If you’re planning a trip to Scotland and are keen to discover more about whisky during your time in the capital, this guide to whisky tasting Edinburgh, Scotland is for you. Edinburgh is a brilliant place to begin your exploration of Scotland’s whisky heritage. It’s a culturally rich city, with characterful pubs, specialist whisky bars and two working urban distilleries. If you get a taste for whisky and want to get out of the city and visit some of Scotland’s whisky regions, Edinburgh gives you easy access to the whisky regions of Campbelltown, Lowlands, Islay, Highlands and Speyside.
Why Choose Edinburgh for Whisky Tasting in Scotland?
Edinburgh offers a wide range of whisky experiences, from guided tastings and specialist bars to distillery tours and exhibitions. Choose from grand hotels with high-end collections, dedicated whisky bars, traditional pubs that welcome newcomers to the world of whisky and working distilleries you can actually walk to.
If you’re already knowledgeable about whisky, you may enjoy one of the specialist tastings or visit some of the bars known for their specialist whisky selections. If you will be tasting whiskies for the first time, there are an array of tours and tastings where experts can guide you through Scotland’s whisky heritage. Alternatively, head to one of the many pubs or bars known for their knowledgeable staff and order a tasting flight. This guide outlines the best places to taste and learn about whisky in the city.
Best Bars for Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh
Specialist Whisky Bars in Edinburgh
Kaleidoscope Bar by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a members’ club with over 40,000 members dedicated to celebrating and sharing rare and unique single-cask whiskies from around the world. The Kaleidoscope Bar is conveniently located at 28 Queen Street, in the heart of the city centre. Their knowledgeable and passionate staff will guide you, curating a selection of whiskies, unique cocktails, or craft beers to suit your palate and preferences.
The Bar runs a busy programme of whisky tasting events, Outturn previews (i.e., first looks at newly released SMWS whiskies), masterclasses, and one‑off whisky-focused events, most of them accessible to non-members.
Kaleidoscope Bar has won notable awards — including Global Whisky Bar of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards 2022.
Kaleidoscope Bar is open to non-members six days a week. Visit the Kaleidoscope Bar website to book a table and discover what the Scotch Malt Whisky Society has to offer.
SCOTCH at The Balmoral
SCOTCH is the oak-panelled dedicated whisky bar at The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street. It holds a curated collection of over 500 single malts and blends from across Scotland. The venue is staffed by Whisky Ambassadors who provide guided tastings tailored to different levels of experience and interest. These tasting prices depend on the depth and rarity of the whiskies involved, but be prepared, this is a premium experience, with a price tag to match.
The Exploration Tasting is designed for newcomers to whisky and includes four carefully selected drams. It costs around £90 per person. The Ambassadors Selection features four whiskies chosen by the Bar’s in-house experts, priced at approximately £150 per person.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Fine & Rare tasting features four drams from limited or unique bottlings and costs approximately £225. At the top end, the Ultimate Collection offers a selection of four whiskies, which may include closed distillery releases or single-cask expressions, priced at approximately £375 per person. All tastings are seated, led by knowledgeable staff, and must be booked in advance.
SCOTCH also offers a membership programme known as The Scotch Club, in partnership with The Macallan. Members benefit from perks such as a personalised whisky locker, a whisky concierge service, and access to exclusive tastings and rare bottlings.
Whiski Rooms, Edinburgh Old Town
One of the most well-known specialist whisky bars is Whiski on the Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle. This Bar and restaurant offers a large selection of around 300 whiskies and regularly hosts tasting events. The restaurant serves traditional Scottish food.
Whiski Rooms operates a dedicated Whisky Tasting Room, where it runs daily guided introductions to whisky tasting. These sessions are accessible to everyone, so don’t worry if you are new to whisky. There are also regular themed tastings such as Whisky & Cheese or Whisky & Chocolate, which pair whisky with food to highlight flavour combinations. Book tastings online or contact the venue directly to arrange private or specialist sessions. The adjoining shop sells hundreds of whiskies with a “try before you buy” policy.
Amber Whisky Bar forms part of The Scotch Whisky Experience on the lower ground floor next to the Amber Restaurant, Castlehill. It stocks over 550 whiskies, including single malts, blended whiskies, single grain, and whisky liqueurs. Staff select “Whiskies of the Month” and curate special, limited or rare bottlings; they also offer new releases.
For those unsure what to try, Amber offers several tasting flights, which group drams by theme (for example, regional malts, blends, or luxury whiskies). Their whisky tasting flights can be matched with a selection of platters and Scottish tapas.
Best Pubs for Whisky Tasting Edinburgh, Scotland
Part of the fun of whisky tasting in Edinburgh is the city’s pub culture – historic settings, open fires in a cosy pub, drinking with locals, and no pressure to “know your stuff.” Find a traditional bar, one known for its whisky selection to taste by the dram or order a tasting flight. Most pubs or bars known for whisky will have staff who can help you choose and answer your questions, although you won’t get the level of explanation that you’d get from a tour or structured tasting session.
Bennet’s Bar
Bennet’s in the Tollcross/Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh, is a historic pub with a strong reputation among whisky lovers. The atmospheric interior retains many original Victorian features – stained glass, carved wood panelling, leaded glass windows, ornate mirrors and old brass fittings. Its long, tiered gantry with alcoves holds Bennet’s large whisky collection of more than 150 single malts, alongside blends and other spirits. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable, often offering tasters (small measures) to help customers pick something to their taste.
Where Bennet’s stands out is in combining strong whisky credentials with a welcoming pub environment. It’s not a whisky‑bar in the sense of upscale tastings or formal blending experiences, but it gives great variety of whiskies at reasonable prices and in a setting that’s relaxed and friendly.
