About Us
How Thistle Tours began..
Thistle Tours was first thought of by Graeme and Larisa MacDonald in February/March 2007, who now
own and run this company, which is located in Beauly, approximately 12 miles away from Inverness -
the capital and the Heart of the Highlands.
Thistle Tours have a good bond of experience in Tourism and the geographical & the historical know-
ledge of Scotland. Our experience and education in the travel industry and also good knowledge of
foreign languages enabling us to provide a service at a professional level.
Larisa has seven years experience, working as Guide/Translator/Interpreter in the Travel and Tourism
Industry. The most experience was gained in her homeland, the Siberian part of Russia, arranging
overseas holidays, guiding groups and translating & interpretation in Russian/English/Korean. She has
a Certificate in The Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management by University of Culture in Russia and also
Larisa continues to study her London Home Learning College course in Travel & Tourism. During her
four years in Seoul, South Korea, Larisa studied and received her Diploma of Korean Language at the
Seoul Yonsei University, and she worked as part of a team for the Korean Broadcasting Company
(KBS TV), giving daily tuition on their TV programme, promoting local tourism.
Graeme, born and bred in Beauly in the Highlands has a large geographical and historical knowledge
of Scotland and the Highlands & Islands, he has been and still is involved in many outdoor activities
such as hill-walking, mounting biking and canoeing. Graeme often took part in many charity events,
especially The Highland Cross that runs from Morvich in the West, running through Glen Affric then
onto Beauly, he has done many walks, including Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor and The Munros of Glencoe.
During his three years in Ireland, Graeme had done many walks throughout the country. Since leaving
school he has travelled throughout Scotland and the Highlands, learning about the geography and
history of his homeland, meeting many interesting people on his travels.
Thistle Tours are members of The Classic Malts and The ITT (The Institute of Travel & Tourism).
At last, as owners of Thistle Tours, we would like to show the people Scotland's unique history and
traditions as Thistle Tours was set up because of our love and passion for travel and travelling around
the world, then this gave us an idea to show the world Scotland, and share our passion with others.
own and run this company, which is located in Beauly, approximately 12 miles away from Inverness -
the capital and the Heart of the Highlands.
Thistle Tours have a good bond of experience in Tourism and the geographical & the historical know-
ledge of Scotland. Our experience and education in the travel industry and also good knowledge of
foreign languages enabling us to provide a service at a professional level.
Larisa has seven years experience, working as Guide/Translator/Interpreter in the Travel and Tourism
Industry. The most experience was gained in her homeland, the Siberian part of Russia, arranging
overseas holidays, guiding groups and translating & interpretation in Russian/English/Korean. She has
a Certificate in The Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management by University of Culture in Russia and also
Larisa continues to study her London Home Learning College course in Travel & Tourism. During her
four years in Seoul, South Korea, Larisa studied and received her Diploma of Korean Language at the
Seoul Yonsei University, and she worked as part of a team for the Korean Broadcasting Company
(KBS TV), giving daily tuition on their TV programme, promoting local tourism.
Graeme, born and bred in Beauly in the Highlands has a large geographical and historical knowledge
of Scotland and the Highlands & Islands, he has been and still is involved in many outdoor activities
such as hill-walking, mounting biking and canoeing. Graeme often took part in many charity events,
especially The Highland Cross that runs from Morvich in the West, running through Glen Affric then
onto Beauly, he has done many walks, including Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor and The Munros of Glencoe.
During his three years in Ireland, Graeme had done many walks throughout the country. Since leaving
school he has travelled throughout Scotland and the Highlands, learning about the geography and
history of his homeland, meeting many interesting people on his travels.
Thistle Tours are members of The Classic Malts and The ITT (The Institute of Travel & Tourism).
At last, as owners of Thistle Tours, we would like to show the people Scotland's unique history and
traditions as Thistle Tours was set up because of our love and passion for travel and travelling around
the world, then this gave us an idea to show the world Scotland, and share our passion with others.
