A Gold Tinted, Five Star Year

Here's our latest news and it couldn't be a better way to end 2016. A huge thanks to all who have visited us over the 12 months, we can't wait to see you again.

Edinburgh’s multi award winning tour company, Mercat Tours, has once again achieved Five Stars and a Gold award. Earlier this year the family business was awarded an exceptional 92% grading from VisitScotland for its ninth year as a Five Star experience. The first class grading recognises Mercat Tours' commitment to a warm welcome and giving Scotland's history a 'damn good telling'. This was followed by a Gold Grading from Green Business Tourism Scheme, awarded annually since 2012, for exemplifying the highest standards of sustainability in the tourism industry.                

Based in the capital's Old Town, Mercat Tours is Edinburgh’s original walking tour company having surpassed a 30 year milestone last year. Founded by local history teacher Des Brogan, he wanted to share his love for the city's past - an ethos the company continues to put at the heart of all their tours. Today, the family business operates daily history and ghost tours working with the city's premium attractions to offer the largest variety, and number, of walking tours in Edinburgh.

This year, Mercat Tours launched 'Royal Edinburgh Experience', a brand new history tour introducing visitors to Edinburgh’s picturesque Canongate and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In addition,  to support of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design Mercat  Tours offered ‘Sketching by the Mile’, an interactive experience in partnership with Edinburgh Sketcher.

Managing Director Kat Brogan said of the awards , “We’re always looking for ways to improve what we do for the visitor, across the whole Mercat Tours experience. From first welcome to final farewell, we have a first class team making sure that we are the best we possibly can be.  Our five star award recognises all their passion and hard work in looking after our visitors and our gold grading reinforces our commitment to responsible, sustainable practise.”

Manuela Calchini, VisitScotland Regional Director said: “Congratulations to Mercat Tours for retaining their five stars Quality Assurance award which is a reflection of their exceptional service and innovative approach, seen by their support for the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. Our Quality Assurance scheme is world-leading and provides a trusted, independent and impartial source of information for visitors and this award recognises the high standards set by management and staff."