The Canny Man’s
The Canny Man’s is a solid choice for anyone looking to explore whisky in a locals’ bar with a long history and a characterful interior. Still a family-run business, the pub combines old-school charm with a serious focus on whisky.
In Edinburgh’s leafy Morningside area, you will find The Canny Man’s. This is Edinburgh institution, which opened in 1871, is known for its unique decor and extensive whisky collection. The pub has an interior filled with antiques and curiosities, reminding drinkers of the characters that have frequented the bar over the years. But the main draw for whisky fans is the bar with over 250 single malts on offer. Consult the Malt List for guidance – whiskies are organised by region and style, with tasting notes and information about the region of origin.
Unique Whisky Tastings
The pub runs private whisky tastings, which can be arranged for individuals or small groups. These tastings often focus on specific whisky-producing regions or compare different ageing styles. The Canny Man’s also serves its own house blend, The Golden Drop. In collaboration with a specialist blender, they have brought a historic blend that was no longer produced back to life so you can taste it today.
The Bow Bar, Edinburgh Old Town
A selection of whisky as extensive as some of the smarter places on the Royal Mile and more reasonably priced. Attracting an eclectic crowd – you’re as likely to be standing next to a barrister as a brickie – it’s a good place to taste whisky in an authentic Scottish pub setting.
The Bow Bar is at 80 West Bow, Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. It’s a traditional pub atmosphere and concentrates on whisky and beer rather than food. The Bow Bar makes up for the lack of food with atmosphere – a no‑frills, “old school” decor, a traditional gantry displaying the whisky bottles and the opportunity for a chat with the bar staff or locals.
Whisky Selection
Behind the bar, they keep over 300 single malts, including both standard distillery bottlings and independent bottlings (for example: Adelphi, Berry Bros, Cadenhead’s, Chieftain’s, Creative Whisky Co, Gordon & MacPhail). The staff know their whiskies well and are willing to help customers choose.
Toolbooth Tavern, Edinburgh Old Town
Tolbooth Tavern is one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, located in a building that was originally part of the Canongate Tolbooth, built in 1591. It has operated as a public house since 1820 and, with its exposed beams and stone walls, is an atmospheric spot for whisky tasting. The pub is also known for its good food.
The Tolbooth Tavern maintains a large malt whisky selection and also offers curated whisky flights, so visitors can taste different styles of whisky. Or pair a taste of Haggis with a dram of whisky. Visitors to the city can combine a guided walking tour of Edinburgh, with a tasting session in the pub. You’ll try three of Scotland’s finest whiskies in a historic setting.
The Abbey Whisky Bar
65 South Clerk Street
This is a family-run, friendly pub close to the Royal Mile, with a huge whisky collection of around 700 bottles (Scottish & international). A good choice if you want a blend of good food and a serious commitment to whisky in a genuine local pub environment.
Staff assist customers to choose from a curated whisky list comprising whiskies from a range of regions, flavour profiles and prices. The Bar also has an online “Whisky Finder” tool that lets you filter their whisky list by region, style or price.
For those who want to sample more than one, The Abbey offers whisky flights organised by region (Lowland, Highland, Speyside, etc.), style (smoky, coastal, cask strength), age or decade. They also offer speciality flights, including “Abbey Bar exclusive bottlings” and selections from international whiskies and blends.
The Bar also hosts regular whisky tasting events and masterclasses, often led by independent bottlers or distilleries. Recent events have ranged from masterclasses with Glencadam to “Unkiltered Spirits” sessions.
The Devil’s Advocate
A handsome former pump house with an ever-changing list and good food.
The Devil’s Advocate is a stone’s throw from the Royal Mile down an atmospheric Old Town close, housed in a converted Victorian pump‑house. Whisky fans will appreciate the choice of over 300 whiskies from across Scotland, plus a small but interesting world whisky selection. The Devil’s Advocate offers whisky flights, including “takeaway” or at‑home options. The bartenders are well‑versed in the whiskies on offer and are happy to offer advice and suggestions to try.
Tastings at Whisky Shops in Edinburgh
Avoid many of the tourist traps along the Royal Mile with our recommendations for whisky shops that offer whisky tasting in Edinburgh.
Royal Mile Whiskies
Royal Mile Whiskies has a reputation as one of Edinburgh’s top specialist whisky merchants. Their shop on the Royal Mile has been operating since 1991. Shop staff are genuine whisky enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their knowledge with visitors.
Royal Mile Whiskies offers both in‑store and private/corporate tasting sessions. They also regularly run events (masterclasses, limited‑edition tastings, etc.) where you can try multiple whiskies in one session, often including rarer or exclusive bottles.
Jeffrey Street
Jeffrey St. Whisky & Tobacco is a specialist whisky shop just off the Royal Mile (12‑14 Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DT) that mixes retail with tasting. Their tastings cater for both novices and more experienced whisky drinkers. You can sample or compare different styles (single malts, older whiskies, etc.), learn whisky history, understand regional differences, and pick up tips on tasting technique.
Tasting experience options range from more basic sessions (great if you want a solid intro) up to “Old & Rare” tastings that use whiskies aged 18+ years. The group sizes are kept small, which lets the hosts give more personal attention and allows more interaction. Also, because the setting is a shop rather than a bar or formal tasting room, there’s a casual atmosphere, you feel freer to explore, ask questions and try new things.
Cadenhead’s
Cadenhead’s holds the distinction of being Scotland’s oldest independent whisky bottler and offers a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere similar to that of the Bow Bar. It’s owned by the same family behind Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown, where you’ll also find another Cadenhead’s outlet.
