Helping to develop their tour guiding skills, the NQ level 6 class from the College’s Clydebank campus relished the opportunity to learn from the experts.

With an exclusive behind the scenes look at Central Station, they walked the subterranean pathways beneath Glasgow’s streets, visited the railway vaults and heard tales of the famous and infamous who travelled the tracks and stood on the platforms. 

The tour provided students with an opportunity to witness first-hand just how knowledgeable and engaging a tour guide's role is and how instrumental they are in bringing a place to life as well as seeing the responsibilities they have in ensuring the health and wellbeing of visitors.

Speaking to Travel and Tourism Lecturer Gayle Turnbull about the visit she said, “This was our second time visiting Glasgow Central Tours and it didn’t disappoint! When we learn about tour guiding it’s so important for the students to see a tour guide in action and Paul and Jacqui are just incredible guides.

They tailor each trip to the group and keep everyone so engaged. There were some great laughs throughout as well as some poignant moments.

'It was great to be back out visiting tours and attractions. The day was rounded off with Christmas Markets and experiencing the buzz of Glasgow at Christmas.”

Student Sophie McCall commented, “I really enjoyed the Glasgow Central Station tour.

The tour guide was amazing, he really made the station come to life in what he was talking about.

'I learned so much about what the station used to be like and how it is so different today but underneath the station is still painted and decorated the same as it was years and years ago. I would definitely do the tour again in the future.”

This is just one of many trip the department have planned for the students across the academic year as they look to further develop their skills through real life experiences.

If you’re interested in studying Travel and Tourism, check our January start courses and our full-time courses starting August.