Beginning their 30^th anniversary year, founder and sole Director of Edinburgh-based family business Mercat Tours, Des Brogan, has announced his retirement.   Having led Mercat Tours Ltd and Mercat Tours International to become the multi award-winning market leader in guided tours, his daughter Kathleen Brogan will succeed him as Managing Director.

Together with the change in leadership, Mercat Tours has also received external accreditation of their training programme.  This acknowledges the comprehensive in-house training and exceptional visitor experience delivered by their people.

Edinburgh Napier University assessed the rigorous  visitor focussed training all Mercat guides receive on recruitment and, in accordance with national SCQF criteria, accredited the programme Postgraduate Certificate in Tour Guiding and Interpretation (Level 10).

Des Brogan, speaking on the development which confirms Mercat staff as the only guides with accreditation externally verified by a University in Scotland:

“Mercat has grown from humble beginnings to become renowned for quality, guide-led tours. I’m particularly proud to have our guide’s talent and dedication formally recognised, due Kathleen’s vision and hard work on this project, as I defer to her leadership.”

Kathleen Brogan assumes the role with long association and experience of the businesses having been Mercat International Guide since 2005 and Head of Business Development since 2007.

The accreditation is the latest, valued development for Mercat following a successful year which has seen the company’s commitment to quality acknowledged with a record 91% VisitScotland Quality Assurance grading, National Scottish Thistle Award, Scottish Business in the Community SME of the Year and GTBS GOLD re-awarded for sustainable practise.