In the Edinburgh shop, you’ll find large, “living” bottles of blended malt whisky on display in the front room. These aren’t labelled with specific distillery names, but instead indicate the region, such as Islay, Highlands, Lowlands, or Campbeltown. Visitors can purchase custom-filled bottles of the blends in the bottle, choosing from a range of sizes. The bottles are regularly topped up with whisky from their wider stock, so their contents are always evolving. Each shop’s blends are different, so the whisky you get in Edinburgh won’t be the same as what’s available in Campbeltown.
Whisky Experiences
The Scotch Whisky Experience
At the top of the Royal Mile beside Edinburgh Castle, The Scotch Whisky Experience is one of the flagship whisky visitor attractions in Scotland. It opened in 1988, backed by a consortium of Scotch whisky companies, as a way to showcase the industry’s history, production processes, and regional diversity.
The Scotch Whisky Experience houses an interactive exhibition that traces the full story of Scotch whisky, from the landscape and climate that produces whisky’s raw materials and through the complete production process. There are also themed rooms exploring the whisky‑producing regions of Scotland and the art of blending. Another highlight is the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection, displayed in a glass‑and‑marble vault which holds over 3,300 bottles of Scotch, many rare and historic.
There are several levels of tasting experience available. The Silver Tour (approximately 50 minutes) offers a guided introduction to Scotch whisky, including a nosing and tasting of a single malt or blended Scotch. It also includes access to their massive whisky collection and ends with a gift crystal tasting glass. The Gold Tour offers more time tasting, with a tasting of four single malts from contrasting regions, plus the content of the Silver Tour. It lasts around 75 minutes. Taste of Scotland is the flagship experience: a Platinum Tour plus a three‑course tasting menu in their Amber Restaurant, with whisky pairings.
“Tasting Tales” is a bookable, fully tutored whisky and cuisine pairing experience in a private room, combining whiskies with canapé‑style Scottish food.
The Whisky Makers’ Cellar, Johnnie Walker Visitor Centre
The Whisky Makers’ Cellar is an immersive tasting experience in the basement of the Johnnie Walker Visitor Centre in Princes Street in Edinburgh. It’s in a bonded warehouse‑style space, styled after the old Johnnie Walker Bond in Kilmarnock. The cellar is relatively small, features cask strength whisky exclusive to that location and is focused on the art of blending.
When you join the cellar tasting session (about 90 minutes long), you’ll be led through a guided tasting that includes rare expressions, whiskies straight from the cask and several “dramming casks” selected by master blenders. One of the good features of this tasting session is that, early on the staff will assess your flavour preferences to guide your tasting experience.
You also get to try whiskies from experimental casks, including unusual ones with creative profiles (for example, malt whiskies fermented with wine yeasts or experimental grain cask work) that aren’t part of the standard Johnnie Walker lineup. At the end, you can choose your final dram and you’ll leave with something selected or blended especially for your palate.
Edinburgh Distilleries
There are two working distilleries in Edinburgh, both of which offer tours and tastings.
Holyrood Distillery
A contemporary, small-scale distillery with tours that walk you through mashing, fermentation and distillation, plus a guided tasting.
Holyrood Distillery offers both whisky and gin experiences. The Holyrood Distillery Tour gives visitors a comprehensive introduction to the distillery’s operations, with a tour of both gin and whisky production areas. The tour includes tastings of their award-winning Height of Arrows gin and their single malt whiskies. This is a 1-hour guided tour priced at £25 per person.
The Journey to Whisky Tour is a more in-depth explanation of single malt whisky production. This 1-hour, tasting-led tour focuses on the distillery’s innovative approach to flavour, offering four samples of whisky, of which two are their New Make Spirit. It’s ideal for whisky enthusiasts interested in modern whisky-making as well as Scotland’s traditional whisky heritage.
If you’re looking for an introduction to the subject, the Holyrood Highlights whisky experience is a 30-minute session that includes a guided tour of the whisky production area, followed by a tutored tasting of a single malt whisky in the cask room. Holyrood Distillery also hosts special events such as the Single Malt Sessions during the Edinburgh Fringe.
Port of Leith Distillery, Leith
A visually striking distillery beside Leith docks offering a 60-minute tour that covers the full story of whisky production from grain to glass. Many visitors love the “miniature bottle filling” element and you’ll usually squeeze in a sample to taste at the end of the tour.
The Port of Leith Distillery offers a unique whisky experience in Scotland’s first vertical distillery. The distillery’s design optimises limited space by arranging its operations across nine floors, with production starting on the fourth floor and progressing downward. Visitors can choose from two main tour options: the Tour & Tasting and the Distillery Dash. The Tour & Tasting is a 90-minute guided experience that includes a walk through the distillery’s production areas, a chance to fill a miniature bottle of their New Make spirit and a seated tasting session in the QC Lab. The Distillery Dash is an hour-long overview with a sample of whisky at the end.
For those interested in enjoying a drink after the tour, the Distillery Bar, on the 8th floor, has a good selection of whiskies, cocktails and small plates with panoramic views of the city and the Firth of Forth.
Whisky Walking Tours & Day Tours, Edinburgh
There are also several whisky-themed walking tours in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Whisky Trail, for example, explores parts of the city associated with historical distilleries and ends with a guided tasting. These tours often provide historical context alongside product sampling and are a good option for visitors short on time or looking to cover several locations in one outing.
There are numerous day tours to distilleries in other parts of Scotland, such as Speyside and the Highlands which depart from Edinburgh. These are typically operated by specialist tour companies and can include visits to multiple distilleries.
Hire a Campervan and Explore Scotland’s Whisky Regions
If you are a whisky enthusiast, once you’ve explored Edinburgh’s whisky heritage, why not avoid the tour bus trail and explore Scotland’s famous whisky regions your own way and at your own pace? Explore Campbelltown, Speyside, the Highlands or Islay – each with its own distinct character while enjoying the stunning landscapes that shape the whiskies of the regions.
