About & Testimonals

When journeying to new places or revisiting to get a deeper understanding of a place, in-depth knowledge can make all the difference between what would be termed a visit to a place and what would be termed an experience that is unforgettable, with memories that will last a lifetime.  Celtic Compass has been created to help people get a greater sense of the places they travel to;  the remote, ancient, sacred and less explored sites of Scotland. 

These are small group tours with more time spent at sites than travelling.  As these are small group tours it allows for a real connection to the places that we take you and time and the opportunity to make new friends for life. 

Your guides are all experts in their fields and passionate about their subjects, have many years experience of guiding and want to share their knowledge with you.  With Celtic Compass the magnificent country of Scotland is explored through storytelling, folklore, poetry, geology, history, art, spirituality, archeoastronomy and ecology.  This gives a fascinating and unique insight into this country.

Golf ball
Golf ball
Golf ball
Golf course
Golf course
Golf course
Golf ball in black background
Golf ball in black background
Sandy golf course
Sandy golf course
Sandy golf course

The itineraries have been carefully designed to create magical experiences and really give a true flavour of what Scotland is all about and the wonderful things and incredible places it has to offer.  Travelling should bring great joy to your heart be invigorating and leave you feeling recharged and renewed and definitely inspired. We are delighted we are able to offer these journeys so you can explore these special places too. 

Trees
Trees
Trees

If you want to visit ancient yew trees, explore the mysteries of hidden glens, touch ancient standing stones, walk in the steps as 5th century monks and saints or learn the stories of Celtic heroes, villains and saints or climb a holy mountain, visit a holy well, understand how geology has influenced the landscape or just feel more connected to the earth these journeys will be a good fit for you. These are journeys off the beaten track.

Swinging golf club
Swinging golf club
Swinging golf club
Golf cart and shop
Golf cart and shop
Golf cart and shop
Golf course overview
Golf course overview
Golf course overview

Guides & Testimonials

Guide

Sarah Ewing

Sarah has spent many years exploring the sites she takes you. She loves travel and exploring the planet, but her deepest love is for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.  Wherever, Sarah travels she likes getting underneath the skin of a place and seeing its true side.  She is a geographer with a Masters in Ecology from Aberdeen University. Sarah is a strong believer in the practice of mindful observation and contemplation to find what lies beneath the surface of an object. Her greatest passion is being able to show others what this beautiful planet has to offer.

“Sarah is kind, fun, enthusiastic and personable.  She is a passionate and intrepid traveller with a diligent, creative and very thorough approach.  Sarah is an excellent communicator and an original and inspirational thinker who enjoys sharing her great wealth of knowledge…. When it comes to a quality experience, Sarah is extremely discerning and only the best will do.  You are in a very safe pair of hands. Thank you for sharing all you know with us!”  Melissa

“Sarah provides an extraordinary experience. Her gifted ability to create immersive trips has left us with life long memories. Her and her team has a real talent for being knowledgeable and approachable, this allows you do discover so much more then you would have previously thought. I’m looking forward to a return visit.”  Alex  

Guide

Grahame Gardner


Grahame is known as one of Scotland’s best specialists on all things geomantic and archeoastronomy. His in depth knowledge of ancient places gives a fascinating insight to their meaning.  He is an experienced international presenter and has been a featured speaker and workshop leader at the Canadian Society of Questers’ conference in British Columbia, the Canadian Society of Dowsers’ conventions, and regularly presents at the American Society of Dowsers’ conventions. He has also presented at the Escola Nacional de Feng Shui and the International Feng-Shui Conference in Lisbon, the Società Italiana di Radionica e Radiestesia in Bologna, the West Coast Dowsers in California, and the Japanese Society of Dowsing.

“Grahame demonstrates mastery of his subject. It has been a privilege to hear him speak!”

“Grahame is a lot of fun, his enthusiasm is contagious. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“A trip with Grahame is always fascinating, extremely informative and great fun. He really knows his stuff and a lot more besides.”

“Grahame is an amazing dowser/geomancer.”

