Working in the outdoor and marine tourism sector whether you deliver wildlife watching experiences, boat trips, horse treks, SUP or winter mountaineering, they all require significant preparation, a high level of knowledge, skill and commitment - not forgetting a requirement for good customer service skills including empathy and patience.
You are not only required to be good at all of the above but you are also running a business which requires administrative, digital and accountancy skills!
We hope the below will guide you to some useful information relating to specific skills and NGB training, global standards and sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Wild Scotland Best Practice Guidelines >
WISE Training Scheme for marine operators and adventure tourism operators
The WiSe Scheme is the UK's national training scheme for minimising disturbance to marine wildlife. Find out more >
Leave No Trace - The Seven Principles
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Although Leave No Trace has its roots in backcountry settings, the Principles have been adapted so that they can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your own backyard. They also apply to almost every recreational activity. Each Principle covers a specific topic and provides detailed information for minimizing impacts.
Find out more >
Green Tourism Programme
Green Tourism expert advice, eco-development programmes and internationally respected accreditation scheme have helped thousands of businesses get greener, saving them money and making a real difference to the environment. Find out more >
Institute for Outdoor Learning
The Institute for Outdoor Learning is the professional body for organisations and individuals who use the outdoors to make a difference for others. IOL sets standards and collaborates with many organisations to improve the quality of Outdoor Learning in the UK. Find out more >
Digital Skills - Digital Boost
Businesses can get free webinars, grants, support from a digital consultant, online advice & tips to help their business and platforms do more with digital.
Find out more and see the VisitScotland digital boost series of webinars >
First Aid Training Scotland
First Aid and Medical Training - Glenmore Lodge >
4x4 Training
Land Rover Experience Scotland or Scot Off Road Training
Wildlife Guide Training
Wildlife Identification in the Cairngorms >
This course is designed to enable people to develop expertise in identifying the wildlife (predominantly birds and mammals) found in the Cairngorms National Park.
Speyside Wildlife - Wildlife Identification 2022/2023 dates are as follow:
Rewilding Communications Training
Equip yourself with the tools to inspire and drive change as a powerful rewilding communicator.
Join Scotland The Big Picture at their rewilding hub to help rewrite nature's story.
Find out more and book here.
Glenmore Lodge Outdoor Adventure Sports Training Courses
Orienteering Courses
Scottish Orienteering and courses
International Adventure Travel Guide Qualification and Performance Standard
This ATGS is offered to the industry as a voluntary guideline. It is not enforced or regulated by the ATTA or any other organisation.
Governments, destination managers, and company owners are encouraged to refer to the ATGS when evaluating the quality and performance of their own guides and determining appropriate training programs. Both new and experienced guides may refer to the ATGS as a benchmark for evaluating their own performance. Find out more >
Canoe Scotland Leadership Training
Find out more >
Adventure Studies - University of the Highlands and Islands
Do you love outdoor adventure and are inspired by Scotland’s natural wilderness? UHI offer a range of courses and degrees in the tourism, adventure and marine sectors and with majestic mountains, rivers and seas as your classroom there is no better place to study. Find out more >
A wide range of NGB courses and achievement awards are also available to study privately, or as part of the UHI undergraduate and degree courses.
UHI use professional, highly experienced guides and trainers so that you achieve industry-recognised qualifications.
National Governing Body Courses >