Scotland Whisky & Culinary Travel Specialist

I’m Joshua Bussell, founder of Hearth & Compass and a certified Scotch Whisky specialist through the Edinburgh Whisky Academy. I design culinary-first travel experiences — especially Scotland whisky and food journeys — for travelers who want expert curation, cultural depth, and itineraries paced for enjoyment, not exhaustion.

Specialties

• Scotland whisky & food travel (Highlands, Isle of Skye, Isle of Raasay, and Edinburgh)
• Culinary-led itineraries where meals are the main event, not an afterthought
• Rest-forward journeys with thoughtful structure and built-in flexibility

Why Clients Trust Me

Before launching Hearth & Compass in 2025, I spent five years in operations leadership at Amazon and seven years in project management, where I designed onboarding experiences for more than 13,000 people annually and optimized complex programs across teams. I also spent seven years as an educator.

That background means I don’t just design beautiful trips — I design experiences that work smoothly for real people, in the real world.

I’ve personally planned and executed a 12-adult, multi-generational Scotland journey spanning Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Pitlochry, and Stirling — with zero drama and unforgettable experiences. I’ve also planned family trips to Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, LEGOLAND Florida, Las Vegas, anniversary getaways (including a London food tour and a Scottish sleeper train to Edinburgh), and curated weekend escapes throughout the U.S.

In April 2026, I’ll be attending the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival to deepen my regional expertise and strengthen relationships with the distilleries I recommend to clients.

Why I Do This

Travel planning can be overwhelming — especially for busy families or neurodivergent travelers. As a parent of four and someone who understands how overwhelming planning can be, I design trips that reduce decision fatigue and create space to actually enjoy the experience.

That’s why my work centers on reducing friction. I handle the research, logistics, and contingency planning so you can arrive calm, confident, and ready to enjoy the experience — not manage it.

I’m a foodie at heart. When I plan a trip, I start with one simple question: Where are we eating? Everything else is built around those meals. In Scotland, it was the whisky — trying something new at every stop — that sealed each day and made the journey unforgettable.

My favorite Scotland memory? Touring the Isle of Raasay Distillery, where the pace of the island itself invited stillness and presence. That, and riding the Jacobite Steam Train with my wife — moments that weren’t rushed, but fully lived-in.

How I Work With Clients

I begin with a discovery call to understand what you want from your trip — rest, food, culture, adventure, or all of the above.

From there, I design a structured, day-by-day itinerary covering accommodations, dining, experiences, and transportation, with built-in flexibility so you can follow your curiosity in the moment.

I manage all bookings, reservations, confirmations, and logistics, and provide support before and during your trip. After you return, I check in — because the best journeys often spark the next one.

You’ll feel well cared for, confident, and free to enjoy the experience.

A Few Fun Facts

• I wear a flat cap almost everywhere — it’s become my unofficial uniform
• I’m based in Nashville, TN, at the crossroads of bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and independent bottling
• I’m certified in Scotch Whisky through the Edinburgh Whisky Academy
• I’m equally obsessed with great coffee and a perfectly plated meal

If Scotland whisky and food travel has been calling your name — or if you’re ready for a trip that feels thoughtful, unrushed, and genuinely restorative — I’d love to help you plan it.