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Reviews
Excellent service and interaction from Rob and team. Painless pick up and drop off. The instructions on the vehicle were clear and easy to understand. Will definitely be using them again.
Great campervans and lovely people who really want you to enjoy the experience. Highly recommend.
My boyfriend and I hired Flora for 8 nights back in october. We promised ourselves to leave a review because our experience was wonderful. The staff was very helpful and very kind. Special mention to Rob who really took time to give us tips & tricks for travelling around Scotland! We had a great time with Flora and I think Big Sky Campers is a trustworthy campervan hire company: the service is good, the price are affordable, the campers are beautiful and well-equiped. Thank you for the wonderful experience! We had a great time.
We rented Rowan for 4 days at the beginning of October. Our first experience in a van! Our rental with big sky campers was perfect. The welcome, the Vanlife course, the van like new, the sleeping equipment and finally the kindness and sense of service of our rental company from our check in to our check out. And Scotland in a van is freedom in magnificent landscapes and campsites reserved for vans and motorhomes. Experience it after Edinburgh and do it with Big Sky Camper.
Excellent company, friendly, helpful and professional. The vans are modern, well fitted and have everything you need for a road trip. Will certainly use again and you definitely should too!
We rented the Bonnie camper for three weeks in August. Everything went really well, the vehicle was in very good condition and we had no problems at all. The personal contact and service was also very friendly and helpful. Any time again.
We traveled from London and picked up our camper Freya for a trip around Scotland. From start to finish the whole experience with Big Sky Campers was absolutely incredible. We did look at other companies but Big Sky is family run and make the process so easy. Such lovely people and really care about their customers. Thank you Rob, Alex and George we will see you very soon. Already planning our next trip with you guy's. If you're looking to hire a camper and see Scotland go with Big Sky Campers, you won't regret it. Highly recommended.
Rented a van for 3 nights and had the most lovely time. The team was very accommodating with all the information we needed ahead of taking off and even shuttled us back and forth to the local train station. Their website is incredibly helpful with lots of excellent campsite and route recommendations and the vans themselves were top of the line, clean, and very comfortable for two people. We were also grateful for the automatic transmissions.
Highlight of our trip for sure!!
Highlight of our trip for sure!!
We rented freya the van for 12 days, she drivers so easy, easier to drive than a car or truck surprisingly. We were able to drive all over Scotland 🏴 it was amazing, if I ever come back I would rent through this company again, the owner was excellent and sweet.
We recently hired "Magnus," a VW camper from Big Sky Campers, and our experience was fantastic from start to finish. The pickup process was smooth and straightforward. The staff took the time to show us all the functions of the camper, which was clean, comfortable, and spacious—perfect for our family of four.
We spent a week traveling around Scotland, and the camper was easy to set up at our overnight stops. Its size was ideal for navigating some of the tighter roads, and driving it was a breeze—especially since we opted for the automatic transmission. One tip: remember to bring a USBC cable for the CarPlay satnav! We forgot ours, but George kindly loaned us one.
Dropping off the camper was just as easy as picking it up, and the location of Big Sky Campers is very accessible. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly throughout our rental experience. We’re already looking forward to hiring from Big Sky Campers again in the future!
We spent a week traveling around Scotland, and the camper was easy to set up at our overnight stops. Its size was ideal for navigating some of the tighter roads, and driving it was a breeze—especially since we opted for the automatic transmission. One tip: remember to bring a USBC cable for the CarPlay satnav! We forgot ours, but George kindly loaned us one.
Dropping off the camper was just as easy as picking it up, and the location of Big Sky Campers is very accessible. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly throughout our rental experience. We’re already looking forward to hiring from Big Sky Campers again in the future!
Amazing campervan, very comfortable to drive and stay in. The facilities in the van are great, easy to use and it was dog friendly too. We had a fantastic holiday thanks to big sky campers.
We rented Oona for a week.
The stay was fantastic! The van was ideal for this road trip in Scotland, it is super well equipped, you don't have to plan anything. Big Sky Camper remains available quickly if you have the slightest problem with the van.
We recommend with your eyes closed!
The stay was fantastic! The van was ideal for this road trip in Scotland, it is super well equipped, you don't have to plan anything. Big Sky Camper remains available quickly if you have the slightest problem with the van.
We recommend with your eyes closed!
We had a great time with "Brody". The vans contain everything you need! Reliable and quick rental responses.
We rented Freya for a three night road trip to the Isle of Skye. I cannot recommend Big Sky Campers enough. The vans were terrific to drive and well-equipped - luxury on wheels. But the customer service is what really sets Big Sky apart. We had a hiccup with the required documentation on arrival (an error on my part) and Big Sky were incredibly helpful and patient with trouble shooting and resolving the issue. They saved our holiday and we were so grateful! I would recommend them in a heartbeat.
A perfect stop. We looked for English Gas including English Adapter for German System and asked them. They could help us with the advice to go to the big shop of Russell Gas & Lawnmower Centre in Edinburgh, 5 Bankhead Crossway N, Edinburgh EH11 4BZ, Vereinigtes Königreich. Here we found we looked for perfect andca food price. 129£ for 11 kg Gas including the Adapter with hose.
We recently hired Flora for 5 nights from Big Sky Campers. They are a first class company to deal with. In terms of service it was brilliant. We pitched up at their base to have a look at the vans available for hire and George was more than happy to help two 54 year old newbies about to set off in a campervan for the first time. George was extremely friendly , helpful and explained how the rental process worked and showed us around the vans.
A super first impression.
The communications leading up to the hire day were very good and detailed.
On the day we picked up the van we got a full demo of how the van operated etc I’m aware of other companies who just send you a video. We thought this was very important. The van was immaculate when we picked it up.
