About Elite Guides
Elite Guides is based in Fort William on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, right at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. Elite Guides specialise in tailor-made courses and guiding for individuals or small groups across the Highlands of Scotland.
"The most personal guiding experience in Scotland"
So, why Elite Guides? We aren't claiming to be the best. What is best for one person isn't going to be the same for another, and that 'one-size' fits all approach is not what we are about. 'Elite' because we believe in quality and an individualised approach to every one of our customers, we want to do the best by our customers, as individuals.
Elite Guides believes in high-quality mountain adventures, whether it be guided or instructional, in some of the most inspirational venues in the UK. We have a strong belief in a customer-focused approach to the adventures that we sell, where the care and focus of the day should be more than just about the objective.
Elite Guides is a small business with a small team of dedicated freelance staff. Any Guides or Instructors we use will always be qualified and insured for the work they are undertaking and will be known to Scott personally. Elite Guides believes in mentoring and development, so from time to time we may use Trainees as we help them with gaining 'hands-on' experience of the work. If this is the case, you will be notified of their status.
Elite Guides is dedicated to working with the local community of Lochaber to preserve and improve the local environment and area for locals and visitors alike. We have previously supported the Local Climbing Wall to help with set-up costs, the Local Trail Association with both time and money, the Lochaber Wheeled Sports Society and the Nevis Landscape Partnership. We will continue to offer our support in any way we can.
Who is Elite Guides
The Director of Elite Guides is Scott Kirkhope. Scott has been involved in the outdoor sector for 20 years. He started in outdoor education, working with young people at a number of Outdoor Centres. Once Scott had gained enough experience and qualifications, he headed out on his own, firstly freelancing for a number of guiding companies before setting up Kirkhope Mountaineering in 2016. Kirkhope Mountaineering grew, year on year, and now, as Elite Guides, employs a number of Guides and Instructors to work on a Freelance basis throughout the year.
Scott currently holds the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (WMCI) and has climbed all over Britain and the Alps, and is a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors, of which he is the current Development Officer for the Association. View his Mountain Training profile here. He also holds the
Mountain Bike Leader
and is an active Mountain biker and coach.
