Page 81 - Microsoft Word - Guiding lights final version 0841 1007 big print.doc

recognised hallmarks of a professional association our Training Standards and Qualifications, our Code of Conduct, our Complaints/disciplinary Procedures and finally our CPD Scheme, so yes indeed it is by “ticking all these boxes”, that entitles us to say “We are the professionals!”
In addition to establishing the CPD scheme Norma reduced STGA's legal expenses over many years by drafting letters, agreements and documents, by scrutinising and commenting on legal contracts, and by researching legal issues pertinent to the Association's operation.
The second decade of the new millennium was to see massive growth in Scottish tourism with more and more cruise ships landing off the country’s coast depositing thousands of visitors keen to see its historic sites and beautiful scenery.
VisitScotland capitalised on new feature films made partially or wholly in Scotland including the 2012 James Bond outing, Skyfall.
But arguably the biggest phenomenon was the TV series, Outlander, based on Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling books featuring the dashing 18th century Scottish heart-throb Jamie played by Sam Heughan complete with long hair and kilt.
Thousands of fans descended on Scotland to see the locations where the TV series was filmed providing much work for tourist guides.
One of the big challenges for the STGA was making sure there were enough qualified tourist guides to meet demand as well as supplementing or replacing colleagues who wanted to take on less work or just retire.
In 2010 a fresh batch of guides was produced and TV presenter and STGA honorary president Neil Oliver wore his STGA tartan kilt at the graduation ceremony and the then STGA deputy chair Maggie McLeod managed to secure the National Gallery of Scotland at no cost.
‘It’s amazing what can be achieved with little or no budget!’ said Maggie. 2010 also proved to be a significant year for Ros Newlands who was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Ros said she had been given the honour thanks to the efforts of STGA colleagues led by Doreen Boyle, Sally Spaven and the late Wilma Kelloe.
‘It was for services to tourism but really tourist guiding,’ said Ros.
‘We turned up at Buckingham Palace on a snowy day in December 2010. I remember very well the rehearsal with uniformed military officers teaching us how to curtsey.
‘I went forward – did my curtsey and Prince Charles asked me about tourist guiding – saying “it’s very important what you do – you give people their impressions of our country”.
80