Taiwanese Grand Whisky & Golf Tour of Scotland

This was a direct booking to Elite Golf Transport. I helped these 8 Taiwanese clients organise their trip both prior to arrival and during out tour together in terms of route planning, distillery visits, tee times, restaurants and attractions. For example I…

• set up private tours for them at Clydeside Distillery, Port of Leith Distillery and Kingsbarns Distillery (a whisky dinner too) using my industry contacts.
• entered the Old Course ballot for them which they were successful in at their first attempt.
• hosted a lobster, crab & salmon picnic for them at Glamis Castle.
• made sure they visited Scotland’s finest whisky shops (Luvians in St Andrews, Robbie’s Drams Whisky Merchants in Ayr, Aberdeen Whisky Shop & Royal Mile Whiskies in Edinburgh).
• ensured all the whisky they purchased including a lot of Macallan was shipped back safely to Taiwan at the end of their tour using Speyside Whisky Shop in Aberlour.

“I just wanted to take a moment to write to you about the great experience we had hiring your company, and especially with Douglas.

Even before we arrived in Scotland, Douglas was responsive and helpful. He made suggestions, steered us away from obstacles, and even helped make a few calls on our behalf. Planning a trip on your own is very difficult and Doug made that process much easier with his “local” advice.

When we arrived, we found the vehicle comfortable and configured perfectly for 8 people. Doug had it stocked with water and he drove it smoothly and safely throughout the entire trip.

During our whole trip, Douglas was much more than a driver and a tour guide. He became a part of the entire Scotland experience for my family’s first time here. Douglas made suggestions about routing and provided valuable input to help us make decisions about where to go and activities to enhance our trip. He made many phone calls for us and even made special reservations for us using his own contacts.

Traveling with a group of elders who don’t speak English can be challenging and try one’s patience, especially with frequent and last-minute schedule changes. Douglas was always accommodating and extra patient with our family which we appreciate.

Everyone in our group frequently commented on how professional Doug was and how it was obvious he was going above and beyond his required duties to help us. They considered Doug an integral part of our travel group and he was a major factor in their great experience. Our family was better able to understand and appreciate the Scottish culture through Doug’s remarkable knowledge of history and anecdotes.

If you ever need someone to lead a tour, Douglas is your guy. He is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about Scotland, golf, and whiskey. He was able to point out landmarks and points of interest, and even recognised a few celebrities for us to take photos with.

Once again, thank you for connecting us with Douglas. He made lasting memories for all of us and our family already misses traveling with him.” Jo Chang.

The Whisky Brothers Tour to Macallan, Glenmorangie, Blair Castle & Port of Leith

I think the biggest compliment one can get as a tour driver / guide is when a previous client returns to Scotland to tour with you again. In this case my client Bruce who I’d done a tour for in 2023 decided to return again in 2024 this time with his brother John.

I picked them up at Aberdeen Airport and we headed to Macallan before moving onto Glenmorangie House for the night. The next morning we toured Glenmorangie and then headed south to Port of Leith Distillery stopping on the way to tour Blair Castle.

Golf & Whisky Loving Ladies Tour of Scotland

In July, 2024 I was lucky enough to look after Kay, Suzanne, Patty & Laurie who were clients of St Andrews Golf Travel. This was my first ever all ladies group since stating the job in 2022. And oh what a hoot they had playing Dumbarnie Golf Links, Kingsbarns Golf Links, The Old Course St Andrews, Nairn, Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Gleneagles.

I added the following experiences to their trip:- Glenmorangie Distillery tour & tasting, an Outlander lunch at the Covenanter Hotel (Mrs Baird’s B&B) in Falkland (Inverness in the show) to recreate the iconic Jamie’s ghost scene, Balmoral Castle, afternoon tea at the Fife Arms in Braemar, Cawder Castle, Corgarff Castle, Drinks/Pool/European Cup Final at the Clansman Hotel in Inverness and the Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh.

The handwritten card they gave me at the end of the tour (see in above photos) truly touched my heart and I truly hope to see them again one day!

The Inaugural Dream to Dram Tour

In August 2024 I took a leap of faith and purchased my own Mercedes bus so I could set up on my own as Dream to Dram Tours. And almost immediately I was given my first job, a referral from Elite Golf Transport, for the final week of August.

After picking my crew of 8 up from Edinburgh Airport we drove over to Prestwick in a monsoon and the guys touched it out for 14 holes in what their caddies described as the worse weather they’d ever caddied in. The group stayed at Dundonald lodges and the next day were blessed with much better weather for their games at Royal Troon & Western Gailes. That evening I took them for a fantastic dinner at Scotts in Troon. Next up was a game at Turnberry followed by dinner at Lido in Troon and then drinks at The Fox pub.

We were then up with the lark at 6am for the drive over to St Andrews to play the New course. The crew also played Carnoustie, The Castle, Kingsbarns (where I caddied for Mr Tim Partagas Cigar D4) and the Old Course (which I helped them play through the ballot & singles ballot). I also loved giving them all a private tour of St Andrews Golf Club where I’m a member.

What a great group of guys to look after for my first ever tour on my own and I think they loved it too….And thanks to Archie at Luvians for looking after all their whisky and cigar needs!

“Fantastic trip Douglas, great job, we will miss you!” Todd M

“Thanks for everything Douglas. You were the best host we could have hoped for” Todd H

“Douglas. Great time and flawless execution” Mr Tim Partagas Cigar D4