THE Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership has announced the return of its training course.

The free Biosphere Guide Training Course, set to take place over two days on April 27 and 28 in St John's Town of Dalry, aims to support small business start-ups looking to offer guided or tour-based experiences within the UNESCO Biosphere region.

The training is specifically designed for locals who are passionate about the biosphere.

Those who complete the course will be able to use a new logo, designed specifically for Biosphere Guides, featuring the UK's largest UNESCO Biosphere's sundew motif.

The course will also focus on how to run a creative guiding enterprise that balances people, planet, and profit, the three pillars of sustainability.

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere (GSAB) Partnership is a key player in destination marketing for the south of Scotland, working with various organisations, including VisitScotland and the SSDA.

Existing Biosphere Guides and Experiences have attracted international attention, especially in recent years.

April’s guide training course will be led by Stef Lauer of Hands On Consulting, who has delivered Biosphere guide training pre-Covid and again at Kirroughtree and Straiton in 2022, then in Glentrool and Girvan last year.

New Biosphere Guides receive a Certificate of Completion and, when their businesses are ready to launch, will get a free listing in the online directory of Biosphere Experiences.

There is also the opportunity to collaborate with local businesses awarded the Biosphere Certification Mark to create extended tours tailored for clients of international travel trade buyers.

These experiences are already attracting tour operators from Europe and further afield.

Anyone interested in the Biosphere Guide Training Course is invited to email jenna@gsabiosphere.org.uk for more details or an application form, and applications will close on March 28.