The van itself had everything you needed for a trip. Cooking facilities, fridge, charging points, bedding, towels.
The van is easy to drive and can be parked in a standard parking space.
We asked a few questions prior to picking the van and always got a prompt response. I got the impression that Rob would try and do whatever he could to ensure his clients had everything they needed to have the best time on their travels,
This was also quite key for us they love dogs and had vans for hire catering for dogs.
All in we had a superb 5 nights and would highly recommend Big Sky Campers,
Paul, Susan and Frankie.
A super first impression.
The communications leading up to the hire day were very good and detailed.
On the day we picked up the van we got a full demo of how the van operated etc I’m aware of other companies who just send you a video. We thought this was very important. The van was immaculate when we picked it up.
The van itself had everything you needed for a trip. Cooking facilities, fridge, charging points, bedding, towels.
The van is easy to drive and can be parked in a standard parking space.
We asked a few questions prior to picking the van and always got a prompt response. I got the impression that Rob would try and do whatever he could to ensure his clients had everything they needed to have the best time on their travels,
This was also quite key for us they love dogs and had vans for hire catering for dogs.
All in we had a superb 5 nights and would highly recommend Big Sky Campers,
Paul, Susan and Frankie.
We rented a van for 6 days. It was one of our best vacation experiences ever. The vans are in a good technical condition and really well made. The layout is very practical. It is well isolated. We didn't need to use the heating at all. Rob supplies all the necessary equipment - bedding, cutlery etc. There was exactly everything we needed. We didn't need to bring any of our camping equipment. We used almost everything and we didn't miss anything. For example there was beer opener and can opener. It's surprising in how many Airbnbs these are missing, but here they were. It's clear that these vans are build and equipped based on a strong experience. We also appreciate no ads or commercial labels on the van. The communication with Rob was clear and efficient. Train station pickup and drop was really convenient.
From time to time I encounter exceptional companies. And this is one of them. This is how you do the business. Rob goes beyond and tries to provide great holiday experience for his customers. We didn't need to be afraid of being ripped off or charged extra because of made up damages, strange insurance, extra equipment etc. Which is a common case in rental companies. Instead there is very human approach. The desire is provide a great experience for the customer. Money is not the strongest and the only motivation here. And that we really appreciate.
We wish all the best in the upcoming years! Keep it up :)
From time to time I encounter exceptional companies. And this is one of them. This is how you do the business. Rob goes beyond and tries to provide great holiday experience for his customers. We didn't need to be afraid of being ripped off or charged extra because of made up damages, strange insurance, extra equipment etc. Which is a common case in rental companies. Instead there is very human approach. The desire is provide a great experience for the customer. Money is not the strongest and the only motivation here. And that we really appreciate.
We wish all the best in the upcoming years! Keep it up :)
We rented two camper vans from Rob at BigSkyCampers and spent 4 days of our 2 week UK vacation hiking Isle of Skye and Glencoe. The vans had everything we needed, we were blessed with great weather, and the hikes and campsites were all epic. All of the Scots we met along the way were so friendly. Wish we allocated more time to this leg of the trip. A good reason to return!
We rented Flora for a week and had a great experience! Everything we needed was included in the van, and all equipment ran smoothly. The van was plesantly easy to drive along the small roads of the Highlands, and quick to set up at campsites.
Thanks to Rob & Alex for being so helpful during the whole process! Highly recommend :)
Thanks to Rob & Alex for being so helpful during the whole process! Highly recommend :)
We had a great time with our baby blue Mac! Easy to operate camper van, a good drive and lots of adventure. ????
We hired Ruby last week for a visit to the NW coast. Very confortable and drove beautifully. Super efficient pick up and hand over. Rob and his team are very friendly and go the extra mile.
Amazing company, holiday quite literally of a lifetime. They supported us with everything throughout the trip, gave us so much information ahead of heading out and the van is amazing!! Our van was perfect for 2 people. Thank you Rob and team for making this such a trip to remember, we are already planning another trip and will definitely be booking with Big Sky Campers!
Sorry for the late review life is just too busy ! We had the most idyllic weekend in March ... the perfect way to see some amazing places travelling around in the lovely Mac ... Scotland is just so so beautiful!! Big Sky Campers are so friendly and helpful , without a doubt we will definitely be recommending them to everyone!!!
We had Freya for 10 days. Did the NC500. Thanks Rob and George for the seamless collection and hand back of the vehicle. New van and a wonderful road trip was had. Dorian and Annemarie
5 star experience from start to finish. The team at Big Sky Campers was fantastic to deal with, great customer service and was on hand to quickly respond to any questions. The van was amazing, we had magnus and couldn't have asked for much more. The van was clean and stocked with everything we could have needed. Would recommend to anyone who is thinking of hiring a campervan in scotland. We did the NC500 in the camper and couldn't have been happier.
We had an amazing holiday thanks to big sky campers. We rented the van for 6 nights in march. This gave us plenty of time to explore the Isle of Skye and some of the Mainland. The communication between us and big sky campers was seamless. The pick-up and the drop-off was easy, fast and friendly. The Van itself was also amazing, the bed was comfy, the stove and fridge great. Everything you could need was already in the van.
Absolutely would rent there again! Warm recommendation for everyone who is looking for van for the holidays.
Absolutely would rent there again! Warm recommendation for everyone who is looking for van for the holidays.
Overall the van was super clean and really well maintained. Issue from our side was around paying for an additional driver to be included and highlighting that an international driving license would be used we had been informed by Big Sky campers that we need to confirm that its valid for the UK, which it is. When collecting it was not accepted and we asked for a refund for the additional driver as it was not required it was simply refused.
We had an incredible trip exploring the Scottish Highlands! The van had everything we needed, the staff were incredibly helpful, accommodating, and kind. Highly recommend!
