Ready to share Oban’s long and incredible history

IF YOU happen to be reading this on the morning the paper is published, please spare a thought and a wee prayer for the 12 hardy individuals, including myself, who are in the middle of an exam to become guides taking Oban Walking Tours.

The training has been fantastic and really enjoyable, and I’ve been lucky enough to meet some incredible people with a real love of Oban and its history.

It’s also been very hectic with lots of reading and studying, and at least one walk around the town each day. On one occasion it took four hours rather than the usual two-and-a-half.

I had thought I was familiar with Oban and some of its history, but I knew nothing. Now I do know just a little but that knowledge is expanding every day and it’s fascinating.

For a wee town, we have had a lot of in- fluential visitors and a long and incredible history and now we get to share what we are learning with others.

It will continue to be a learning experience as we gain experience as guides and continue to study and benefit from the knowledge of others.

We are offering free tours to local individuals and groups to let them experience what we do and give ourselves some practice before the busy summer season is upon us.

The exam we’re sitting today will provide us with a Yellow Badge qualification from the Scottish Tour Guide Association which is recognised worldwide as a reputable training organisation and I cannot thank it enough for the guidance and encouragement it has given us, as well as the world-class training.

Fingers crossed then that 12 of us finish this morning as Yellow Badge Guides ready to take on the world and show it how great Oban is.