Page 186 - Microsoft Word - Guiding lights final version 0841 1007 big print.doc

Anne’s Greatest ambition
In 2001 STGA stalwart Anne Lister was interviewed by the Guardian for an article about geriatric tourist guides (she was 88 at the time). The article was picked up by Radio Scotland and during the interview in response to ‘Of all the places you have visited, which is your favourite?’ The answer came immediately ‘Edinburgh’. To the question: ‘What is your greatest ambition?’ the answer was without hesitation. ‘To drop down dead on the Castle Esplanade and cause the greatest disturbance possible!’ She was awarded Honorary membership just before she died aged 89 in 2002.
The First Minister wants to come on the coach!
In 2005 BBG Ron Malcolm was outside Bute House in Charlotte Square with a coach load of German visitors when a large car drew up and out came First Minister Jack McConnell.
Ron was just explaining who he was when the First Minister came across to the coach, tapped on the window, came on board and welcomed the astonished German visitors to Scotland!
Guides come to the rescue
By Gail Fotheringham
“During our summer week of training as a Blue Badge Guide on the
drive from Beauly to Inverness, we turned a corner into a quiet road to
see a body lying across it.
Brakes were slammed on in time and fortunately, having Kenny Kerr,
Alastair McDermott and Ewan Skinner with us (all police trained),
between them a diversion was operated, ambulance called and the road
reopened. It certainly made us aware of what we might face out on the
roads!’
Kenny adds: ‘I remember it vividly. We were coming down from Beauly
and had just turned left onto the Drumnadrochit road when the driver
saw a body on the road across the other carriageway. Thinking quickly,
he stopped in front of her and put on his hazards. The other guys
directed traffic while I got help. The casualty was well known for
collapsing drunk!’.
185