Friendly service, they'll pick you up from Inverkeithing train station. New VW Transporters with everything you need, power hookup, hob, gas heating the works.
Great value(almost half price compared to big renting companies!), and they won't scam you out of your deposit!
Great value(almost half price compared to big renting companies!), and they won't scam you out of your deposit!
Great experience with Betty, it was really great. Thanks to Rob for his advice and kindness. We highly recommend big sky ;) see you soon.
Rob and his team were very patient and assuring with my many questions (being the over-thinker that I am) even before we collected the van. We had the pleasure to drive Bonnie, the beautiful and reliable campervan with HEATED seats! This was such a life saver in winter. Also, everything we needed was all in the cost - no hidden fees!
Despite my first time driving a van, it was super easy. Thank you again to George, who sent us from and to the station, saving us precious time and money. Definitely recommend Big Sky Campers!
Despite my first time driving a van, it was super easy. Thank you again to George, who sent us from and to the station, saving us precious time and money. Definitely recommend Big Sky Campers!
We had an amazing 6 nights exploring Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Skye, Ness, and the Cairngorms in late November. Big Sky Campers in the best in the business and I have nothing bad to say about them or the vans. They include everything without extra charge and are very personable and understanding for what’s needed for this type of adventure. They are super fair and honest with security deposit and don’t rip you off like some other larger companies may attempt to. Well worth the cost for the service and all that’s included. 10/10, will come back again!
We had an absolutely magical trip with Big Sky Campers in October. The van was cosy and comfortable (even with two kids who insisted on sharing the bed with me), it was a pleasure to drive and we had everything we needed – including hot water bottles for those chilly nights. The team at Big Sky Campers was amazing from the very start, giving us suggestions of great campsites and places to go, and put me at ease about driving a much bigger vehicle than I'm used to. One of those trips that we'll be talking about for a long time – thank you!
I recommend Big Sky Campers. Individual approach to the client. Helpful owner who patiently answers every question.
The cars are in very good condition.
The cars are in very good condition.
Cant recommend Big Sky Campers enough. Excellent customer service throughout. We hired Bonnie and she was a dream to drive and stay in. Will definitely be using them again for our next adventure. Thank you Rob & Alex.
Extraordinary experience lived aboard the Oona. The van was really comfortable, clean and very well equipped. We were able to discover the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. A very professional, accommodating and attentive team. We are already nostalgic. I highly recommend Big Sky Campers to discover the magnificent landscapes of Scotland ⭐️
We went on a great trip back in June, and everything was just great. Really professional communication and support from the team. But also a great car that was clean, well kitted, comfortable and just a blast to drive. I do really not have anything else to say! Highly recommend.
Fantastic weekend in Freja she had everything we needed for 2 adults and 2 fur baby's.The team at big sky campers were fantastic I can’t recommend this company highly enough if you are looking for all in with no hidden costs camper van hire give them a go
Just back from a week of the NC500. The van (Mac) was ace, everything we needed and more was included and it performed flawlessly. Unlimited mileage and dog friendliness made them an easy choice. The booking, collection and return process were a breeze, and Rob and George were both lovely guys and a pleasure to deal with. If you are thinking about a trip, then these are the guys to use.
We had Harry for our family holiday, he didn't disappoint.
Thoroughly enjoyed our time away. Thank you.
Thoroughly enjoyed our time away. Thank you.
OUTSTANDING!! - we hired a camper van from here, was incredibly easy process to collect, everything included, all needs catered for. The van was spotless, and drive was perfect. Very approachable staff, Rob and Alex there to help throughout our journey, collected and dropped us at the station. Very down to earth, and accommodating. If you are going to hire a camper van in the north of Scotland, this is the company you should use!!!
We had an absolutely lovely time spending 8 days exploring the Highlands in Brodie. The van was excellent, and Rob and George made the whole experience welcoming and easy. If only every vehicle renting experience was like this, the traveling world would be a much better place.
A huge thank you to Big Sky Campers for making the Scotland leg of our family UK & Europe trip so seamless. They communicated promptly and went out of their way to accommodate our needs at pick up and drop off. Our van Magnus was perfect, easy to operate and roomy enough for the 4 of us (2 adults, 2 teens). We loved our time in Scotland and the freedom that having a campervan gave us. We hope to come back one day!
Thanks to Big Sky Campers we were able to make our long-standing dream of travelling around Scotland come true in July 2023. It was a great adventure - Rob, Alex and George are simply the best team who care about their customers :) We received answers to all our questions and felt really 'looked after'. Campervan Magnus was our home on wheels for two weeks - perfectly equipped and comfortable for a family of 4. It met our expectations in every way:) We will definitely return to beautiful Scotland in the future (NC 500, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands...and many other magical places) and we will hire a campervan from Big Sky Campers! Best greetings from Poland to the Team and see you in the future :)
Very good rental experience with Big Sky Campers.
Quality vans, very good advice for the trip. Quick and efficient exchanges even during the rental and transfers from Inverkeithing or ferrytoll to go to the airport.
Thanks Rob and Alex!!
Quality vans, very good advice for the trip. Quick and efficient exchanges even during the rental and transfers from Inverkeithing or ferrytoll to go to the airport.
Thanks Rob and Alex!!
We had an amazing holiday in early July with 'Duncan' from Big Sky Campers. The van is really spacious with everything needed for a home away from home and my husband said it was great to drive!
Everyone at Big Sky Campers was really, really helpful, friendly and professional with excellent customer service and as a plus, their website gives you some great tips for places to visit and how to make the most of your holiday.
Highly recommended, I am already looking to book my next break with Big Sky Campers and if you are looking to book a campervan break, you will not be disappointed!
