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"Hold Fast Macleod"
Macleod Heilan Tours was formed on St Andrews Day, 2022. Based just outside Glasgow in the small town of Troon, it provides private tours around Scotland, to groups of up to 8 passengers. In particular, we specialise in providing set and custom tours to the Isle of Skye
The company was founded by John Sheedy, who was born and raised on the island of Skye. It was important to him to use the Macleod name as it is the Clan his Mother was born into. Also, the Macleod seat of power is Dunvegan Castle, which is located in the North West of the island and is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland for over 800 years.
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With all its natural beauty and rich history, John has always had a passion for talking about Scotland and his home island.
So, in 2021 when John had the opportunity to change profession he decided to turn his passion into a career and become a tour guide.
John has previously worked for a larger company, routinely touring the Isle of Skye and mainland Scotland with groups of 16 passengers. However, John had always envisaged that offering tours with smaller groups would give visitors the best experience possible on the Isle of Skye, and Scotland as a whole. Using spacious min-vans, which are not only luxurious and comfortable, but also give us the ability to reach the incredible rural parts of Skye and Scotland that larger vehicles just can't.
Furthermore, John & his team would be able to take more time to get to know their passengers and tailor the tour to suit the interests of the group.
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It was from this vision that Macleod Heilan Tours was established.
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Owner & Founder
John the 'Sgiathanach'
Born on the Isle of Skye in the small fishing village of Kyleakin - the gateway to the island. John speaks fondly of his memories of the Skye and the CalMac ferries that serviced the island before it was connected to the mainland by the, now famous, Skye Bridge. His family served on the ferries which has given him some great memories of an era preserved in time.
He left the island in 2005 to pursue his own nautical experience, but instead chose to go under the sea rather than sail the seas. He joined the Submarine service, serving in the Royal Navy for 14 years. He routinely trained in the waters around the Isle of Skye, seeing his village from periscope depth on numerous occasions.
John then went in pursuit of a new challenge, although still out of the ordinary 9-5, he tried his hand at offshore oil and gas in the North Sea for 3 years before realising his real passion was exploring his country & sharing that with guests from all around the World.
One of his favourite activities is hiking and when it comes to hiking what better place to live than Scotland, where it is famous for its Munro mountains (Mountains above 3000ft.) He is a "Munro Bagger" and is working his way to becoming a "completist" and climb all 282 Munro Mountains.
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