MEET THE GUIDES
AVRIL CONACHER
Avril
CONACHER
Hello! Slainte Mhath! Fàilte gu Scotland! (Good Health! Welcome to Scotland)
I am Avril. I was born in Edinburgh and currently live in Glasgow. I studied life sciences and marine ecology at Aberdeen University and I have a life-long interest in all things nature, wild places and all kinds of beasties.
I am very proud of Scotland and believe that our wonderful country has a great deal to offer all our guests and visitors.
I really love to share my passion for history, culture and wildlife. And yes, even in the heart of our great inner city there are plenty of birds, mini-beasts and all kinds of plants and even some urban wild animals to spot.
Join me in exploring new places and making new discoveries. Any kind of trip you have in mind, whether it is a day trip or a carefully planned holiday. Together we can explore art, architecture, landscapes, people, heritage and wildlife as well as the past, and the future for the country.
Join me for a tour around our great city ‘Mother Glasgow’.
In the lyrics of the song by the late Michael Marra
“In the Second City of the Empire
Mother Glasgow watches all her weans (children)”.
WHAT MAKES ME SPECIAL
I’m a real natural history buff with a special interest in urban wildlife.
tour with me because
I’m fun to be with (not to mention my slightly quirky sense of humour).
WHAT I’M LIKE
Friends say I become very passionate about what interests me.
FAVOURITE SCOTTISH FOOD
I love a meaty venison stew, but nothing beats a traditional Scottish Clootie Dumpling (all the better for having been wrapped in cloth when steamed)!
AN OBSCURE FACT
I’ve camped on almost every large island in Scotland – Barra was definitely my favourite – truly beautiful.
FAVOURITE SCOTTISH POEM
I’ll opt for a children’s poem, The Moon by Robert Louis Stevenson, best known for his adventure tales Treasure Island and Kidnapped. “The moon has a face like the clock in the hall”.
FAVOURITE PLACE
Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens in rural Dumfriesshire – it’s a bit out of the way and not the most obvious castle to visit but a fantastic example of 17th century Renaissance architecture, sometimes referred to as a Pink Palace. It’s very grand inside, and outside the Victorian Gardens are a must. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly for keen cyclists like me.