Everyone at Big Sky Campers was really, really helpful, friendly and professional with excellent customer service and as a plus, their website gives you some great tips for places to visit and how to make the most of your holiday.
Highly recommended, I am already looking to book my next break with Big Sky Campers and if you are looking to book a campervan break, you will not be disappointed!
Rob and his associates at Big Sky Campers are very kind and helpful.
They picked us up from the train station to the warehouse and vice versa when we returned the van.
Speaking of the van, it was delivered in excellent quality, with everything we needed, as promised.
It made our journey in the Higlands so pleasant.
Thank you so much for your excellent service. I definitely recommend Big Sky Campers for van rental.
They picked us up from the train station to the warehouse and vice versa when we returned the van.
Speaking of the van, it was delivered in excellent quality, with everything we needed, as promised.
It made our journey in the Higlands so pleasant.
Thank you so much for your excellent service. I definitely recommend Big Sky Campers for van rental.
Great service and friendly - we were cozy in Ruby fir our week away
Peterhead- Kinloss - Rothiemurchus,Braemar
Thank you
Peterhead- Kinloss - Rothiemurchus,Braemar
Thank you
We rented Flora for a week to do the NC500 as our honeymoon.
She was absolutely amazing and handled a few of the dodgy roads with absolute ease.
The van was in amazing condition, was comfortable and really was just great fun!
The team also were so helpful and nice to us when we picked the van, a pleasure to deal with.
An all round excellent experience!
She was absolutely amazing and handled a few of the dodgy roads with absolute ease.
The van was in amazing condition, was comfortable and really was just great fun!
The team also were so helpful and nice to us when we picked the van, a pleasure to deal with.
An all round excellent experience!
We booked Bonnie for a week and absolutely LOVED our time! We had 4 adults in one van and it worked out just fine if you are okay being a little close. We never had to book a campsite. We were able to wild-camp each night and finding water to refill was our only difficulty. Your camper van has everything you would need— there are chairs, tables, cooking ware, bedding, etc. The team was very accommodating, friendly, and helpful. They picked us up from the train station and dropped us off after we were done with our stay. It was a zero stress experience and would HIGHLY recommend Big Sky Campervans to other travelers! You will have a blast!
Absolutely recommended. We had a great experience with our van from Big Sky. The van drove wonderfully. The amenities of the van were great, including the expandable roof. The beds were very comfortable. The van was also very well insulated so it stayed a comfortable temperature all night. I would absolutely recommend Big Sky Campers, and I would not hesitate to hire their van again.
Had the best trip away with Big Sky Campers. From initial enquiry to drop off Rob and the team were responsive, reasonable, and a good laugh. We were picked up and dropped off to the station with no bother, which was ideal. Brodie was the ideal vehicle who handled all roads and weather's. The fact that everything is included is a real bonus. Already highly recommended to everyone, and hope to book again very soon.
Big Sky Campers was the perfect place to hire from, we hired flora and she was amazing. Clean, in very good condition and came with pretty much everything we needed. She was the perfect companion as we travelled through the North Coast of Scotland. I will 100% be using them and would recommend to anyone.
We had a lovely 2 week trip around the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye in Harry! He is fully equipped and has unlimited mileage which for us was a must! Driving on the left was an adjustment at first but overall Harry was easy to adjust to and not too big which was perfect for the single track roads up north. Rob was very quick to reply and came to pick us up at the nearby train station which is an added bonus! Would book again without hesitation.
We had a wonderfull trip with Betty around Scottland and luckily had almost no rain :-).
Pick-up, hand-over and return of the hire was well arranged and super professional. Thanks to Rob and the team, we always felt in good hands!
Best, Martin and familiy
Pick-up, hand-over and return of the hire was well arranged and super professional. Thanks to Rob and the team, we always felt in good hands!
Best, Martin and familiy
We rented Mac, the Jeep Wrangler with rooftop tent for the week and had an amazing roadtrip with it. The car was very well equipped with everything you need and communications with Big Sky campers went really well. Would highly recommend!
Flora was the best campervan we could have asked for! Extra cozy and worked perfectly. Owners are wonderful people too.
Me and my girlfriend had an excellent one week long trip with Wallace - the Landrover Defender. Booking the Landy on the website was very easy and handy. The pickup of the car and service as well as explanation provided by Rob and Alexa was perfect. The car itself is magnificent - very clever design, kitted with everything you need and for me as a Defender enthusiast one of the big highlights on my Scotland trip itself. ;)
I can only recommend booking Wallace or one of the other camper vans with Big Sky Campers to explore Scotland! I especially liked the personal and individual style of the cars and service compared to the other car rentals!
I can only recommend booking Wallace or one of the other camper vans with Big Sky Campers to explore Scotland! I especially liked the personal and individual style of the cars and service compared to the other car rentals!
We rented the VW California with integrated kitchen and bed. The car was as new, very roomy and comfortable.
Rob is very helpful and you notice right away that he loves what he is doing :)
Can only recommend - 5 stars :)
Rob is very helpful and you notice right away that he loves what he is doing :)
Can only recommend - 5 stars :)
Rob was very kind and helpful. Picked us up from the train station and delivered back after the trip.
Car was perfect and we enjoyed it. VW T2 gave us retro celebrity feeling 😀
Car was perfect and we enjoyed it. VW T2 gave us retro celebrity feeling 😀
We just got back from a 7 night trip driving Rowan around the NC500. We had the best time - we were travelling with our 2 year old daughter and Rob and Alex made it so easy for us, providing everything we could need for a comfortable stay. It was our first time driving and staying in a campervan and the whole process was so straightforward - Rob made sure we knew how everything worked before we drove off. I highly recommend Big Sky Campers for campervan rental!
