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Glasgow in 1979, I relish showing visitors my chosen home.‘ Sue was chair of the STGA from 2012 to 2014.
Morag Dunbar is originally from Fife but now lives in the Pentlands, west of Edinburgh, allowing her to enjoy the countryside. At Kirkcaldy High School she developed a passion for Scottish history which ultimately led to a degree at Edinburgh University. Then followed thirty enjoyable years with the Scottish Examination Board (now SQA) dealing latterly with certification in music and physical education. In 1998 came early retirement and the opportunity to train as a Blue Badge Guide, a career which she really loves.
‘Finally I can indulge my historic, cultural and environmental interests as I take people round Scotland, sharing my passion for it with them. How I wish I had discovered guiding sooner!’
Among her other interests has always been Scottish traditional music. She helps organise a local folk club and also runs an informal monthly folk music session where she sings and plays guitar.
Although of Scottish parentage Pat Blain did not know Scotland until she was almost fifteen. Her father served with the British Army of the Rhine and she was born in Germany. ‘Our travels took us to the Far East, where we stayed in several countries before returning to Edinburgh,’ she said. ‘After Firrhill Secondary School, I studied cartography and surveying at Napier College and these studies were then continued at Telford College and Glasgow College of Building and Printing.
‘I spent five years at Livingston Development Corporation, before joining the Scottish Office where I worked with the Ancient Monuments Division and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. This involved travel through Scotland, which developed my love for the country.
‘In 2002, I was able to take early retirement from Scottish Water and applied for a place on the STGA course. For some considerable time I had observed the phenomena of the tourist guide, through the lens of my theodelite; and when I joined the STGA some of the faces were well- kent, even if I did not have a name to put to the face.’ She became the STGA’s Training Manager and has been a member of the STGA board and the Edinburgh branch which she chaired for three years. Pat is also involved in the WFTGA and was elected secretary at its 2009 Convention in Bali and is also a qualified WFTGA trainer.
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