My name is Andrea Middleton, call me Andy. I am an official ‘Blue Badge’ Scottish Tourist Guide.
I am one of the luck ones who love their job. I love this country and get excited about helping others see the magic in this country too.
This was not the career I thought I would end up with but I am so glad I decided to pursue and chase this as a career from 1994. In 1998 I began the 2-year journey of training to become a professional tourist guide. I got my professional qualification in 2000, and finally got to wear the coveted Blue Badge. I have never looked back.
Why I love my job?
I am always looking out in wonderment at my beautiful ‘office’ and cannot believe I am lucky enough to be immersed in Scotland all the time.
What I like the most is that each week is different, one week I can be on a walking day tour of Edinburgh, the next week up in Orkney with a coach group exploring the prehistoric monuments.; the following week cruising the islands off the west coast; then driver guiding an Outlander Tour.
I was a fan of the Outlander Books and when filming started I was excited to learn that filming was in Scotland. Whenever I can I was out trying to search out locations where filming took place. I then was pursuaded to join a casting agency and my first gig was in season 3 of Outlander. Filming was over the winter months when guiding work was quieter, so it fit in a gap nicely. This led me to conducting Outlander Tours for fans who wanted to visit and see the locations with someone who had actually been in the show. The professional qualification gives piece of mind that you will be looked after properly.
I have been a member of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA) since 2000. Here is the link to my profile page on STGA website.
Whether you want me to drive you around the highlands ; walk Edinburgh; hike some amazing trails; perhaps you have a special interest trip – e.g. Harry Potter Tour or Outlander Tour, all is possible.
email me: andy@minikilttours.co.uk