Rowan Tree Ltd - About Us

About Us

We are a new company, set up during the summer of 2000. Our three Directors all know and love the Highlands and have strong backgrounds in the area's heritage, culture, environment and tourism.

Establishing the company has been a shared ambition for more years than we will admit to. Our aim is to show you the best of what our area can offer - the places, activities and stories which visitors usually miss when they come here.

Book with us and you'll enjoy expertly-led holidays and short breaks, accompanied by local experts who know their subject and are committed to sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with you in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Our holidays are not study tours - but you'll learn a lot without even trying!

Helen Stewart Smith
Helen lives in Inverness where she spent her childhood before studying at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. After graduating in 1986 with an honours degree in Languages and Marketing, she went on to study Accounting. A career in tourism and economic development in the Highlands followed, and from 1996 to 2000 she was Manager of the Highland Council's Marketing, Media and Tourism Unit where she managed the Council's tourism development activities as well as the promotion of the area to the film and television industry. Helen's interests include family tree research (strong Sutherland connections - links to the Stewarts of Appin still being researched!); Highland history, the Highland Clearances; Highland archaeology; gardens and gardening (particularly organic gardening); birds; and conservation issues.

Dorothy Low
Dorothy graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1988 with an honours degree in Archaeology focusing upon Scotland, and primarily the Highlands. Since 1991 Dorothy has worked as an archaeologist for the Highland Council, based in Inverness although covering the whole of the Highland area. Prior to that Dorothy worked in a number of posts as a Field Surveyor, Field Walker, Research Assistant, and Archaeological Illustrator. In addition to this Dorothy has extensive experience of adult education, as she has worked with Aberdeen University's Continuing Education Department over the last five years, teaching on their Certificated Archaeology courses, as well as carrying out lecturing for the University's winter programme throughout the Highlands.

Marion Stewart Reid
Helen's sister and Honours History graduate of Edinburgh University. Marion started her career with the Register of Sasines in Edinburgh and has an in-depth knowledge of old Scottish manuscripts and property records. Always fascinated by textiles and design, she has researched traditional knitting, embroidery and weaving techniques and adapts them to make beautiful textiles for wear and use in the house. She is the enthusiastic hosts of a weekly knitting, sewing and wine circle! Now living in Edinburgh, she retains close family links with the Highlands.

In addition to our Directors, we work with a number of local experts who assist with the development and leading of our holidays.