AN ALLOA woman was recently presented with her Scottish Tourist Guide Association blue badge by the Duke of Argyll.

Kirsty McAlister was awarded the badge by Torquhil Campbell after completing 18 months of training.

The blue badge allows Kirsty to take visitors on tours across Scotland.

There are now 318 blue badge guides in Scotland, 124 green badge guides qualified to guide in regions and 30 yellow badge guides who guide at specific locations.

The course is accredited by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations and is the only one of its kind in Scotland.

Students study a wide range of subjects including art, archaeology, geology, film and TV, and sports. They also do regional studies, travel around Scotland, learn how to guide on a coach and at historical sites as well as doing walking tours.

Once they complete the course the Scottish Tourist Guide Association provides a booking service for the guides who can also seek work from many other travel and tourist organisations.

The Duke, whose family home at Inveraray castle is regularly visited by tourist guides and their clients, said: “You are all amazing ambassadors and I am sure you will do a fantastic job.

“You have an opportunity and an ability to influence people. You have the ability to spread the word of what we have got here because you speak to people and they go home and speak to their friends. Go out, spread the word, encourage people to come to Scotland.”

The Duke also revealed the castle had enjoyed a record year with more than 102,000 visitors compared to 65,000 in 2001 when he started running it following the death of his father.

Scottish Tourist Guide Association chairman John Duncan said: “There is a lot of demand for qualified tourist guides in Scotland and we are delighted to have trained up these 30 people to the highest standards for this growing market.

“There are many unqualified tourist guides but having the blue badge qualification is a kite mark of quality for the industry.

“People on our course are taught about professional ethics, group management and business knowledge and skills to make them properly equipped to look after visitors.

“We believe it is essential for Scotland’s international reputation as a tourist destination that we have the highest standards of professionalism and this course provides that assurance to visitors.”