About STGA STGA guides cover the whole of Scotland

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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

Celebrating International Tourist Guide Day – Litter Pick

On 21 February, we celebrated International Tourist Guide Day. This professional holiday was established by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) to recognise and showcase the important role of the tourist guides around the world.  This year’s theme … Continued

International Tourist Guide Day

On Wednesday 21 February, the Scottish Tourist Guides Association is proud to celebrate International Tourist Guide Day! Today, we recognise our passionate and hardworking tourist guide members who are the best ambassadors for their profession and for Scotland! This special … Continued

World Gaelic Week / Seachdain na Gàidhlig!

From 19th – 25th February 2024, Scottish Gaelic will be celebrated across the globe! Seachdain na Gàidhlig is the first official nationwide language and culture week to be held in Scotland. Community events, projects, and initiatives are taking place throughout Scotland. To find out more and get … Continued

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About Our Guides

  • Our Mission

    Established in 1959, the aim of Scottish Tourist Guides Association is simple: to provide clients with professional tourist guides who will inspire, educate and entertain. The STGA is the only professional membership body for fully trained and accredited guides in Scotland and is endorsed by both VisitScotland and VisitBritain.

  • How to Spot an STGA Guide

    • Blue, Green, or Yellow STGA Badge
    • STGA Membership Card
    • STGA Tartan
    • STGA Member Coat of Arms on guide's personal website
    • All STGA Guides listed on our website

  • 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 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

    Blue and green badge guides are all 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.

Clients' Testimonials

  • 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.

  • Visit Scotland

    National Tourism Organisation for Scotland