Guide

Lisa Schneidau

Lisa is a storyteller and environmentalist based on Dartmoor in Devon. Lisa trained as an ecologist and has worked in British nature conservation for over twenty years, in roles as diverse as farm advisor, lobbyist and conservation director. Since 2012 she has worked with Devon Wildlife Trust, leading the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area programme.

Lisa’s storytelling is a warm mix of ancient tale and keen observation of the natural world, with an eye for the seasons and an ear for the voices of the ancestors. With over twenty five years of experience of working in wildlife conservation, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to her audience. She tells stories at festivals, nature reserves, arts centres and schools, and is a founding member of the Red Alachigh (Red Tent).

Lisa is the author of Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland (History Press, 2018) and the forthcoming Woodland Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland (History Press, due September 2020). 

“…Lisa captivates her audience, and makes you ponder whether the land always has a tale to be told and a voice to be heard…” Beaford Arts

Guide

Scot AnSgeulaiche

Scot is a West coast Highland oral historian and bard, a Seanachaidh.  He has been guiding people through these lands for over twenty years.  He is keeper of the Clan Maclean’s tales and history and is storyteller for Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart and Morvern, 28th Chief of the Clan Maclean. Scot is particularly interested in how human histories are influenced by the landscape in which they live and by how the landscape acts as a record of human activity if you know how to read it.

“To say that Scot is a ‘tour guide’ is like saying that the Louvre has some pretty paintings in it. Scot is one of only two official storytellers connected to the Clans of the Highlands, himself holding the position of Seanachaidh for Clan MacLean. His bio, however, does not begin or end there: he’s an historian, a musician and a human being with such an intimate knowledge of place, that it seems every blade of grass and every bend of trail recognizes his footfall as he steps quietly in the landscape – and steps into and out of time as he speaks. He’s as well-versed in contemporary concerns as he is with those of centuries past, and the tales he can weave together from these various threads are as rich in texture as the plaids he wears.” Loreen 

“Scot’s knowledge, his storytelling, his authenticness, his charm and his sense of humour made our family trip so extra special! We are thoroughly enjoying our visit to Scotland” Trish

“Scott was the BEST guide of Scotland that I could possibly imagine. A gentleman, a scholar, an artist, a free spirit, an authentic human being with a keen eye for meaning, humour, and beauty” Greg

Guide

James Westland

A highly respected and extremely knowledgeable geologist who lives full time on the Isle of Mull in the Hebrides. He has a Masters in geology and regularly presents and gives talks. A member of the local geodiversity group for Argyll and the Islands.  He has regular interviews and short pieces for Gaelic TV (BBC Alba).

“Thanks to your efforts my next visit to Mull will be more like a treasure hunt.” John

“Many thanks for sharing these sites and your efforts with the world.
The Mull geology you feature is fascinating and is a good pointer to what would be great for the other Hebridean Islands.” Alan

“James “Seumas” Westland knowledge of the island’s geology is second to none. Seumas is the island’s go-to man for any geology questions. He also operates Mull Geology Tours, travelling all over the Islands to show people first hand the remarkable history beneath their feet.”

Guide

Linda Jackson

Linda Jackson grew up in Yorkshire and moved to Scotland to study Fine Art at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, graduating in 1993. She has been making, exhibiting, and teaching art since then, for several years at Fettes College in Edinburgh. She located to Cellardyke in 2007 and has been Artist in Residence at St Leonards School in St Andrews since then.

She is also one half of The Great Little Art Co, a portable printmaking studio, set up in 2017, with the aim of bringing printmaking classes to local communities and making art accessible for all.

Her work is based around the expressive use of colour and mark making, using a wide variety of painting and collage materials. Most pieces incorporate some form of printmaking as a starting point, either images put onto photosensitive silkscreen stencils or monotypes painted directly onto aluminium sheets and then put through a press. I then cut, collage, paint, scratch and draw to build up layers to create the feeling that I want.

Term:
Collagraphy (sometimes spelled collography) is a printmaking process in which materials are applied to a rigid substrate (such as paperboard or wood). The word is derived from the Greek word koll or kolla, meaning glue, and graph, meaning the activity of drawing. … The resulting print is termed a collagraph.

