Scottish Tourist Guides Association

Shetland Guides Awarded Green Badge

Friday, 17 Jun 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Just in time for the cruise ship season, and the Tall Ships later this summer, we welcome nine new Green Badge Guides in Shetland: Edna Burke, Willis Duncan, Jim Dickson, Ingirid Eunson, Jolene Garriock, Isabelle McCallum , Hamish Nicol, Morag Reid and Jim Young.

A Scottish Crown Princess

Sunday, 26 Jun 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Summer may be well upon us, although the weather may not, and with June, July and August, come the Cruise ships, calling in to various ports across Scotland. The National Study into Cruise Tourism Development in Scotland, commissioned by CruiseScotland last year forecast a steady growth in this field of tourism, and this projection seemed to be borne out on 22 June, when 40 coaches met The Crown Princess at Greenock Ocean Terminal. The bulk of the STGA Glasgow membership (60%) turned out to man tours up and down the west coast. Guided excursions included Glasgow city tours and Edinburgh city tours.

WFTGA Guidelines International July 2011

Thursday, 11 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Many of you will have been on your summer holidays recently, perhaps exploring countries abroad and soaking up the sun. Some may have taken advantage of a guided tour round a local heritage attraction, and may have pondered what kind of issues face tourist guides across the world.

Well ponder no more, because the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations publishes a quarterly magazine, bringing all the latest news and experiences of guides of all nationalities.

Scotland's History Festival

Wednesday, 09 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Scottish Tourist Guides will be participating in this year’s inaugural Scotland’s History Festival, by offering a themed walking tour on urban planner Sir Patrick Geddes in conjunction with the Cockburn Association.

Ambassadors for Scotland

Thursday, 10 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Being a great tourist guide involves much more than showing Scotland’s visitors around our stunning scenery and interpreting our past history. STGA Blue and Green Badge guides are passionate ambassadors for Scotland wherever they go, whether it is to England, America or Austrailia or simply on the streets of a Scottish village.

Such is the case for Edinburgh Blue Badge Guide, Ronnie Berri, who has recently returned from Berlin, Germany, after representing our Government’s Aviation team at the 17th World Route Development Forum.

Congratulations for STGA Honorary President Neil Oliver

Friday, 25 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The STGA hope to be among the first to offer their congratulations to their Honorary President, Neil Oliver, who collects an honorary doctorate in Letters today from Abertay University in Dundee.

2012 Guide List - Scottish Tourist Guide Directory - Available Now

Thursday, 08 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The STGA are pleased to advise that the annual directory for all professional Scottish Tourist Guides, the Guide List, is now available for 2012. Filled to the brim with details of all our qualified Blue Badge, Green Badge and Yellow Badge Guides – you will be sure to find the right Guide for your tour, event or holiday.

STGA welcomes new Business Support Manager

Monday, 21 Feb 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The STGA Board is pleased to introduce our new Business Support Manager...

Neil Oliver

Friday, 25 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Neil Oliver

Ros Newlands OBE, voted President of the World Federation of Tourist Guides Association

Friday, 25 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Rosalind Newlands has been a tourist guide since 1983, and she has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

“You get to travel around the country you love, and tell people about it,” she says. “And best of all, you're almost always dealing with people when they're happy — either on holiday or on a break from business. There aren't many jobs that give you that.”

Scottish Tourist Guides Dig Deep for Japan

Monday, 28 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

STGA members raise funds at AGM for the Japanese Red Cross

Scottish Representation at Best of Britain and Ireland

Wednesday, 30 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

VisitBritain again invited Blue Badge Guides from Scotland, Ireland and England to host the Welcome Desk at BOBI in Birmingham in March 2011.

The Blue Badge Guides were employed to answer a wide range of questions from the many Trade Visitors to the show in addition to promoting the services of qualified Guides throughout Great Britain and Ireland.

Scottish Tourist Guides Walk Water of Leith for Japan

Sunday, 03 Apr 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Scottish Tourist Guides prove yet again their solidarity and support with Japanese friends and colleagues. The latest fundraising activity, the Walk for Japan along with the water of Leith, raised £1200 on the actual walk, with almost £4000 continuing to be donated via JustGiving and the Red Cross site.

Iconic and Informative: Inveraray Castle

Thursday, 07 Apr 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Intrepid Scottish tourist guides stormed Inveraray Castle on the 30th of March 2011 - stopping only for some coffee and scones with His Grace the 13th Duke of Argyll.

Exhibiting the Best of Scotland at Expo

Thursday, 05 May 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Following a number of successful years in Glasgow and Edinburgh, The Scottish Tourist Guides Association took to the road (and rail) again for Aberdeen’s turn to host Visit Scotland Expo 2011 on 13th and 14th April.

Neil Oliver, STGA Honorary President, presents new television series

Tuesday, 15 Feb 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Watch Neil on Weds, 9pm, BBC2 as he reveals the story of the people of Ancient Britain from 500,000 years ago.

BEACH AIRPORT ON ISLE OF BARRA

Thursday, 17 Feb 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Barra an island in the Outer Hebrides, has the only beach airport in the world with scheduled routes - and it's a spectacular one!

The Scotch Egg...........not so Scottish

Tuesday, 08 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

In the last 18 months the Scotch Egg has seen a rise in popularity and has become ‘bang on trend’. The name would imply that the Scotch Egg is of Scotland. Alas, that is not so. The name Scotch is a corruption of the word scotched which means processed. The Scotch Egg has aristocratic roots, and was created as a ‘snack in a handkerchief’ for the gentry.

