The STGA were delighted to celebrate the graduation of over 50 Blue Badge Tourist Guides, on Wednesday 2 November, 2022, in Edinburgh. Two graduation ceremonies took place, for the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2022.

One group were halfway through their final exams when the national UK lockdown took place in March 2020. Through a combination of Zoom meetings and continuous assessment throughout the course, the STGA enabled the trainees to qualify.

The other group had already been selected for the 2020-2022 course by the time Lockdown had started and, again using Zoom and other innovations, the guides were able to complete their course and qualified in April this year.

STGA chair Lyn Brown said she was delighted to see all the new guides at the event.

“It was the first time we were able to meet all the guides who had qualified in 2020 in person since the covid crisis had started,” she said.

“I have to pay tribute to all of our new guides for their faith in the STGA and continuing with the course. Their commitment has paid off with 2022 being a bumper year for our members with huge demand for their services.”

“It has also enabled us to strengthen our organisation and replace guides who have retired from the industry.”

Congratulations to our new Blue Badge Guides!

The next Blue Badge Course begins in 2023, with applications being accepted from mid-November 2022.