blue badge tour guide course scotland

Blue Badge Guide Training Course announced for 2023

Travel throughout scotland, develop your professional and personal skills, and make new friends.

The Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA) is the leading body for qualified professional tourist guides in Scotland and has over 60 years’ experience in this field.

The STGA has announced that the next Blue Badge Guide Training Course will take place from the autumn of 2023 to spring 2025. 

The Blue Badge Training Programme is accredited by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) and is acknowledged internationally as being of the highest standard.

The 2023 - 2025 Course Prospectus and key dates and fees sheet are available to download on the STGA website. 

STGA Blue Badge Guide Course

Find out more and apply today, what are blue badge tourist guides.

Blue Badge Tourist Guides are a unique community of experts who are internationally considered the gold standard in tourist guiding in Scotland.

Would you like to travel throughout Scotland, develop your professional and personal skills, and make new friends? 

Upon successfully achieving your Blue Badge, you will be qualified and accredited to guide throughout Scotland, running your own business as a Scottish tourist guide. This is a rewarding, varied and flexible career that sees you meeting people from all over the world and from many different walks of life.

Find out what life is like from an STGA Guide by following #stgaguides on social media.

Tour guides play an essential role in the visitor experience in Scotland and in bringing to life the rich history and culture of our country. The Blue Badge Tourist Guide training programme offers people a fantastic opportunity to develop their professional and personal skills, to join a community of world class tourism ambassadors providing visitors to Scotland an unforgettable experience. Rob Dickson, Director of Industry & Destination Development, VisitScotland

Related links

Application extension for existing short-term lets, tourism - a force for good in scotland, tourism employment in scotland.

For those who would like full or part-time work guiding visitors around a region or metropolitan area on walking tours, at sites of interest, and using different methods of transport.

The opportunities are extensive. Whether you are interested in themed tours, working for tour operators, cruise ships, study tours or group tours, the Blue Badge qualification offers the ultimate in flexibility.

Covering a wide geographical area or metropolitan area, including flexible tours of sites, towns and tours throughout the area from a vehicle, e.g. car, coach or train.

An increasing number of Blue Badge Tourist Guides are qualifying as licensed driver-guides offering chauffeur-driven guiding, varying from antiques tours in the Cotswolds to looking after foreign journalists and film stars.

A Blue Badge course needs to have a minimum of 600 hours of study which will comprise a minimum of 360 contact hours plus private research and learning. It will often run part-time over 12 months. It is assessed by two written papers, a tour planning project and at least four practical guiding exams.

Training courses are usually organised by local guiding organisations. A list of current courses can be found here .

London Blue Badge Course 2024-2026

Application closing date: 20 Apr 2024

For over 50 years, a training course has been run for people that wish to become professional tourist guides in London.

Find out more about London Blue Badge Course 2024-2026

Liverpool Blue Badge Course

The Liverpool City Region Blue Badge qualification covers the City of Liverpool and the Merseyside boroughs of Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens as well as Halton.

Find out more about Liverpool Blue Badge Course

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Scottish Tourist Guides Association

10 things to know about the scottish tourist guides association, 1. what year was the stga established, and where is the headquarters.

The Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA) was formed in 1959. In 1996 the Association was registered as a Limited Company in Scotland, with its headquarters in Stirling.

2. What is the primary mission/goal of the STGA? Along with outlining the mission/goals, if the association works with other local tourism organizations, be sure to include in the response.

The primary objectives of the STGA are:

• to establish, co-ordinate, service and help to sustain a national association of qualified tourist guides in Scotland;
• to provide assistance to members of the Association. This is achieved by staff and a Board of Directors who manage a guide booking system and provide technical, managerial and marketing support. Board committees focus on Training, Marketing, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Finance and work with Industry sector Partners in tourism e.g. the Scottish Government, City Councils, the Tourism Alliance (STA), Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG), VisitScotland, local media and social media;
• to collate and disseminate information relating to tourism and associated activities;
• to promote the widespread recognition of the STGA and of the services provided by the Association and by its members within the tourism industry in the United Kingdom and elsewhere and amongst the general public;
• to advance the reputation of qualified tourist guides in Scotland who are members of the STGA; with a view to raising the standards of tourist guiding in Scotland; and
• to promote the employment of members of the STGA as qualified tourist guides in Scotland.