Did You Sport Your Trainers on 14th March?

Thursday, 17 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT

What is Sport Your Trainers? On March 14th 2011, and on every Commonwealth Day until Glasgow 2014, 'Sport Your Trainers' day will take Scotland by storm.

Fundraising for Japan

Tuesday, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 GMT

We cannot have failed to have noticed in the news in the last month, the terrible aftermath in Japan caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The damage and deathtoll has been crippling, yet the Japanese bear the trauma with such dignity. All across the world, people have united together to raise funds to support the clean up and rebuilding of homes, communities and lives.

Scotland's Gardens in Full Bloom

Wednesday, 18 May 2011 09:00:00 GMT

May and June are among the best months to visit Scotland's Gardens. In preparation for a tour I visited several in Perthshire and Angus and the rhododendrons, azaleas, primula and trillium were at their best.

A Stewart’s Grand Design

Saturday, 04 Jun 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Anyone visiting Stirling recently, cannot have failed to notice the hive of activity round Stirling Castle, as Historic Scotland prepares to open their newly refurbished James V Palace. Plastered across railings and steps, doors and fences are the ubiquitous paper signs: ‘Wet Paint’. The Queen must be coming to visit!

Go Potter for Guided Tours

Monday, 25 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

If you thought Haggis Hunting was a magical Scottish past time, how about tracking a Weetimorousbeastie on the banks of River Clyde with Gilderoy Lockhart, or stalking Hippogriffs outside Hagrid’s Hut in Clachaig, Glencoe.

Let Scotland Surprise You!

Wednesday, 27 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

More than just tartan, shortbread and bagpipes, why not let us insire you and be surprised with what Scotland has to offer!

Rainy Days in Scotland

Thursday, 04 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

When the rain pours in Scotland, as it so frequently does, what is there to do if you’re a tourist stranded in your accommodation? Well as Billy Connolly used to say – there’s no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing, so you could always strap on your wellies and rain coat and go for a walking tour round Glasgow or Edinburgh with one of our local guides.

Glasgow is Champion for Pipers

Wednesday, 10 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

It starts with the deep rumble that shakes the ground beneath you, and the deep base banging out a steady beat, then in unison the drones come together in a crescendo of anticipation, before the skirl of the pipes takes to the sky. If you’ve ever had the benefit of attending a Piping Championship March Past, you’ll know how this musical cacophony will send shivers down your spine.

A Fair Day in Fife

Wednesday, 10 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

St Andrews is best known as the home of golf. With 11 courses of international distinction, visitors with a penchant for a putter and a tee will be easily catered for. Many ‘golf widows’ though may agree with Scottish King James II’s decree, banning golf in 1457 as an unwelcome distraction to learning archery. If you do prefer archery, or perhaps have made the most of the courses so far, St Andrews and the rest of Fife have plenty more to offer.

‘Faw Kirk’s’ Faithful – Tour round Falkirk

Monday, 15 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Far from being an obvious tourist hot spot, the central Scotland town of Falkirk, is quickly becoming the place to visit with both international visitors and ‘staycationers’.

Philadelphia Tours by Scottish Tourist Guides

Tuesday, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Always wanted to visit Philadelphia? Well now a Scottish Tourist Guide can show you the way with guided tours of the city.... I can see the double takes already. What? A Scottish Tourist Guide in Philadelphia?

Making a Connection with the Burrell Collection

Thursday, 20 Oct 2011 09:00:00 GMT

When Scottish Tourist Guides are trained we are encouraged to "make connections". Every now and then some rather interesting and unusual connections are made.

Do Tourist Guides Know It All?

Wednesday, 16 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

There is a general perception in the tourist industry that tourist guides are pretty knowledgeable. And strictly speaking, that is true. STGA Guides take tours for clients of all different backgrounds, in all areas of Scottish life. Fielding questions for tourists, corporate clients and journalists, and demonstrating a sound repertoire of general and sometimes obscure knowledge is all part of the course in the STGA. But how well would they do if put in front of a camera on a BBC Quiz Show?

STGA Forecast for 2012

Wednesday, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

2012 has certainly blown in with a bang this week, with the wild weather seeing off 2011 and any remaining Hogmanay cobwebs and hangovers. Perhaps it is a sign of what 2012 will have in store for Scotland this year, with lots of drama and dynamic events forecast sure to blow the socks off residents and visitors to our country alike.

Full Steam Ahead to Bo'ness

Thursday, 05 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Everyone knows that Scottish Tourist Guides know where the best places to visit in Scotland are. In an industry where customer experience is paramount, Blue Badge guides recognise that the only way to know whether somewhere is good enough for their customers, is to go themselves. So it was 'full steam' ahead to Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway on 15th October 2011.

Dumbarton Days

Wednesday, 11 Jan 2012 09:00:00 GMT

There's much more to Scotland than the traditional tourist highlights of Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and Inverness. There are plenty Scottish towns and cities with their unique historical and cultural experiences. Just outside Glasgow is not normally known as a tourist hotspot, but as the Fortress on the Clyde, the Scottish town of Dumbarton proved itself an interesting and challenging CPD visit for 44 of intrepid Scottish tourist guides.