Call for volunteer tour guides
Oban is on the look out for more tour guides to show off the town’s sights, Kathie Griffiths.
Port of Oban Cruise Group wants to boost its number of yellow badge-trained guides ready for the return of cruise ships next year.
Since the first cohort of guides, officially badged by the Scottish Tourism Guides Association (STGA), stepped out in May 2018 some of them have retired, moved away or gone to university leaving vacancies to be filled.
Working alongside BID4Oban, Port of Oban Cruise Group chairman Rab Black is raring to go on a recruitment drive and is feeling optimistic.
‘We are well placed to offer cruise ship passengers guided walking tours of Oban and we’re delighted to be back in talks with Patricia Bain who heads up training for STGA.
‘With Patricia’s help we produced 12 yellow badge guides in 2018 and with some now retired, others away at university or moved permanently, it’s the right time to look at increasing our numbers so we’re ready when more cruise ships return next season,’ he said.
BID4Oban chief executive Andrew Spence is also confident that new guides will be in place for spring 2022 ready and waiting to welcome back cruise passengers.
Signs are that cruiseline operators will be offering longer port stays in the future which would be good news for Oban businesses.
BIDS4Oban and Port of Oban Cruise Group say they are determined that Oban will be front of mind when cruise lines are planning forward their itineraries.
An open evening will be held early next year for anyone interested in training as yellow badge walking tour guide.
Places will be offered by an interview panel and successful candidates will be expected to be available for walking tours throughout the season.
Training is likely to take place in late March, early April, with a mix of classroom learning, practical skills and home study.
Interested? Watch out for more information to come later this year.