A new course aimed at aspiring tourist guides in the north Highlands has been launched by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
The certificate in higher education tourist guiding is specifically designed for the north Highland area and will be available from September at seven different study locations.
Those attending a one year full-time course will also gain a green badge qualification from the Scottish Tourist Guides Association.
Part of the course includes taking a virtual bus tour to allow students to learn remotely by experiencing tours with accurate mapping and a route plan.
On successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to matriculate into the second year of some of the other tourism related degrees offered by the university.
Professor Donna Heddle, course director of the centre for Nordic studies at UHI, said: “We established this new programme at the request of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association after our success with a similar green badge programme we created in Orkney to capitalise on the increased cruise ship traffic to the island.
“Tourism is a major driver of the economy in the North Highlands. We want to support initiatives to encourage local people to see tourism and cultural heritage as a real career opportunity.”