5 Best Private Investigators in Glasgow for Discreet Discoveries
Running a business taught me one thing, fast: good security companies in Glasgow are priceless, but sometimes, CCTV and guards only tell half the story. That’s when a sharp PI starts looking less dramatic and more practical.
For this review, I looked at private investigators in Glasgow who can handle the delicate stuff, from corporate fraud and missing persons, to personal matters that I’d rather keep off the group chat.
The big deal for me is discretion, evidence quality, and whether they understand Scots Law’s need for corroboration. These are some of the most trustworthy ones I’ve uncovered.
How much does hiring a private investigator in Glasgow cost?
Hiring a private investigator in Glasgow typically costs £45 to £150 per hour for surveillance, with most firms requiring a 4 to 5-hour minimum. For stronger evidence under Scots law, some cases may need a two-agent team, which can push surveillance to around £90 to £120 per hour or more.
For fixed-fee work, expect to pay £150 to £350 for people or debtor tracing, £350 to £600 for background checks, £300 to £500 per week for GPS vehicle tracking, and £500 to £850 per device for digital or computer forensics.
Lie detector tests usually cost around £350 to £500 per test, so the final bill really depends on how deep and evidence-ready the investigation needs to be.
1. Alba Investigations
Address: 272 Bath St
Contact: +447415333261
Business hours: Daily, 9 AM–5 PM
I decided to look into Alba Investigations for discreet checks before hiring someone who might be moonlighting for my competitor. Since I’m in that awkward stage of wanting to trust someone but needing to verify them, I found the agency to be a good fit.
Their lifestyle assessment, corporate investigation, fraud, and covert surveillance work go beyond the usual binoculars-in-a-car stalking. They also list GPS vehicle tracking, counter-electronic surveillance, rural surveillance, background checks, missing persons, and digital forensics.
As a business owner, I find their background checks and covert surveillance work especially handy for dealing with messy modern risks. It helps that their investigators hold the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigation, giving them firm credibility.
They present themselves as a Scotland-wide investigation firm (covering Glasgow, of course), so I’d recommend them to employers, solicitors, and private clients who need evidence gathered discreetly.
For my scenario, Alba was especially helpful for surveillance-led cases where behaviour needs to be observed, documented, and reported properly. I’ve shortlisted them to look into employee dishonesty, competitor conflict, fraud checks, and sensitive personal cases needing calm handling.
That said, I would also advise asking about fees, reporting format, corroboration planning, and data-handling policies before booking them to avoid conflict.
Customer reviews
The results are fully documented
Received a very professional service. No request was too difficult. Operates outwith core hours, and results are fully documented. Happy to recommend.
- Colin Ferguson, Google Review
Alex provides excellent service at an affordable rate
I was seeking a simple service which required verifying the legitimacy of a landlord before I sent over funds from overseas. Alex made this process easy and simple. Alex listens; he actually listens to what you need. No BS or unnecessary services. Only what you need. Simply put, Alex provides excellent service at an affordable rate. He is prompt, direct, and kind with his time. Alex kept in constant communication throughout the entire process, providing additional services as he saw fit.
- Mike, North Carolina, Google Review
2. Boothroyd Associates Ltd
Address: Suite 1B, 38 Queen St
Contact: +441415488055
Business hours: Daily, 8 AM–5.30 PM
My close pal runs an office, so Boothroyd Associates caught his eye because he needed security audits for all the comings and goings. For a proper corporate fit, they list security audits, bug sweeping, tracking, theft and fraud, computer forensics, and surveillance.
The agency has over 45 years of investigative experience across private, corporate, and public-sector work. That track record feels useful for my friend’s office problem since he needs calm evidence-gathering.
Their Queen Street address is handy for city-centre businesses, too. He also likes that they cite membership in the Institute of Professional Investigators, Ex Police in Industry and Commerce, and World Association of Professional Investigators (plus ICO registration).
He now recommends them to offices, landlords, employers, and corporate clients needing audits, counter-surveillance, fraud checks, or covert surveillance. Their police and military team background angle adds a layer of boardroom risk control.
The catch is that their corporate-style setup may feel a bit formal for smaller, personal cases. Clients wanting a softer, more hand-held PI experience may need to ask how the process works before booking.
Customer reviews
The cost is not at all prohibitive and absolutely worth it
I’ve been searching for an old friend with no online presence for years. Within 24 hours, Derek had found his sister’s address, and I was able to message her. I highly recommend this service. The cost is not at all prohibitive and absolutely worth it. Derek is intelligent, professional, and works quickly and effectively. Many thanks for what will be a fabulous reunion.
- Erin McCalla, Google Review
Derek was proactive, responsive, and sensitive
Derek found my relative after many, many years in less than 48 hours from the initial phone call. I was sure he was abroad, so Derek liaised with associates abroad to put a trace in place. However, Derek thankfully had the foresight to check for him in the UK first. Lo and behold, he found him in the same city and even delivered a message from me at his address (all within those 48 hours). Derek was proactive, responsive, and sensitive throughout. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
- Julie, Google Review
3. Fox Investigations Ltd
Address: Fox House, 1 Glasgow Rd, Kirkintilloch
Contact: +441417760072
Business hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
My neighbour wanted a long-lost relative traced, but insists only a female operative will do because the situation was tender (and doesn’t need to be telly-drama messy!).