3. How does someone become a qualified tourist guide in Scotland?

An individual can become a qualified tourist guide in Scotland by successfully completing the STGA tourist guide course and accreditation exam. STGA tourist guides are trained to EN/BS 15565, the European and British Standard for the Training and Qualification of Tourist guides. The Association offers three types of qualification:

• Blue Badge (national qualification);
• Green Badge (regional qualification); and
• Yellow Badge (site/route qualification).

4. After becoming qualified, what are some of the professional development classes that guides typically take in Scotland to enhance their knowledge and skills?

STGA members are free to pursue their own development after qualification. However, the STGA does administer an optional Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme to encourage members to continuously develop and enhance their knowledge and skills. STGA guides who meet the requirements of the CPD scheme are identified by the following CPD accreditation flag on their web page:

5. Is there an official badge that qualified tourist guides in Scotland wear? If yes, describe the badge and include an image.

Qualified tourist guides in Scotland wear an official STGA badge according to their area of qualification. Images of the Blue, Green, and Yellow badges worn by members are shown below:

6. How many qualified tourist guides are members of the STGA and what are their diverse backgrounds? Also, how many languages do they guide in, and do they specialize in themed tours?

There are over 500 qualified tourist guides in Scotland who are members of the STGA:

• Over 300 Blue Badge guides, qualified to guide anywhere across Scotland;
• Over 180 Green Badge guides, qualified to guide in specific regions on the mainland and are mostly on the island groups; and
• Over 40 Yellow Badge guides: qualified to guide in specific sites or routes.
• 20 languages are offered across all guide types.

Guides work to client specific requirements, but some also specialise in certain subjects such as whisky, food & drink, music, art, architecture, literature, film, business, medicine etc.

The web page for each STGA guide provides details of their background, interests, guiding languages and expertise.

7. What are some of the top reasons for using a qualified tourist guide in Scotland?

Employing an STGA guide ensures that your guide is qualified, professional, knowledgeable, factually accurate, insured, trained in group management and safety, and skilled in the art of guiding. STGA tourist guides are therefore able to provide visitors with a unique insight into Scotland.

8. What are some of the popular places to visit in Scotland?

Scotland is a top tourism destination. It is known worldwide for its historic castles, dramatic scenery, beautiful gardens, excellent museums, fabulous art galleries, magnificent golf courses and iconic whisky distilleries. The list below suggests only a few examples of the unique experiences offered in Scotland’s cities and regions.

The STGA website provides several examples of day tours https://www.stga.co.uk/scotland-day-tour-ideas any multi-day tours https://www.stga.co.uk/scotland-itineraries which our guides can conduct for you. Tours often have themes such as golf, whisky, genealogy, textiles, film set locations for series such as Outlander and Game of Thrones. Depending on visitor’s interests bespoke tours can also be developed.

• Edinburgh & Lothians – Edinburgh & Dirleton Castles, Palace of Holyrood House, Linlithgow Palace, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the National Gallery & Museum;
• Glasgow & Ayrshire – Glasgow Cathedra & Necropolis, Pollock House, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Brodick & Culzean Castles, Charles Rennie Mackintosh House;
• Stirling, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park – Stirling & Doune Castles, National Wallace Monument, Dunblane Cathedral, Inchmahone Priory;
• Dundee & Angus – V & A Museum, Verdant Works, Discovery, J M Barrie’s Birthplace, Barry Mill, Glamis Castle, Arbroath Abbey, Dunkeld Cathedral;
• Perthshire & Kingdom of Fife – Dunfermline Abbey & Palace, St Andrews Castle & Cathedral, Scone Palace, Scottish Crannog Centre, Culross, Falkland Palace;
• Inverness & Highlands – Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, Brodie & Eilean Donan Castles, Culloden Moor, Glenfinnan Monument, Dunrobin Castle, Inverewe Gardens;
• Aberdeenshire – Craigievar, Crathes & Dunnottar Castles, Johnstone & Pitmedden Gardens, Art Gallery Aberdeen, King’s College, St Machar’s Cathedral;
• Scottish Borders – Dryburgh, Melrose & Jedburgh Abbeys, Smailholm Tower, Abbotsford House, Thirlestane Castle, Dawyck Botanic Garden, Floors Castle;
• Dumfries and Galloway – Threave Garden and Estate, Cearlaverock Castle, Dundrennan Abbey, Ruthwell Cross, Whithorn Priory & Museum;
• Argyll & Western Isles – Inveraray Castle & Gardens, Kilmartin Glen Monuments, numerous picturesque islands including Skye, Mull, Iona, Harris & Lewis;
• Orkney Isles – Skara Brae, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, St Magnus Cathedral, Italian Chapel, Stones of Stenness, Old Man of Hoy, Ring of Brodgar, Scapa Flow;
• Shetland Isles – Hermaness Nature Reserve, Shetland Museum, Broch of Mousa, Jarslhof, St Ninian’s Isle, Shetland Craft Trail, Up Helly Aa Festival, Sumburgh Head.

