Stga STGA guides cover the whole of Scotland

Start Exploring Scotland

We Step on Your Coach

If you have a coach or other vehicle arranged, our guides will join you to conduct your tour.

You Step in Our Vehicle

Join our guide in their vehicle for your tour. We also provide coaches for large groups.

We Step Out Together

Book one of our guides for a walking tour of a city, castle, museum... the choice is yours!

Latest News

Curious Curiosities

Curious Curiosities Edinburgh like you've never seen it before

EDINBURGH LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE   The team that brought you the sell-out EDINBURGH’S GEORGIAN SHADOWS walking tours last year is back again! Hidden in a corner of your favourite pub or dominating the city skyline lie a … Continued

New Blue Badge Guide Quiz Book Published

blue badge edinburgh quiz book

The History Press has just published The Blue Badge Guide’s Edinburgh Quiz Book, written by our Chairman, John Duncan.  This is the latest in a series of such books planned by the History Press, and is a companion volume to … Continued

Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Georgian Shadows

In the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017, we invite you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Edinburgh’s fascinating Georgian past. Let us guide you through the dazzling architecture of the New Town and discover more about the famous and eccentric characters who lived there.

Tours are available 24 February 2017 – 25 March 2017.

 

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About Our Guides

  • Group Safety

    Your safety is our primary concern. Our guides are expertly trained and assessed in group management and safety skills.

  • World Class Training

    • Our training courses are accredited by the World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations (WFTGA).
    • Blue Badge Guides undergo a rigorous 18 month training course in the classroom and out on the road, completing in excess of 1,300 hours of study.
    • Assessments take place at regular intervals throughout the course leading to the final STGA accreditation exam.
     

  • Insurance

    • All Blue and Green Badge Guides are covered by our Public liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.

  • Accuracy of Information & Quality of Presentation

    Our training courses, assessment procedures, and accreditation exams ensure that our guides are experts in delivering engaging and factually correct information.

  • Language Assessments

    Non-native speaking guides are assessed in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Scale for Level C1 and C2.

  • Code of Conduct

    As a condition of membership all of our guides must adhere to the STGA’s Standards of Performance and Code of Conduct.

  • Location Information

    Working in conjunction with Historic Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, and countless other venues, attractions, and businesses throughout the country.

  • How to Spot an STGA Guide

    • Blue, Green, or Yellow STGA Badge
    • STGA Tartan
    • STGA Member Coat of Arms on guide’s personal website
    • Easily verify a guide’s STGA membership by checking our website
 

Curious Curiosities Edinburgh like you've never seen it before

EDINBURGH LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE

Hidden in a corner of your favourite pub or dominating the city skyline lie a wealth of curious objects that tell the fascinating history of Edinburgh. Let us kick-start your curiosity-hunting with a walking tour through EDINBURGH'S NEW TOWN as we reveal hidden gems and cast new light on old favourites. In the city where the SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT ushered in a new age of discovery, explore how Edinburgh's curiosities and creators have shaped our town and the modern world. Our walking tour will reveal highlights from the 101 OBJECTS initiative that's currently running in Edinburgh and will no doubt fire your curiosity even more!

For tickets and info see Eventbrite.co.uk

 

Clients' Testimonials

  • The Scottish Government is delighted to endorse the work of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association in recognition of their worldwide reputation and quality work and training. I commend the passion and knowledge they bring to guiding and congratulate them on continuing to set the standard in this area.

  • VisitScotland is delighted to recognise the Scottish Tourist Guides Association as the professional membership body for fully trained and accredited tourist guides in Scotland. STGA accredited guides are passionate ambassadors for Scotland and in providing our visitors with information and inspiration, help deliver a memorable experience for them.

  • VisitScotland is delighted to recognise the Scottish Tourist Guides Association as the professional membership body for fully trained and accredited tourist guides in Scotland. STGA accredited guides are passionate ambassadors for Scotland and in providing our visitors with information and inspiration, help deliver a memorable experience for them.

  • Fergus Ewing MSP

    Minister for Business, Energy, and Tourism

    Scottish Government

  • Marion Boyd

    International Development Assistant

    Aberdeen City Council

  • Helen Versloot

    Incentive Department

    Gullivers Travel Agency