In our series of blog posts, we catch up with our former guides to hear how about what they are up to now and how they are using their experience at Invisible Cities.
After being a guide for 5 years Angus decided it was time for him to officially retire. Over the last few months, we have worked on a new, updated Royal Mile Tour and supported him in making that transition. This is what he says:
“I did my initial training with Invisible Cities at the end of 2017. At that time I was selling The Big Issue, which I had been doing since 2009 when I was living in a hostel in Edinburgh. The training was fast paced with plenty to learn. We also had some fun and formed new friendships. One of the most important thing I learnt was group management. On a tour, I once started with 14 guests and ended up with 22!
I designed, with support from Invisible Cities staff, my tour #1, called From Huts to High Rise. This was a ghost-and-Harry Potter free, walking talk, or talking walk, down the upper Royal Mile covering construction styles and methods through the centuries.
After a few years I introduced my tour #2, Scotland’s Languages. This is a very rapid run through, though walking at the same stately pace, of around two thousand years of history, and when I didn’t forget to mention a couple of them, the existence, or influence of around 9 languages, mainly though, covering Scots & Gaelic.
I found my work as a guide immensely enjoyable. My guests have mostly been very inquisitive and knowledgeable about Scottish life and history, including those from overseas.
Invisible Cities is much more than a tour guiding organisation, we meet regularly and enjoy social and educational events. We sailed on a canal boat, visited a textile exhibition, had day trips to various places and I even learned to use a sewing machine.
At 67 creaky years old I have now stepped down to write a book, also about Scotland’s languages which Invisible Cities continues to support me with.
I hope to continue updating you about my projects but until then, enjoy your tours, be cool, and buy a cagoule.”
Angus
