Why is Westie Whisky more expensive than Rabbie's, Scottish Routes, etc?
The big tour operators sell seats/places on pre-determined trips. It’s a different product. Those trips are built around a fixed, established itinerary, at a fixed cost per head, with groups in larger minibuses. Thay are excellent trips if you are happy to follow the fixed itinerary and to share your tour with others. Where Westie Whisky differs is a focus on entirely bespoke touring. YOU choose the distilleries you want to visit. YOU choose where to be picked up and dropped off. YOU have a private vehicle, driver and guide at your beck and call for the entire trip. From waking up until bedtime, you have a fully personal service, finishing in the evening when Tim will organise dinner reservations for you, drive you to them and return you to your accommodation afterwards. Every single element of the trip is custom designed for you. Tim’s daily rates are fixed, so if only a small group of 1 to 3 travel, although still an exceptional product, the divided cost will be more expensive than travelling with an established tour operator. Once four are travelling, the costs align more broadly, and the bespoke nature of a Westie Whisky tour prices more closely with the fixed itinerary providers, while offering a much fuller, more personal experience.
Can I combine trips to different distilleries all over Scotland?
Absolutely! Tim’s passion for whisky has taken him all over Scotland, and he is happy to take groups anywhere they want to go. Although his particular niche is west coast whisky, trips to Lowland, Speyside and Highland distilleries are perfectly manageable.
Why are there not many Google and TripAdvisor reviews for Westie Whisky?
Although Tim established WWT in 2024, his first whisky tours took place in 2026. The nature of running small, bespoke tours, mean that there are a limited number of trips made during the year, as opposed to the multiple departures made by the bigger operators. But – although small in number, the solely 5* reviews are rave, and guaranteed genuine.
Will Lottie the West Highland Terrier be travelling with us?
Very sadly, Lottie is no longer with us, having crossed the Rainbow Bridge in September 2024. But she lives on in our hearts, travel memories, and, of course, the Westie Whisky logo. However, Tim does know where to find Westies on our trips, so don’t worry: despite Lottie’s sad absence, the Westies remain a vital presence on our tours.
Will there be the opportunity to do things other than visit distilleries?
Oh yes! Tim knows Scotland deeply, so scenic highlights, ancient monuments, prehistoric/neolithic sites, walking/hiking, birdwatching, boat trips, Highland Coo spotting and food/drink recommendations all form a part of a Westie Whisky package.
How many distillery tours can be organised per day?
In terms of actual experiences, it is very rare that more than two can be incorporated into one day – one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. But no-tour visits to other distilleries can be slotted in, notably on Islay where so many distilleries are close to one another.
Can whisky tours be organised year round?
Yes, outside of obvious closure times such as Christmas and New Year.
What vehicle do Westie Whisky use, and is there an optimum number of travellers/passengers?
Westie Whisky Tours drive a brand new Ford Tourneo Custom 9-seater MPV/minibus. Minus the driver, this leaves 8 seats. Between 2 and 5 guests allows considerable comfort over longer distances, with good space for baggage too. 6 to 8 is perfectly do-able, but seating/elbow room is a little cramped.
What is the most popular destination for Westie Whisky Tours?
Every tour in 2026 has gone to Islay. Almost every tour has gone to Arran and Campbeltown. Our 4 to 5 night tour to these three destinations is our most popular tour.
How early or late should I book a Westie Whisky Tour?
It’s never too early to book your calendar spot. Prior to the year of travel, prices are estimated, due to ferry and distillery tour pricing not being released. But WWT bookings are open from any time. In the shoulder seasons, tours can be booked quite late, assuming WWT has availability, but even at these times, ferries and distillery spaces can be hard to get. Planning ahead is definitely the best policy.
When is the best time to visit the West Coast of Scotland distilleries?
The shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn are particularly good times to visit – ferries, hotels and distillery tours are less heavily booked, there are no midges, and the weather can be lovely. However, distilleries do operate shorter opening hours and fewer tours between October and March, so check carefully with Tim to ensure that you are able to achieve what you want to achieve. May to September offers the most reliable weather and optimum distillery experience opportunities. Avoiding the big Festivals (see below) is wise, due to difficulty with ferries, accommodation and non-availibility of distillery tours.
When are the big West Coast Whisky Festivals in 2027?
Campbeltown Malts Festival runs from Monday 24 to Saturday 29 May. Feis Ile (the Islay festival) runs from Saturday 29 May to Sunday 6 June. The West Highland Whisky Festival runs from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 June (Nc’Nean, Ardnamurchan, Tobermory and Oban). All festival travel needs to be booked more than 12 months ahead. That said, we do have accommodation for up to 6 reserved for Campbeltown Malts 2027, and Islay self-catering may be feasible. Contact Tim ASAP if interested.
Does Westie Whisky organise day trips from Glasgow or Edinburgh?
Although WWT are aimed more at multi-day itineraries, subject to available dates, it is indeed possible to arrange a single day excursion to as many as 3 or 4 Highland distilleries, while taking in some fabulous scenery.
