Wild Scotland Annual Conference - Wednesday 20 November, Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling
Join us at our annual conference as we gather to prepare for 2026: striving for sustainable success by scaling strength.
Facilitated by Caroline Warburton from Visit Scotland, our Conference is a fantastic opportunity to learn and be inspired by industry leaders, and to connect with like-minded industry peers. Gain valuable insights and consider what growth and success looks like for your business in 2026.
Mark your calendar and join us to celebrate your businesses, which all support Scotland’s position as a world leader in nature-based tourism.
In the afternoon, there is an alternative session aimed at marine tourism businesses affected by the new MCA Sport and Pleasure Code introduced in December 2025. Bill Forsyth, MCA Senior Surveyor, will present on the interpretation and implications of the new Code and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. You are welcome to attend only for this session if you wish - see ticket options on Eventbrite.
Conference Venue
This in-person event will take place at Stirling Court Hotel, on the University of Stirling campus just a short distance from Stirling. With suitable conference space, great transport links and comfortable accommodation on-site, this is the perfect venue for our 2026 gathering.
https://www.stirlingcourthotel.co.uk/find-us-parking
Exhibitor stands are available at the cost of £65 (members)/£80(non-members)(both options include 1 delegate ticket). Please email us at info@wild-scotland.co.uk if you would like to reserve a stand.
AGENDA
Members are invited to arrive from 09:45.
CONFERENCE: 10:00 for a 10.30 start, closing at 16:00
Marc Crothall, CEO, The Scottish Tourism Alliance Marc started his working life in the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry at the age of 17. He has held a variety of front-line senior management and executive positions across different sectors of the industry in various parts of the globe. In May 2012 Marc was appointed as the first CEO of The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), which is acknowledged as the overarching trade body for the tourism and hospitality sector. Marc’s presentation is on the STA Holyrood Election Manifesto.
Michael Golding, CEO, Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions Michael has responsibility for the vision, strategy, operational performance, and leadership of ASVA. He will talk us through the new Quality Scheme, developed by Scottish attractions, for Scottish attractions. The scheme upholds world-class standards through expert star grading, exclusive training, and comprehensive support and is open to all attractions and providers.
Debbie Williams, Glencoe Outdoor Centre Debbie and her husband Chris moved to Glencoe to take over the running of the Centre in 1988. Chris has a business background and much of his role is thus behind the scenes, whilst Debbie takes the lead in organising the team and the activities. Debbie is committed to making Outdoor Education apprenticeships available to young people looking for a route into the outdoor industry and will take us through the whys and wherefores of this employment opportunity for the industry.
12:00-13:30 Lunch & Networking
Beccy Angus, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Beccy works with the Royal Zoological Society Scotland (RZSS) at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park leading the Discovery and Learning team. She joined RZSS in 2018 and as well as her current work connecting people with each other and nature, sits on the BIAZA board, Bright Green Nature Board, is the chair of the BIAZA Conservation Education Committee and serves on the EAZA Conservation Education Committee.
Marina Di Duca, Visit Scotland Marina Di Duca is the Inclusive Tourism Manager for VisitScotland. With over 40 years of experience in the tourism industry, she has a diverse professional background, having held roles in marketing and corporate communications before specialising in inclusive tourism development. Marina will give an introduction to accessible and inclusive tourism, the value of the accessible tourism market and how best to attract these extremely loyal customers. She will share practical advice and top tips to implement in your business, guidance on a range of helpful resources and key insights into this valuable market.
14:40-15:00 Refreshments and Networking
Susan Graham, Co-founder and Designer, Embra Digital
Website Wins: Convert Visitors to Customers Susan will join us to share how simple changes to your website like clear messaging, easy navigation, and making sure it looks great and works well on all devices, can help turn your website visitors into customers. You’ll leave with practical tips and changes that you can start to make right away!
Alternative afternoon session 13.30-15.30
Bill Forsyth, MCA Senior Surveyor (Glasgow) Bill will present on the interpretation and implications of the new MCA Sport and Pleasure Code. The Code was introduced in December 2025 and will affect all small tourism vessels within three years. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, and time at the end for tea and networking. This important presentation is open to all members and non-members of Wild Scotland who may be affected, including sailing charter, wildlife charter, dive charter, angling charter, RYA schools and more.
Meet Our Exhibitors:
More information coming soon
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