MEET OUR GUIDES
Our guides are passionate storytellers, local experts and skilled communicators who bring Scotland’s history, culture, landscapes and heritage to life. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, discovering hidden gems or tracing your family history, our guides create memorable experiences tailored to your interests.
STGA GUIDES WORK WITH:
- Independent travellers
- Families and friends
- Tour operators
- Cruise visitors
- Educational groups
- Corporate and incentive groups
- Special interest tours
OUR MEMBERS ARE ACCREDITED AS:
Blue Badge Guides
Qualified to guide throughout Scotland, with comprehensive knowledge of the country’s history, culture, geography and visitor attractions.
Green Badge Guides
Qualified to guide within a specific region and able to provide in-depth local knowledge and expertise.
Yellow Badge Guides
Qualified to guide at a specific attraction, site or route.
WHY CHOOSE AN STGA GUIDE?
All STGA guides are professionally trained, accredited and committed to delivering the highest standards of visitor experience.
Our guides are:
- Fully qualified to recognised professional standards
- Friendly, engaging and experienced communicators
- Experts in Scotland’s history, culture and heritage
- Able to design bespoke itineraries to suit your interests, timeframe and budget
- Experienced in working with individuals and groups of all sizes
- Fluent in a wide range of languages
- Committed to the STGA Code of Conduct and Standards of Performance
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours, a day or a longer tour, an STGA guide can help you get the most from your time in Scotland.
OUR SERVICES
Our guides offer a wide range of services throughout Scotland, including:
MULTILINGUAL GUIDING
Many STGA guides provide tours in languages other than English, helping visitors enjoy a more personal and accessible experience.
DRIVER-GUIDED TOURS
Combining expert guiding with transportation, driver-guides offer flexible, personalised tours for individuals, families and small groups.
PRIVATE TOURS
Tailored experiences designed around your interests, pace and schedule.
GROUP TOURS
Guiding services for leisure groups, educational visits, cruise excursions and corporate events.
SPECIALIST TOURS
Many guides have expertise in areas such as:
- Scottish history
- Whisky
- Architecture
- Ancestry and genealogy
- Literature
- Wildlife and nature
- Outlander and film locations
- Royal Scotland
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Every STGA guide is professionally trained and accredited.
All members operate as independent self-employed professionals and are required to maintain active membership of the Association. Membership is subject to adherence to the STGA Code of Conduct and Standards of Performance, ensuring clients receive a consistently high level of professionalism, expertise and service.
GUIDE RATES
Guide fees vary depending on:
- Tour duration
- Location
- Group size
- Language requirements
- Transportation requirements
- Specialist knowledge requested
As STGA guides are self-employed professionals, rates may vary. Please contact us or search our guide directory to discuss your requirements and obtain a tailored quote.
INDICATIVE RATES FOR TOURS 2026/7
| SERVICE PROVIDED | INDICATIVE RATE |
|---|---|
| Half day (up to 4 hours) in English | From £235 |
| Full day (up to 8 hours) in English | From £355 |
| Half day (up to 4 hours) in another language1 | From £270 |
| Full day (up to 8 hours) in another language1 | From £410 |
| Full day driver guiding2 | From £715 |
1 The fee will be higher if the guide is required to work in two languages in any tour.
2 Based on a 4-passenger large saloon. Prices for people will be higher.
Half days are up to 4 hours maximum, which can be either morning (expected to finish by 13.00) or afternoon tours (expected to start from 13.30)
These indicative rates are for guiding only and does not include any travel expenses, accommodation, meal expenses, travel time or entrance to paid venues.
All STGA guides are self-employed members of the Scottsh Tourist Guides Association, the contract for services booked is between you and the guide.