9. What are some general tips you would give to potential visitors planning a vacation to Scotland?

• Allow plenty of time to travel. Scotland is a small country but many journeys which look short on a map can be very slow due to the layout of the roads. In the highlands and islands, for instance, many roads are single track. Drivers often do not realise the amount of concentration required and have to make more stops than they anticipated.
• Be aware that three banks in Scotland print notes (Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank). Although these look different, they are all legal currency.
• Note that in a medical emergency, visitors can attend the accident and emergency department of a local hospital. The visitor will be treated but if they remain in hospital overnight the individual will require to provide health insurance details.
• Save time by booking on-line. Many of the main visitor attractions in Scotland operate an on-line booking service and some tickets will indicate a time slot when the visitor can enter e.g. Edinburgh Castle.
• Save money. Before visiting Scotland's paid-for attractions, it is well worth checking to see if there are any passes, offers and deals available via VisitScotland ( https://www.visitscotland.com/holidays-breaks/cheap-budget/passes-offers/#visitscotland-offers ).
• Free attractions. There is no charge to visit the permanent collections in many museums and art galleries in Scotland.
• Prepare for all kinds of weather. Scotland experiences changeable conditions throughout the year. Wearing layers of clothing can be the most effective.

10. Where can potential visitors to Scotland find out more information about STGA and also find a qualified tourist guide?

STGA website: www.stga.co.uk

Visitors can search the website for a specific named guide or by language, tour starting point, subject of interest and type of tour.

Visitors can book a guide directly using the contact details provided on each guide’s profile page.

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Blue Badge Guide shares his Scottish highlights and why groups are important

2021-11-16T17:09:00+00:00

We caught up with Blue Badge qualified Scotland tourist guide, Paul Gladwell, about his love of taking groups to new places, why they’re important and his must-visit spots when travelling north of the English border.

Paul Gladwell, Blue Badge Guide for Scotland.

How did you become a Blue Badge Tour Guide for Scotland?

My wife saw an advert for the course online and since I have always readily showed visitors around Edinburgh, I suppose I seemed a natural fit. I passed an initial interview and then embarked on 18 months of intense study, practical tests and exams which I basically did in my sleep as my daughter had just been born and I was really sleep- deprived!

What would you say is the best thing about showing groups around the country?

There is an incredible variety of attractions and landscapes in a relatively small area so you can provide a really exciting, varied day from virtually any starting point. Also every group is different so you have to size up pretty quickly what they will appreciate and tailor your commentary accordingly which helps keep the job interesting.

Are there any hidden gems that you’d like to share?

It’s not quite as hidden now, but if you make the effort to go north-west of Inverness you have one of Europe’s most beautiful wildernesses all to yourself. It’s extraordinary how many people are only interested in ticking off Skye and Loch Ness and not much else.

Why are groups important to Blue Badge Guides like yourself?

Guides cater for a very diverse range of clients and groups definitely make up a significant proportion of this. Some are purely incentive based whilst others are more tailored but Scotland definitely has enough to provide a memorable experience regardless of your expectations.

If you had to pick, what is your favourite attraction or place that Scotland has to offer?

I really like the National Museum of Scotland as there is so much there that has literally changed the world and people are quite surprised by that. Also, I love beautiful scenery so anytime I’m heading into the hills I’m a very happy Haggis indeed.

Source: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The National Museum of Scotland is a top spot for groups, according to Paul.

