Arcadia Scotland

We hope you are getting excited about your time in Scotland this Spring! We have put together a range of events for you that will get you properly immersed into Scottish culture and maybe trying some new experiences! There is something for everyone and we encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity. Below is a first look at what you've got in store! 

Event registration opens SOON in your Arcadia Passport.

Don’t forget, if an event is full you can add yourself to the waitlist to be notified automatically if more space becomes available

Author Talk 

Wednesday, Feb 12

The talk will be followed by drinks and nibbles and a chance to chat to the author.

Price: Free

Paris Regional

Friday, Feb 21 - Sunday, Feb 23

Our regional this year is to the city of Paris.

Price: $300 Includes: Travel, Accommodation, one group meal

More details TBC. 

Firbush Adventure Weekend

Friday, Feb 28 - Sunday, March 2

Join us for one of our most popular events– the Loch Tay Outdoor Activity Weekend- Firbush. This is an activity-filled weekend set in the southern Highlands; staying in a log cabin, opening your curtains to the rolling mountains and still waters of Loch Tay you will embark on an amazing weekend of hill-walking, kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking. Come rain, snow or sun you will get to experience the best outdoor activities that the Highlands has to offer. The neighbouring village of Killin offers quaint tea shops and pubs as well as the dramatic Falls of Dochart. If you are wanting a more leisurely exploration of the area, you are more than welcome to enjoy it in a less adrenaline-packed manner. On the Saturday evening, we will have a traditional Burns' Supper where you will get to try Haggis, Neeps and Tatties followed by a ceilidh and evening of music by a world-renowned local 'Piper. This really is a weekend not to be missed!

Price: $100 Includes: Round trip travel by coach from Edinburgh and pick up from Stirling, two nights’ accommodation, all meals (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) and all activities with equipment hire (if you have your own, I would use that).

Accessibility Info: Firbush is an outdoor activity weekend with walking, kayaking and other outdoors sports, you are encouraged to take it at your own pace and for any accessibility concerns get in touch. 

Borders Day Trip

Saturday, March 8

For hundreds of years the Scottish Borders have marked the boundary between Scotland and England, and for this reason the region is rich with history, culture, and literature. From Walter Scott, to James Hogg, and John Buchan, the Borders has provided inspiration for great works of prose, poetry, and song. The day will begin with a visit to Rosslyn Chapel, a 15th century chapel featured in the 2006 film The Da Vinci Code. The Chapel is also associated with the Holy Grail and the Knights Templar. After this we will visit Melrose Abbey, a partially ruined monastery that is nearly 900 years old. Despite the best efforts of Henry VIII and Oliver Cromwell the abbey still stands to this day, and provides a valuable insight into Scotland’s past. After lunch in the town of Melrose, we will be visiting Abbotsford House, the stately home of Scotland’s greatest novelist Sir Walter Scott. The house itself is full of history, and also boasts fantastic grounds including a walled garden. We will then move to Scot’s viewpoint, overlooking the verdant valley of the River Tweed.

Price includes: $20. Round trip travel by coach from Edinburgh, Entry to Rosslyn Chapel, Abbotsford House. 

Accessibility: There is a lot of walking during this trip as well as stretches of time on the coach. Toilets are at most destinations on the itinerary. 

Highlands Weekend

Friday, March 14 - Sunday, March 16

Come away to the Highlands of Scotland! This 3-day weekend trip will feature a drive up to the historic town of Crieff where you will tour a distillery to sample some of the finest whiskies in the land. You’ll stop at the Victorian holiday town of Pitlochry and visit a working sheepdog farm. You’ll take in the dramatic views of Loch Morlich and stay the night in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.

You will visit the historic Culloden Battlefield and the beautifully ruined Urquhart Castle which sits perched on the banks of Loch Ness. Then onto Fort William and the Glenfinnan viaduct. We'll then drive coastward to Oban, a beautiful village that clings to the edge of the waters of the Firth of Lorn. Some of the best seafood in Scotland comes from here.

You’ll continue on to the Gothic beauty of St Conan’s Kirk. Next, a visit to a waterfall that runs through a village, the Falls of Dochart. You’ll stop at Kilmahog to see that iconic Scottish animal, the Highland coo, if they’re not feeling too shy that is. Finally, we'll wrap up our trip by seeing the gorgeous Stirling castle.

Price: $100 Includes: Round trip travel by coach from Edinburgh, 2 nights accommodation - Inverness Youth Hostel & Oban Youth Hostel, 2x breakfasts, 2x dinner. 

Accessibility Info: There is a lot of walking during this trip and long stretches on the coach (which will have a toilet). Accommodation is shared, mixed gender dorms. Any concerns or adjustments you may need, please get in touch. 

Hibs v St Johnston Football

Saturday, March 29th (Fixtures depending)

Come experience a Scottish football match on the stomping ground of the Hibs football team on Easter Road. Before soaking in the atmosphere you’ll have lunch before heading to the stadium to cheer on your team of choice. 

Price: $10 Includes: Lunch and football match ticket.  

Accessibility: Climbing stairs to get to seats, football matches are loud and crowded. 

Scottish Ensemble: Thuit an Oidhche Oirnn

Sunday, April 13

Enjoy some excellent Scottish music in an excellent Edinburgh independent music venue. This concert, with music from Donald Grant, Samantha Fernando and others blends traditional Gaelic and contemporary string music for a wonderful performance. 

Price: $10 Includes: Dinner and a ticket to the concert.       

Accessibility: We will walk about 5 minutes from the dinner venue to to concert hall. The concert hall is a fully accessible venue so any concerns get in touch prior to the event. We are sat in a row in the stalls near the stage on the ground floor. The concert will have some lighting effects, and can get loud at points. 

Ceilidh

Wednesday, April 23

Ceilidh [kay-lee] is the Gaelic word for 'gathering' and involves Scottish country dancing to traditional folk music. Strip the Willow? Orcadian Reel? Flying Scotsman? Soon you’ll know what all of these mean, and be pretty good at them too. At our Fall Ceilidh we’ll provide a formal meal, followed by an evening of dancing. Please join us for this amazing night with a live band and a caller to help you learn some moves. Feel free to bring friends to the ceilidh! It will be held at The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.  

Price: $10 Includes: Buffet dinner and a dance.

Accessibility: Surgeon’s Hall has a lift and stairs up to the function room. The Ceilidh band can be loud, as can the piper. The dancing itself involves physical contact and is quite fast-paced, stay hydrated and wear sensible footwear. There will be chairs and tables to eat at as well as an area for dancing.