about

Tour Organiser and Guide/ Driver - Iain Stewart

I started Serenity Scotland in 2003 to create great experiences through the admixture of nature and culture. Based in Edinburgh I enjoy expanding my knowledge and experience of the culture, history and folklore of Scotland's great capital.

I grew up in Perthshire and in Auchtermuchty, Fife and studied at the University of Dundee before heading to the States, gaining a Degree in History from the University of California at Berkeley. In 2007 I completed a Masters Degree (with Distinction) in Ethnology and Scottish Folklore at the Elphinstone Institute, a part of the University of Aberdeen.

Between times I have experienced life and work in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. Spending eight years working with young people for charitable organisations both at home and abroad, I also trained professionally in counselling and massage. In 1998 I co-developed Wester Caputh Hostel which, under new owners, still hosts great cultural events for organisations such as the international singing workshops of Turtle Dove Harmony.

Serenity Scotland received national TV coverage on the BBC1 Holiday Programme. As a guide I have worked on a number of occasions with companies such as Pixar and Pernod Ricard, with English language learner groups, and with educational establishments: over three years on a regular basis with Franklin College in Switzerland. I was Pixar's guide in Scotland over two years in their research for the movie, The Bear and the Bow, recently renamed Brave, which is due to be released in 2012. I continue to work with families and individuals, many of whom I have toured with more than once, in Scotland, Ireland and England. I am a guest lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and am currently developing an distance-learning module for the university in Scottish Folklore (aimed at second year undergraduates witihin the university, other students and interested parties).

My interests and hobbies include playing the fiddle (wanting to throw the fiddle out of the window), playing the guitar and singing, running, cooking curries, travelling, reading and theatre. I am currently trying to learn Dutch.

Storyteller and Guide - James Spence James is an enthralling storyteller, is also available for walking tours of Edinburgh. Though born in Edinburgh James grew up in Jedburgh [or Jethart as the locals refer to it] in the Scottish Borders. He would listen enthralled at the family meal table to his father telling stories of local worthies. As well as being hugely influenced by his father James was a student and great friend of the traveller storyteller Stanley Robertson, gathering many of his stories and wisdom in the process. James can be contacted directly at: James Spence, or booked as a part of a: Serenity Scotland Tour. Watch a video sample of James' storytelling.

Andy Hunter, Storyteller and Private Tour Guide

Storyteller and Guide/ Driver - Andy Hunter Andy grew up in Herefordshire, close to the Welsh border. He has lived in Scotland since 1978, and has been a storyteller since 1992. He is a member of the Scottish Storytelling Network. Andy's mother kindled his interest in stories attached to places, whilst he learnt from his father, who was something of a raconteur, more about the telling. It is through his passion for stories that Andy began to fill out his knowledge of history. Expect a storyteller's view of history - not an academic one. It is oft said, 'Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story!' Andy is an experienced tour leader, more usually of cycle tours, but also of walking and driving tours. He happily combines his loves of storytelling and of touring to add interest to the surroundings.

Guide/ Driver - Ewen Sutherland Ewen's background includes farming in Perthshire, singing (and playing the guitar very well) and some storytelling. Ewen and Iain used to perform together in the Perthshire-based Gallivanters Ceilidh Band. Ewen has a great repertoire and is available for multi-day tours between ceilidhs (gatherings) with the Gallivanters and other musical work.

Guide/ Driver - Allan Stewart, who is based at Pitlochry in HIghland Perthshire is a paramedic and has a background in geography, geology and world studies. Allan is a very experienced world traveller who worked for nine months with the Charles Darwin Institute in the Galapagos Islands. Allan leads tours for Serenity Scotland whenever he can.

Serenity Scotland is working towards becoming a carbon neutral business The first principle is to minimise the use of transport, paper and electricity. The internet is used wherever possible. We do not print brochures. Almost all paper used since 2003 has been reused and then recycled.