It must be nice getting back out and about again after the pandemic…

That’s the understatement of the millennium! It was utterly heartbreaking being unable to do what I enjoy especially as there was little light on the horizon for so long. I went from no bookings in over a year to 15 in my first 30 days back and I just want to work all the time now.

Why do you think it is important that groups use Blue Badge Guides when visiting somewhere new?

Two reasons in particular. Firstly, the basic professionalism required to ensure that the day goes smoothly has been drummed into us. Secondly, the guide is going to know their stuff. You can’t blag your way past the amount of work it takes to get the badge.

What would you say is the best time of year to visit Scotland? 

Each season definitely brings different rewards. Summer is great for the outdoors as the days are so long and the heather is blooming. Winter is good for visiting the cities as the queues are so much shorter so you can get more done if you wish.

• Blue Badge Guides
• Guided Tours

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Explore Scotland with us

Create memories that last a lifetime, welcome to scotland your way.

Scotland Your Way provides an exclusive, personal tour guiding service for those looking to explore Scotland.

Although based in the historic and vibrant town of St Andrews, Fife, Bo is fully qualified to guide across the whole of Scotland, including the furthest-flung corners of the mainland and the many islands lying just offshore.

Scotland has so much to offer – whether your preference is for cities, countryside, castles or culture, there is something for everyone here!

We would love to work with you to create a tour just for you, and to introduce you to the country we know so well and feel so passionately about.

Having Bo as your driver-guide will allow you to encounter the history, culture and character of Scotland first-hand, immersing yourself in the spirit of Scotland and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Eric and Bo Fraser

Experience Scotland, Your Way

Jeniffer, Tennesee

“Bo is a remarkable bespoke tour guide. We spent two days with her this March travelling through her ‘back yard.’ Rather than visit some of the most famous sites of the area, we wanted to see the hidden places, the quieter streets, and places that don’t garner as much attention in tour books. Her knowledge of the area is outstanding as is her ability to teach and talk about anything. We have travelled a fair amount - Bo sets the bar very high.”

What Scotland has to offer

Scotland Your Way is looking forward to curating a private, guided tour that entirely suits your personal tastes and interests. This may be anything from a half-day tour of St Andrews’ golf courses and historic buildings to a full- or multi-day excursion around the Scottish mainland and islands. Whatever you choose, we will tailor a unique experience that ensures you can explore and experience Scotland’s diverse regions, culture and cuisine in a way that works for you.

Be inspired, educated and entertained by your fully-qualified Blue Badge Guide, Bo Fraser, who will personally escort you through the breathtaking landscapes, picturesque towns and vibrant cities for which Scotland is renowned. Her knowledge and experience ensure that every tour will be unforgettable.

We are proud to provide an eco-friendly service, ensuring all our Scottish tours are sustainable and respectful of the environment. We use hybrid vehicles and plant trees for every tour we run, are always mindful of our environment and will guide you responsibly through every aspect of your visit.

Scotland is a country fortunate to have many well-known, dramatic locations but Scotland Your Way also take roads that are less well-travelled. These let you discover more of its ‘hidden’ charms and visit places where you can get an appreciation of its true nature and character.

Every tour is designed around you and each is unique. Whatever draws you to Scotland – and this might include our history, scenery, amazing food or your own family connections – please let us know. We can then start creating an itinerary that satisfies your wishes and curiosity, providing experiences and memories that will remain with you forever.

Bo & Eric

Born and raised in St Andrews, Bo pursued her education at Edinburgh University before embarking on a fulfilling career in nursing.

​Following husband Eric around the world allowed Bo to explore and immerse herself in diverse cultures and experiences, giving her a unique perspective on her current career as a tour guide.

Bo is an avid golfer, loves cooking and has a keen interest in history. Having worked for two years to become a Blue Badge Guide, Bo is now an established member of the Scottish Tourist Guide Association.

Originally from Inverness, Eric is a true Highlander! His distinguished career in the Royal Navy saw him serve in many far-flung regions around the world.

Before retirement in 2014, Eric served as the Naval Attache in Washington DC. He then went on to become Scotland’s inaugural Veterans Commissioner, a testament to his experience and dedication to the broader military community.

Eric loves fly fishing and is also a keen golfer. His life story is a tapestry of travel, public service and passion for Scotland. Eric is the master of logistics in Scotland Your Way.