Fox Investigations suits her needs to a T, since they explicitly state using both female and male investigators in handling the location of individuals with confidentiality. They’re Glasgow-based but work throughout the UK, so their associates can get to harder-to-reach places.
They’re quite useful for family tracing, missing-person enquiries, matrimonial matters, and other private cases that need a softer touch. Their ABI profile notes over 40 years of experience in the investigative industry.
Their Managing Director is also listed as a member of the Association of British Investigators, the World Association of Professional Investigators, and a life member of the World Association of Detectives.
Awards-wise, they’ve won the ABI Investigator of the Year 2025-2026, and hold a specialism in tracing beneficiaries worldwide. My neighbour finds all these appealing and handy for her case.
They also offer polygraph lie detector services, DNA testing, surveillance, and security support. I reckon they’re a good fit for families, solicitors, and private clients who want discreet tracing with the option of a female operative.
Still, I’d ask upfront about their tracing methods, data protection, reporting style, and whether Scots Law corroboration matters for the case, especially for ultra-sensitive searches.
Customer reviews
Dealt with in a proactive manner
Mr Dean Wilson contacted us to carry out discreet and sensitive enquiries on behalf of one of his clients. These were dealt with in a proactive manner whilst retaining a high level of professionalism and sensitivity.
- Dean Wilson Funeral Directors, website testimonial
All overdue accounts have now been settled
Glazing Refurbishment had several customers who moved premises without notifying them or settling their outstanding accounts. Using a combination of database and field enquiries, we obtained new contact details for each. All overdue accounts have now been settled.
- Glazing Refurbishment Ltd, website testimonial
4. DPB Tracing Services Ltd
Address: 53 Glasgow Rd, Strathaven
Business hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM
Friday, 9 AM–3 PM
My partner needed to trace someone who owed him serious money, so DPB Tracing Services felt like the sensible, non-theatrical choice. They specialise in finding “goneaway” customers for debt, financial, legal, and housing clients (exactly the lane he needs for debtor tracing).
They’re not that far-flung from the Glasgow market, with a registered office at Glasgow Road. They’ve been incorporated since April 2011, which gives them a decent operating history.
They also claim to have an over 88% success rate, with a client base that includes local government, sheriff officers, housing associations, solicitors, debt collection firms, and bailiff companies. It gives my partner peace of mind that they’re built for more practical tracing work rather than cloak-and-dagger drama.
He now recommends DPB to landlords, small businesses, legal teams, and anyone trying to locate debtors or abscoders without making a circus of it. They also mention employment checks/confirmation, which is useful for basic business verification work.
Do note that they seem to be more tracing-focused than full-service PI, so they may not be the best fit if the case later needs surveillance, digital forensics, or wider evidence-gathering beyond locating the debtor.
Customer reviews
Dougie managed to trace her very quickly
Have just used this tracing service for the first time. We had been trying to trace a client from 14 years ago who was due some money back and had no success. Dougie managed to trace her very quickly—a great service at a very reasonable price.
- Struan Douglas, Google Review
Very impressed with the result, communications, response time and cost
Use this service yesterday for the first time, and I have been very impressed with the result, communications, response time and cost. I would recommend their services without hesitation. Well done, Dougie and thank you.
- Gerard Hind, Google Review
5. Pegasus Investigations Ltd
Address: C B C House, 24 Canning St
Contact: +441312722766
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
It hasn’t happened yet, but I’d look into Pegasus Investigations if an employee looked ready to leave with half my client list tucked under their arm. You can’t be too complacent in this day and age!
Their computer forensics service is built for cases involving suspected malicious intent, lost data, or evidence hidden inside workplace devices. They also cover fraud investigations, background checks, surveillance, tracing, and security tests in Glasgow.
I like how the digital side can be backed by real-world checks if needed. For a business owner, that mix feels more useful than a purely desk-based investigator.
The agency has been around for over two decades, with investigators from police and military backgrounds, along with membership in ABI, IPI, and UKPIN. They’re registered in Edinburgh, but provide PI services across Glasgow, Scotland, the UK, and abroad.
I think they will suit employers, solicitors, financial firms, and business owners who need digital evidence handled properly before accusing anyone. Their in-house specialist skills and investment in surveillance equipment make them a practical pick for employee misconduct, fraud, and client-poaching concerns.
That said, I’d still ask about the chain of custody, GDPR, reporting format, and Scots Law corroboration before handing them any laptop.
Customer reviews
My lost family member was traced within days
A truly fantastic service. I needed the family tracing service. Finding lost family is a very emotional situation, and it was handled with kindness and compassion. My lost family member was traced within days, and the price was brilliant. I highly recommend Pegasus Investigations. I am so grateful to them.
- Katie McGregor, Google Review
Very impressed, and pleased
Elderly relative searching for a lost contact, Pegasus established a trace with extremely minimal information and a very common name. They appeared professional and above board. I have never used such a service and was apprehensive. Very impressed, and pleased my relative has the information they need.
- Louise Fraser, Google Review