My family rented Flora for me post-covid for the weekend as a multiple-missed-birthdays treat! She was an absolute pleasure to drive and has been maintained beautifully. We travelled to Mull and Iona and got lots of waves and smiles as we drove by, she certainly brought the sunshine when it was raining. Such an amazing experience, I've always wanted to drive and original VW T2 ???? BSC were super knowledgeable and helpful, so easy to communicate with and gave us lots of tips. Would definitely recommend Flora if you want a classic roadtrip experience!
I recently hired VW Brodie for a 2 week trip around the NC500, Lewis & Harris and Skye and cannot fault the service received and Brodie himself! The van was the perfect way to drive around those twisty Highlands roads, the bed was comfy and everything you need was there for you. I can’t thank Rob enough for the friendly service and fantastic van!
I did a LOT of research when looking to hire a campervan to do the NC500. I’m so glad I went with Big Sky Campers! They were very transparent about costs, were flexible and clearly take huge pride and care with their fleet. Rob made us feel that the van was there to be enjoyed. We had Rowan and she was clean, comfortable and had everything we needed. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Blue Sky Camiers and I’ll definitely go back to them when planning our next adventure!
I had the most fantastic long weekend driving Dougal, the vintage VW around the beautiful roads of the Highlands. He is a true dream to drive and super spacious for two people!
I can’t thank Big Sky Campers enough for making the whole experience so wonderful. They did a fantastic job in helping us plan our route and we got to see so many incredible sights as a result.
Alex and Rob were extremely accommodating, they answered any questions we had and gave us a thorough tour of the van before setting off. They were also super reassuring as I hadn’t driven a vintage van before and this extra level of care made the journey that much more rewarding ????
Thank you both for such an incredible experience, I will be recommending you to all of my family & friends!!
I can’t thank Big Sky Campers enough for making the whole experience so wonderful. They did a fantastic job in helping us plan our route and we got to see so many incredible sights as a result.
Alex and Rob were extremely accommodating, they answered any questions we had and gave us a thorough tour of the van before setting off. They were also super reassuring as I hadn’t driven a vintage van before and this extra level of care made the journey that much more rewarding ????
Thank you both for such an incredible experience, I will be recommending you to all of my family & friends!!
Had a wonderful trip with Dougal over a long weekend - the van was everything we needed! Really comfortable and cozy. We weren’t completely set on a route but the Big Sky team helped us out with some suggestions of destinations, scenic roads, camper van parks and places to eat and drink. The van was easy to drive and if a hiccup ever came up Rob was always on call. Looking forward to another Big Sky adventure soon!
Had an absolutely amazing 2 week escape with my partner in Duncan. Could not recommend Big Sky enough. Rob & Alex are incredibly friendly and responded to any questions we had over our trip. Definitely the best way to explore Scotland.
We had a lovely 4 night stay in Magnus. Very easy to book, the van comes with everything you need and it’s an easy train ride from Edinburgh to pick up the van with the owners coming to meet you at the station! Have recommended to all our friends and we would definitely book again to see more of picturesque Scotland. Thanks Rob and Alex :)
Brilliant company and lovely people. The van was top and Rob and Alex couldn't have been more helpful. Plus they have dog friendly vans so you don't have to leave the pup at home! Will definitely use again!
Absolutely amazing service from Rob..Camper-van was immaculate and booking process was so easy. The van itself was amazing, easy to drive and soooo comfortable - what a weekend we had with Ruby (van) climbing Ben Nevis. No hesitation in recommending this company. I will absolutely be booking again and again and again! Rob - thank you, fantastic service! Can’t thank you enough!
We have just given back ‘Harry’ who we hired from Rob at Big Sky Campers. We have had a lovely holiday and couldn’t recommend a camper van holiday enough…if you’re looking for campervan hire in Scotland, then Rob is your guy. He was accommodating and friendly from start to finish throughout the whole experience which really made a difference. The campers come equipped with everything you would need which means you can just rock up with your personal belongings and head off without having to worry. Another thing we agreed was lovely was the lack of branding on the campers, travelling around we saw some with lots of massive garish logos all over them, we loved that the camper didn’t bring attention to himself and as novice campers, made us feel more at ease and inconspicuous in situations which were new for us. All in all I would recommend them to anyone and Robs service and kindness certainly makes the business extra special.
Everything was included, no hidden extra costs. Genuine, helpful people who are at the end of a phone if you have any questions about the van whilst you're away. Quick replies to emails. Van was lovely and surpassed my expectations.
My friend and I recently returned from a fantastic roadtrip to Skye, and we hired "Magnus" from Big Sky Campers for the 4 days.
Right from the start we could not fault the service in any way, from the initial communications sent, the subsequent follow up's, through to the pick up (having never driven a campervan - Rob explained / demonstrated very thoroughly how everything worked), and finally the hand back....there was not a single hitch along the way.
Magnus was brand new and a dream to drive - totally immaculate throughout and very comfortable to sleep in.
Rob and Alex could not have been more helpful and just generally absolutely lovely people - and I really appreciated that they have a secure facility to keep your own car in while you are away.
I wouldn't think twice about recommending Big Sky Campers to anyone thinking about a roadtrip, we'll definitely be back and already planning our next trip away.
Right from the start we could not fault the service in any way, from the initial communications sent, the subsequent follow up's, through to the pick up (having never driven a campervan - Rob explained / demonstrated very thoroughly how everything worked), and finally the hand back....there was not a single hitch along the way.
Magnus was brand new and a dream to drive - totally immaculate throughout and very comfortable to sleep in.
Rob and Alex could not have been more helpful and just generally absolutely lovely people - and I really appreciated that they have a secure facility to keep your own car in while you are away.
I wouldn't think twice about recommending Big Sky Campers to anyone thinking about a roadtrip, we'll definitely be back and already planning our next trip away.
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