Get ready 

Start your journey today! We’re aware that planning your visit may take many months. Read our blogs to discover how to get the most out of your visit to  Scotland.

Give us a call or send a message - we’d be delighted to hear from you and promise to make sure that your private tour guide experience will become a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.

Thanks for submitting!

+44 (0)7813 830698

• +44 (0)7815 886 014
• [email protected]

Touring Scotland

Private driver-guided tours of scotland with a blue badge guide.

Tailor a tour in Scotland to suit your time, interest and budget, with Touring Scotland.

Fiona Maxwell

My name is Fiona Maxwell and I am a qualified and very experienced Scottish Tourist Guide and Driver Guide. I hold the coveted Blue Badge, awarded after two years of intensive, in-depth training by the Scottish Tourist Guides Association.   The Blue Badge holders are the only guides to be officially recognised by Visit Scotland. I conduct tours for individuals and small  groups in English and French through Scotland and the North of England for visitors seeking a tailor-made holiday to remember. I am based in Edinburgh, the capital city and am well placed to collect visitors from major airports and train stations. I travel frequently myself, at home and abroad, and am well aware of the ingredients that make a successful, memorable holiday.  I am a fluent French speaker.

Location Tours

• Highlands & Islands
• Scottish City Tours
• Central Scotland Tours
• Scottish Borders Tours
• Yorkshire Tours

Themed Tours

• Hadrian's Wall Tour
• Queen Mother's Scotland Tour
• Whiskey Trails

Highland Gathering

We can show you the splendour of a Highland Gathering and have you singing and dancing at a traditional ceilidh!

Culinary Delights

We can introduce you to the culinary delights of Scotland – like haggis, Cullen Skink, Finnan Haddie, Atholl Brose and Cranachan.

Hidden Gems

We can take you to the hidden gems of Scotland, to secret out-of-the-way places, which most tour companies pass by.

Stunning Scenery

We will show you stunning scenery from the gentle, green Lowlands to the wild and majestic mountains of the Scottish Highlands.

Royal Palaces

With us, you can explore the dramatic landscapes of the romantic Hebridean Islands on Scotland’s craggy western seaboard and visit fairytale castles, magnificent stately homes and Royal Palaces.

Colourful History

We will thrill you with stories of the colourful history, the legends and the magic of Scotland in all its moods.

• Qualified and experienced "Blue Badge" guide
• Member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
• Malt Whisky Ambassador for Scotland
• Hadrian’s Wall Endorsed Tour Guide
• Registered York Minster Guide
• Expertise in itinerary planning
• Excellent advice on accommodations
• Passion for Scotland, its history and heritage
• I care for the environment

WHY BOOK WITH ME?

• Advanced Driver

Arrange a tour

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Travel Through Scotland

From Edinburgh and on to The Scottish Borders

Driving south of Edinburgh to the village of Roslin to visit the ancient 15thc Rosslyn Chapel then driving further south through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders. First stop at Scotts’s view point a favourite place of Sir Walter Scott’s one of Scotland’s...

Travels through Fife and St Andrews

Leaving Edinburgh driving north west to the shores of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry for a photo stop of the 3 Bridges spanning the river. Driving over the Queensferry Crossing the 21st c bridge to the Kingdom of Fife,...

Hadrian’s Wall

Travelling south through the Scottish Borders towards the town of Jedburgh, stopping briefly to photo the ancient 12thc ruined Abbey, sitting roundly above the Jed Water the river which flows through the town. Continuing towards Carter Bar the pass over the Cheviot...

• Xplore Scotland tour guide
• Testimonials for Blue Badge Scotland tour guide
• Photos of Scotland

Welcome to Scotland...

Whether you're coming here to trace your Scottish heritage and roots on vacation in Scotland, you're wanting to see Outlander locations, or you'd just like to experience our wonderful scenery and hospitality, Scotland has it all.

Jim is a Blue Badge Scottish tour guide who specializes in private tours and helping you get the most from your holiday in Scotland, either on walking tours or as a  driver guide with a great view from  a comfortable SUV. 

Our guests have enjoyed visiting the best of Scotland in places like Edinburgh, Inverness, Fife (including St Andrews the home of golf), Stirling, Skye and Perthshire.

