Current Tours

*NOW BOOKABLE FOR PARTIES OF 8 - 20*

Irvine Harbourside, North Ayrshire.

The Maritime History Tour explores the fascinating seafaring history of Scotland's West Coast which   includes meeting a historical character;  This may be Captain Betsy Miller; the first known registered female sea captain.  Glen the Carter, or Aggie MacIntosh resident of Irvine's

Harbourside from 1903.

This walking tour begins at the Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine Harbourside. It includes significant vessels in the Scottish Maritime's collection, a look at the trading history of Scotland's West Coast and a rum tasting at the Captain's table.  

Vittles and delicious IslandSlice rum will be sampled.

(over 18's only)

Dumbarton, by Dalreoch Station.

The IslandSlice Distillery near Loch Lomond, takes 300 years of rum history and brings the sunshine to Dumbarton,  Experience the Caribbean vibe on your visit and hear first hand about the history of Island Slice brand, Sylvester and his story, his sensational rum, and of course get to sample the delights of IslandSlice.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss a private tour.  Use the contact form or  call 07707 873210 for further information. 

Join Judith and Sal for a raucous, bawdy experience as you sip your way through the history of the juniper berry with our ultimate gin experience,  - a ‘sin’ and tonic  evening in a backroom bar.

Madame Judith Defaux, reputable server of a 

'drop of the ‘ard stuff’, and her sometimes able assistant Mistress Sally Swally (Sal) provide spiritous entertainment as they take you back in time to the drudgery and squalor of Victorian backstreets for a look at the rise and fall of gin.

The finest Ayrshire produced gins will be sampled.

*Now bookable for Parties of 8 or more*

The next Mother's Ruin event is on 

Friday 14 February 2025

7.30pm - 9.30pm

In the back room at The Kings Arms Pub in West Kilbride, North Ayrshire.

More info and tickets

West Kilbride, North Ayrshire.

Discover the ancient history of Hunterston Castle and Clan Hunter. This well kept Pele Tower was once used for residence and to safeguard against attack from the Norsemen approaching from the sea. It is in exceptionally good condition, it gives a glimpse of the lives of the past Lairds and their clans, and has original features including timbers from around 1200’s.

Tours are by booking only through the ClanHunter Scotland website from March to end September.

Please use the contact form or  call 07707 873210 for further information. 

West Kilbride, North Ayrshire

Offering fantastic views from the vantage point on top of the hill, The West Kilbride Cemetery walk and talk, looks at the memorials of some significant people from West Kilbride's 

distant past focussing on the Simson memorial and the Hunter family.

This tour can be booked for private groups and visitors to West Kilbride.

Call Janet 07707 873 210 or use the contact form to arrange your walking tour.

Newmmilns, East Ayrshire.

Be transported back to Victorian Newmilns at the height of the textile industry.

 The mIllers & Merchants 2 stop Tour begins at the MYB lace mill in Newmilns; makers of lace of over 100 hundred years.  Then follows lunch at the Lamlash House, an opulent beautifully restored Victorian building originally belonging to banking merchant Robert Carmichael Mitchell. You will be served by Annie Currie, the maid servant in the house in 1901. 

Contact us to book in your group. A minimum of 8 required.

call 07707 873210 for further information.

*This tour can be booked for groups of 8 or more*

Garnock Valley, North Ayrshire. 

This tour explores  the growth of a town built on the heritage of  'a very useful plant.'

Looking back at the linen production in Kilbirnie through the story of the Knox family,

this 2 stage, self-drive tour begins at Lime Tree Larder at Auchencloigh Farm. 

Auchencloigh Farm, Largs Road, Kilbirnie, 

KA25 7LJ.

Learn of the linen production in the Valley and the family who built the mills.  Hear about the changes in Ayrshire Farming, sample the quality produce at Lime Tree Larder and take in the spectacular views. 

The second stop is Dalgarven Mill, Museum of Country Life & Costume for a light lunch .  You will learn of the links to linen making process of the past and have the opportunity to view the Museum's collection.

A must visit for those interested in farming history and sustainable textile production.

Next Linen Legacy Tour date coming soon.

contact Janet to new put on the waiting list.

New date coming soon.

A fascinating insight into the buildings and characters behind the Village of West Kilbride.

This walking tour of West Kilbride runs on Wednesdays from 10am beginning outside the library in West Kilbride.

It includes the 

Overton Church now home to Timberbooks,

Thistle House, Alton Street Stables,

 West Kilbride Institute.  

Boyd Orr Community Gardens, 

The Barony Craft and Design Centre.

The tour includes refreshment; tea/coffee and a biscuit or cake in the Barony cafe.

Price is £16 per adult

Tour length 1 hour 30 mins.

This tour must be booked in advance and requires a minimum number to run.

Contact for details

07707 873 210

info@tastinghistoryscotland.com

North Ayrshire.

Do you prefer your tatties as crisps, chips or dauphinoise?

Guaranteed to get your taste buds tingling,

the G&T presentation explores Ayrshire's production of 2 food and drink staples.  Gin and Tatties.  Ayrshire is renowned for having the perfect growing conditions for potatoes. and is  also is the home of exceptional gin producers receiving multi award winning medals for the popular libation. 

Originally a virtual presentation during lock down,  we are delighted to present it live in 2024 in 

West Kilbride.

This tour can be arranged for small groups of 4 - 12 people.  Contact Janet to organise your group G&T tour.

 or call 07707 873210 for further information.