Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere has announced that it will be offering its Biosphere Guide Training Course in 2022: four days of free training to be held over two weekends in March.
Designed for individuals who live within the region and are passionate about Biosphere life, the course will develop participants’ local knowledge and equip them to deliver an accessible, sustainable and engaging visitor experience that explores the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere.
Topics to be covered include environmental awareness, wildlife watching, and sense of place, alongside essential business advice on health and safety, accreditation, and trends and challenges in Scottish tourism.
The course will also feature, as a new element for 2022, an evening "Darkness and Stars" activity led by Elizabeth Tindal, local Dark Sky Ranger and trained Biosphere Guide. With Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere featured on Scotland’s UNESCO Trail and the nation’s green recovery underway, this course provides an exciting opportunity for local people to develop new skills and explore creative tourism-based careers.
Stef Lauer of Hands On Consulting is back to lead the course, having delivered the last guide training in 2019. Among the graduates that year was Craig Murray who now runs South West Scotland Tours.