Find out how you can be enjoying a private tour and experiencing the highlights of Scotland now !

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• Highland Areas

About The Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association (HOSTGA)

HOSTGA is an association of self-employed, qualified tour guides . To ensure top quality service, our guides are trained in all aspects of tour guiding. We keep our skills and knowledge up-to date, always looking for the best ways to streamline our tours to satisfy our clients’ needs.

Our guides are trained by:

Our guides also hold public liability insurance and operate under the Scottish Legal System.

Knowledgeable, sincere and passionate about our work, by adding the human touch, we are here to help make your visit a success!

HOSTGA is disability aware; enquire with your guide if you require particular information regarding access to visitor attractions.

To download a copy of the HOSTGA Guide directory in PDF format please click the link below

HOSTGA Guide directory for 2024

HOSTGA Services

The Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association (HOSTGA) provides a specialist service for coach tour operators; conference delegates; incentive groups; cruise ship operators & agents; and of course to individuals & families coming to the Highlands. We are nearly all based in the Highlands – the few who aren’t have lived long periods here – and some of us also have specialist knowledge of the Islands including the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Skye.

HOSTGA members have undertaken training in all aspects of guiding. We keep our skills and knowledge sharpened with a programme of lectures and training outings in the off-season months; so we have the latest views on local culture, history, geology and architecture, as well as being up-to-date with things for visitors to see and do both within the Highlands and beyond.

The letters CPD indicate that the guide has participated in our Continuing Professional Development scheme for the current year.

HOSTGA guides are here to help you – to use their knowledge and experience of Scotland and particularly the Highlands to make your time here a success by giving you that all important “feel” for this, our country.

HOSTGA guides carry public liability insurance.

All guides speak English and many also speak other languages.

2022 HOSTGA Guides Directory is available for Download Here.

About Tour Guide Training with HOSTGA

HOSTGA last ran a training course 2022-2023. Our next training course is currently in the planning stage and is expected to satart in September 2024. Should you be interested in hearing more about the course please drop us an email through the Contact Administration link below. 

Scotland With Joe

Explore Scotland With a Professionally Accredited Scottish Tour Guide Association Blue Badge Holder & Begin Your Adventure!

Enhance Your Visit to Bonnie Scotland With an Expert Tour Guide!

Scottish Tours with Joe Harrower

Hello, I'm Joe Harrower and I'm a qualified professional Blue Badge Tourist guide in Scotland. Scotland is a beautiful country with a rich history with many vibrant locations for tourists to discover and explore. We invite visitors to take in the stunning scenery, walking in the footsteps of some of history's most iconic figures, visiting global legends like Loch Ness or discovering locations that were used in the filming of blockbuster films and TV shows.

I am based in Edinburgh and I offer walking tours, driver guiding and specialist tours all over the country. I possess a wealth of knowledge about the nation's art, archaeology, history, festivals, music, literature, science, wildlife and, of course, whisky. Whatever draws you to Scotland, my help as your tour guide can help you make the most of your trip and truly submerge yourself in the beloved Scottish heritage.

I also offer half and full-day tours to any location in the country you wish to see. I am fully accredited and insured to provide the tours I give, so you can explore with the peace of mind you deserve as a guest. My walking tours explore the nitty-gritty details of various localities in great depth, while my driver guiding can take groups of up to 7 on luxurious, bespoke journeys. I can offer rich insights and stories about your surroundings and answer your questions as we travel through the places that make Scotland great.

• Edinburgh Castle
• Holyrood Palace
• The Royal Mile
• New Town Tours
• Royal Yacht Britannia
• National Museum of Scotland
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• Scottish National Gallery
• & Much More!

Walking Tours

Experience Edinburgh & beyond up close on foot with a private & comprehensive professional guided tour.

Find Out More

Driver Guiding

Enjoy private & personalised driven tours across all of Scotland; suitable for up to 7 passengers.

Specialist Tours

An avid fan of Scottish literature or simply wish to sample our famous whiskys? There's a tour for you.

• 01786 447 784
• [email protected]
• 01786 451 953
• [email protected]

Find Your Guide

Use our find your guide tool to find the perfect guide for your tour of scotland.

Our Find Your Guide search tool will help you find the STGA guides who are available for your chosen dates 

Choosing your tour type, language and a special interest will help lead you closer to discovering that perfect guide for your dream tour of Scotland!

