Bridie a tasty pastry parcel of venison.  The reference to the “Thanes of Glamis” in Shakespeare's play MacBeth was highlighted by some amazing wood sculptures, in the MacBeth Loop, depicting scenes from the play. We were picked up promptly at the arranged time and the journey back to St Andrews was very pleasant with Laurie providing an entertaining guide to points of interest in the area. Dundee was navigated with ease, and we were very pleased with our outing to Glamis Castle and would highly recommend Beyond St Andrews.

Alan and Alison
Ottawa, Canada
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jared Marinelli 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five stars all the way. Our trip from St Andrews to The Macallan Distillery was fantastic, and Beyond St Andrews made the whole experience feel special. The vehicle was incredibly comfortable, clean, and relaxing, which made the drive just as enjoyable as the destination itself.

The service was amazing from beginning to end. Everything was handled so professionally, and we felt completely taken care of throughout the trip. It was smooth, stress-free, and felt like a truly premium experience.

Visiting Macallan was already a highlight of our time in Scotland, and Beyond St Andrews made getting there and back a real pleasure. I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a comfortable, first-class experience.

Michael Hamby

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Absolutely Outstanding Day with David! We had an absolutely fantastic day with David and Beyond St Andrews. From beginning to end, he was far more than simply our driver — he genuinely became part of what made the day so memorable. David was personable, knowledgeable, funny and incredibly easy to spend the day with. His knowledge of the area was outstanding, and as an avid golfer, he seemed to know virtually every golf course we passed — along with some wonderful stories and local insight that you simply wouldn’t get touring on your own. The black Mercedes V-Class was beautiful and extremely comfortable, but the real highlight was David himself. Nothing felt rushed or scripted. The entire day was relaxed, interesting and fun, and his personality turned what could have simply been transportation and sightseeing into one of the highlights of our time in Scotland. We’ve traveled extensively and have used many private drivers and guides over the years, and David is exactly what you hope for when booking this type of experience. If you’re considering Beyond St Andrews, ask for David. We would book with him again without hesitation. Five stars aren’t enough!

Mary Topian

Laurie and David were very knowledgeable, warm and lovely to be around. They were also flexible as to where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see. We would highly recommend Beyond St. Andrews and will definitely use them again on our next trip to Scotland!

Clare Woodward

Whilst on holiday with my father, I used this company to help me explore the surrounding areas. I found Laurie to be very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly and would definitely recommend his services and would definitely use him again.

Nicola Beaumont

I wanted to step outside of St Andrews and opted for the City of Discovery tour to include all 'Recommended Stops', it did not disappoint. We were pleasantly surprised by the history and museums of Dundee, and were pleased with the advice and knowledge that Laurie offered, and of course, the luxury mode of travel!

Robert Geddes

We chose the “Heart of Scotland” tour and enjoyed an exceptional day exploring its many memorable sights. Our first stop was the Wallace Monument, where a shuttle bus took us from the car park to the base. We then climbed the 246 steps—phew—up the narrow spiral staircase, with three welcome levels along the way to catch our breath and learn more about William Wallace. From the summit, the countryside views were spectacular; on a clear day like ours, you could see for miles. Just three miles further on, we reached Stirling Castle and the Church of the Holy Rude. The castle’s rich history was captivating, and the excellent free local guide was both knowledgeable and friendly, as were all the staff. On our way back to St Andrews, we ended the tour at dusk beneath the Forth Road Bridge, which was stunning. Scotland is a truly beautiful and striking country. Our host Laurie answered all our questions thoughtfully and gave us time to chat among ourselves, without the constant commentary often found on guided tours. We highly recommend this excursion and will definitely book another tour with the Company the next time we return to St. Andrews. Many thanks to the Beyond St Andrews team for making both the booking and the tour such a pleasure. Bobby and friends.

alan clason

We arranged a trip with Beyond St Andrews to Glamis Castle in Sept, 2025 and had a truly wonderful experience. The Mercedes van used by Beyond St Andrews provided a very pleasant travel experience on some narrow and windy roads. Our driver Laurie provided excellent coverage of local places and events on the journey. On arrival we were dropped off at the entrance to Glamis Castle with detailed advice provided by Laurie on how to make the best of the visit. We spent a very nice afternoon on the guided tour of the castle, visiting the various sites around the grounds. The Castle Kitchen Restaurant was highly recommended by Laurie and the food there was excellent, we had the Glamis Bridie a tasty pastry parcel of venison. The reference to the “Thanes of Glamis” in Shakespeare's play MacBeth was highlighted by some amazing wood sculptures, in the MacBeth Loop, depicting scenes from the play. We were picked up promptly at the arranged time and the journey back to St Andrews was very pleasant with Laurie providing an entertaining guide to points of interest in the area. Dundee was navigated with ease, and we were very pleased with our outing to Glamis Castle and would highly recommend Beyond St Andrews. Alan and Alison Ottawa, Canada

Jared Marinelli

Five stars all the way. Our trip from St Andrews to The Macallan Distillery was fantastic, and Beyond St Andrews made the whole experience feel special. The vehicle was incredibly comfortable, clean, and relaxing, which made the drive just as enjoyable as the destination itself. The service was amazing from beginning to end. Everything was handled so professionally, and we felt completely taken care of throughout the trip. It was smooth, stress-free, and felt like a truly premium experience. Visiting Macallan was already a highlight of our time in Scotland, and Beyond St Andrews made getting there and back a real pleasure. I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a comfortable, first-class experience.