Guide

Sarah Ewing

Sarah has spent many years exploring the sites she takes you. She loves travel and exploring the planet, but her deepest love is for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.  Wherever, Sarah travels she likes getting underneath the skin of a place and seeing its true side.  She is a geographer with a Masters in Ecology from Aberdeen University. Sarah is a strong believer in the practice of mindful observation and contemplation to find what lies beneath the surface of an object. Her greatest passion is being able to show others what this beautiful planet has to offer.

“Sarah is kind, fun, enthusiastic and personable.  She is a passionate and intrepid traveller with a diligent, creative and very thorough approach.  Sarah is an excellent communicator and an original and inspirational thinker who enjoys sharing her great wealth of knowledge…. When it comes to a quality experience, Sarah is extremely discerning and only the best will do.  You are in a very safe pair of hands. Thank you for sharing all you know with us!”  Melissa

“Sarah provides an extraordinary experience. Her gifted ability to create immersive trips has left us with life long memories. Her and her team has a real talent for being knowledgeable and approachable, this allows you do discover so much more then you would have previously thought. I’m looking forward to a return visit.”  Alex  

Guide

Scot AnSgeulaiche

Scot is a West coast Highland oral historian and bard, a Seanachaidh.  He has been guiding people through these lands for over twenty years.  He is keeper of the Clan Maclean’s tales and history and is storyteller for Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart and Morvern, 28th Chief of the Clan Maclean. Scot is particularly interested in how human histories are influenced by the landscape in which they live and by how the landscape acts as a record of human activity if you know how to read it.

“To say that Scot is a ‘tour guide’ is like saying that the Louvre has some pretty paintings in it. Scot is one of only two official storytellers connected to the Clans of the Highlands, himself holding the position of Seanachaidh for Clan MacLean. His bio, however, does not begin or end there: he’s an historian, a musician and a human being with such an intimate knowledge of place, that it seems every blade of grass and every bend of trail recognizes his footfall as he steps quietly in the landscape – and steps into and out of time as he speaks. He’s as well-versed in contemporary concerns as he is with those of centuries past, and the tales he can weave together from these various threads are as rich in texture as the plaids he wears.” Loreen 

“Scot’s knowledge, his storytelling, his authenticness, his charm and his sense of humour made our family trip so extra special! We are thoroughly enjoying our visit to Scotland” Trish

“Scott was the BEST guide of Scotland that I could possibly imagine. A gentleman, a scholar, an artist, a free spirit, an authentic human being with a keen eye for meaning, humour, and beauty” Greg

Guide

Grahame Gardner


Grahame is known as one of Scotland’s best specialists on all things geomantic and archeoastronomy. His in depth knowledge of ancient places gives a fascinating insight to their meaning.  He is an experienced international presenter and has been a featured speaker and workshop leader at the Canadian Society of Questers’ conference in British Columbia, the Canadian Society of Dowsers’ conventions, and regularly presents at the American Society of Dowsers’ conventions. He has also presented at the Escola Nacional de Feng Shui and the International Feng-Shui Conference in Lisbon, the Società Italiana di Radionica e Radiestesia in Bologna, the West Coast Dowsers in California, and the Japanese Society of Dowsing.

“Grahame demonstrates mastery of his subject. It has been a privilege to hear him speak!”

“Grahame is a lot of fun, his enthusiasm is contagious. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“A trip with Grahame is always fascinating, extremely informative and great fun. He really knows his stuff and a lot more besides.”

“Grahame is an amazing dowser/geomancer.”

Guide

James Westland

A highly respected and extremely knowledgeable geologist who lives full time on the Isle of Mull in the Hebrides. He has a Masters in geology and regularly presents and gives talks. A member of the local geodiversity group for Argyll and the Islands.  He has regular interviews and short pieces for Gaelic TV (BBC Alba).

“Thanks to your efforts my next visit to Mull will be more like a treasure hunt.” John

“Many thanks for sharing these sites and your efforts with the world.
The Mull geology you feature is fascinating and is a good pointer to what would be great for the other Hebridean Islands.” Alan

“James “Seumas” Westland knowledge of the island’s geology is second to none. Seumas is the island’s go-to man for any geology questions. He also operates Mull Geology Tours, travelling all over the Islands to show people first hand the remarkable history beneath their feet.”

