Page 64 - Microsoft Word - Guiding lights final version 0841 1007 big print.doc

continuous professional development was key to successful guiding. Within weeks of the awarding of the contract, Mercat and STGA guides embarked on a demanding training programme for guiding in the Parliament. In due course, friendships were formed and mutual respect followed. Within months, Mercat guides were presenting themselves for STGA Site Affiliate status and STGA guides were training for Mercat Tours programmes. A symbiotic relationship was developing. This positive approach very much helped the smooth operation of the Parliament tours and led to very complimentary reports from the visitors. ‘Thirdly, the honest and frank relationships formed between the leaders of the STGA contract and the management of Mercat Tours was a key factor in the success of the collaboration. At times thorny issues were discussed and difficult decisions were made but there was always a respect for each other’s position and viewpoint. The individual strengths of the organisations were capitalised on. STGA assumed responsibility for training, assessing and timetabling while Mercat assisted with assessment, conducted Quality Assurance and helped with logistics. Knowing our own strengths, complementing each other, facing up to challenges and ensuring effective and regular communication resulted in the provision of an excellent product either Company would have found more difficult to prove on its own.
‘I suppose it was inevitable that once the principles and routine had been established, the Corporate Body which was in charge of the running of the Parliament, would want to provide in-house guiding themselves. After five years of fruitful collaboration, the contract came to an end and the STGA/Mercat partnership itself became history. I think both organisations can look back to that time with pride and the certain knowledge that they were involved at a key time in bringing the knowledge of the building and its story to the people of Scotland. We told that story very well!’
Mary Kemp Clarke said the closeness of the STGA and Mercat Tours encouraged several Blue Badge guides to train as 'Mercateers'. ‘I did and found the experience invaluable, ‘ she said. ‘As the guiding experience was now moving into the experiential and more interactive forms of delivering commentaries, honing the story-telling skills with Mercat Tours was very useful, and even trickled into ways of training guides at times. The telling of a commentary in an equally informative AND entertaining way is crucial today and a given. I loved the role playing too which I also brought into my normal guiding. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Mercat during the day with their more historical tours and in the night with their more hysterical tours. Much fun for a few years.’
63