Not sure where to start? 

Simply click the search button below to see all of our guides 

All STGA guides are self-employed members of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association, the contract for services booked is between you and the guide.

All qualified STGA guides have Public Liability and Indemnity Insurance cover. 

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• 01786 447 784
• [email protected]
• 01786 451 953
• [email protected]

Laura Rhodes

• +44 (0)7758 077818
• 07758 077818
• [email protected]

Qualified to Guide:

Driver Guide:

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Hello, I’m Laura, Welcome to Scotland- I would be happy to share my native land with you !

Born in Glasgow, I moved with my family to a small fishing town in the north of England then as a teenager returned to study in Scotland.

I lived overseas for a couple of years and on returning to UK I studied tourism and worked for British Airways in customer service. This led to further teaching and training qualifications, and I taught in a college and trained as a Blue Badge Tourist guide, qualifying in for the North East of England in 2008 and the Yorkshire region in 2015. Now STGA qualified for the whole of Scotland, I have recently become an accredited ' Whisky Ambassador' too!

I'm now very excited to be back in Scotland and look forward to welcoming you north of the border.

W orking freelance as a Blue Badge guide and tour planner I am happy to travel with you in Scotland, Yorkshire and the North of England, providing an entertaining and relaxed commentary, guided site visits and town and village walking tours.

I love to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors, individuals or groups, including specialist groups following the footsteps of the early Saints, Whisky tours in the highlands, arts and crafts tours and families wanting to discover Hadrian's Wall as well as specialist garden visitors from Australia.

As a tour manager, I have led educational tours and special interest adult tours, including garden tours, and tours with visiting choirs to Scotland and England - I love getting to know the people I am travelling with and hearing their stories as well as sharing my own tales.

Other recent tours have been with USA University alumni groups, pilgrimage groups following the story of Early Christianity, and walking tours along the sites of Hadrian’s Wall. 

Away from work, I enjoy my own little garden, and travelling in the UK and Europe with my family. 

Come and enjoy Scotland with me!

#ToursWithLaura

On Social Media

• Conferences & Incentives
• Driver Guided Tour
• Shore Excursion
• Virtual Tour
• Walking Tour

Special Interests

• Best of Scotland general interest tours
• Crafts (eg knitting, quilting, weaving)
• Film/TV locations (general)
• Food and Drink, Distilleries

Qualifications

Contact laura.

Use this form to book this guide via our booking service.

• Full name *
• Email address *
• Hidden Guide Email

Contact Laura Directly

Additional information.

• Guide Type: Blue Badge
• Months Available: Year round
• Type of car: Hired as required
• Year Qualified: 2022

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

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Guided tours of Scotland with Susan Brown

Professional tours of.

Create your memories of Scotland with Susan Brown, Blue Badge Tour Guide.

The Hermitage, Dunkeld, Perthshire

The Forth Rail Bridge, Edinburgh

For you, your family or your group.

Come on a city walking tour, or book me for a day or multiple days as your driver guide or guide on a coach for larger groups. I work with you to get the itinerary & pace perfect for your requirements. Get in touch to discuss your tailor-made tour of Scotland.

Scotland is made up of diverse characters, events and folklore which I bring to life through the stories I tell, keeping you on the edge of your seat and leaving you wanting to hear more!

Connections

Part of having a fabulous vacation is connecting with local people and hearing about life in Scotland first hand. Scots are very friendly and happy to talk to anyone!

I can introduce you to a wide range of craftspeople, artists and artisans and also suggest the best pubs to listen to music in and strike up conversations with the locals.

“She enjoys what she does and her expertise of the history of Scotland comes through. I highly recommend touring with Susan”

Google review

“She goes above and beyond both before and during her tours to make sure that guests get the most out of their tour experience.”

Your expert

I am a Blue Badge Scottish Tourist Guide which means that I am qualified to guide across Scotland. I tour in English and French and work with groups, special interest tours, media & tour operator familiarisation trips and corporate hospitality. Get in touch to find out how I can enhance your trip.

Your guide, Susan Brown

scotlandtourguide

Scottish #bluebadgetouristguide. Experience Scotland with me as your #tourguide. Member of @eyesonscotland @stgaguides @guide.collective