Guide

Lisa Schneidau

Lisa is a storyteller and environmentalist based on Dartmoor in Devon. Lisa trained as an ecologist and has worked in British nature conservation for over twenty years, in roles as diverse as farm advisor, lobbyist and conservation director. Since 2012 she has worked with Devon Wildlife Trust, leading the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area programme.

Lisa’s storytelling is a warm mix of ancient tale and keen observation of the natural world, with an eye for the seasons and an ear for the voices of the ancestors. With over twenty five years of experience of working in wildlife conservation, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to her audience. She tells stories at festivals, nature reserves, arts centres and schools, and is a founding member of the Red Alachigh (Red Tent).

Lisa is the author of Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland (History Press, 2018) and the forthcoming Woodland Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland (History Press, due September 2020). 

“…Lisa captivates her audience, and makes you ponder whether the land always has a tale to be told and a voice to be heard…” Beaford Arts

Guide

Linda Jackson

Linda Jackson grew up in Yorkshire and moved to Scotland to study Fine Art at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, graduating in 1993. She has been making, exhibiting, and teaching art since then, for several years at Fettes College in Edinburgh. She located to Cellardyke in 2007 and has been Artist in Residence at St Leonards School in St Andrews since then.

She is also one half of The Great Little Art Co, a portable printmaking studio, set up in 2017, with the aim of bringing printmaking classes to local communities and making art accessible for all.

Her work is based around the expressive use of colour and mark making, using a wide variety of painting and collage materials. Most pieces incorporate some form of printmaking as a starting point, either images put onto photosensitive silkscreen stencils or monotypes painted directly onto aluminium sheets and then put through a press. I then cut, collage, paint, scratch and draw to build up layers to create the feeling that I want.

Term:
Collagraphy (sometimes spelled collography) is a printmaking process in which materials are applied to a rigid substrate (such as paperboard or wood). The word is derived from the Greek word koll or kolla, meaning glue, and graph, meaning the activity of drawing. … The resulting print is termed a collagraph.

Testimonal

Gail

This turned out to be a very interesting trip.  The day turned out to be perfect for hiking through the hills and down to the lake. We saw grave mounds, a couple of churches with early history and really interesting gravestones and markers. Vista views of the countryside and fields of flowers. A bonus was having lunch on a river boat.

Testimonal

Marta

I really enjoyed this 1-day trip that took us just outside of Edinburgh. The views were fantastic and I probably wouldn’t know about the existance of the places we visited if it weren’t for Sarah and the trip she put together. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see some hidden gems and experience the beauty of Scottish nature. Sarah is a wonderful person to spend the day with and she went an extra mile to make sure the snacks were vegan. Thank you! There’s a bit of walking up a hill so make sure to wear sturdy shoes.

Testimonal

Julie

I spent two wonderful weeks in Scotland thanks to the guidance of Celtic Compass. I recommend this travel company with great enthusiasm. My first week was with a small group, touring ancient sites on the mainland, mostly outdoors. The sense of a long and fascinating history was woven throughout our days there. What I learned stretched my view of history back thousands of years. We stayed in charming villages. The Rosslyn chapel was certainly the quirkiest, most interesting house of worship I had ever seen. I was in awe of how talented and whimsical artists in stone were in the 15th century.

The second week I spent on Iona, traveling alone but with the expert recommendations and reservations made by Sarah Ewing of Celtic Compass. My time on this tiny island with the history of ancient Celtic spirituality was a wonderful opportunity to slow down and appreciate nature and the timelessness of Iona. I am so grateful to Celtic Compass for providing the planning for my wonderful time away from day-to-day life, exploring and enjoying the richness of Scotland.

Testimonal

Diane

I was very fortunate to be able to participate in tours on the Isles of Iona, Ulva, and Mull, and to tour the Glen Lyon and Lothian regions. Each one was unique and provided me with a wealth of new experiences and excitement as my knowledge of Scotland expanded.
Sarah is especially helpful, responsive, kind as she makes sure that you have an experience that is just right for you.
I am anxiously anticipating my next opportunity to book new experiences through Celtic Compass.