We hope you are getting excited about your time in Scotland this Summer! 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 Portal.
Don’t forget, if an event is full you can add yourself to the waitlist to be notified automatically if more space becomes available. Remember, check that your program dates allow you to attend an in-country event!
Summer Ceilidh
June 23 2026
Come celebrate midsummer with traditional Scottish dancing! Ceilidhs comprise of partnered or social dances from the 18th and 19th centuries - you can think of a ceilidh as a grandparent of American square dancing. This excursion is hosted by the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club which has a live band and experienced callers who can help you learn all the moves necessary to be on the dancefloor.
Ceilidh’s are fast-paced dances and the band is quite loud, there will be a large crowd and some stage lighting. For any accessibility concerns please get in touch.
Price $10. Includes: Entry into the dance.
Inchcomb Abbey Boat Trip
This trip will see us visit the historic fishing village of South Queensferry and catch a ferry boat over to an ancient isle on the Firth of Forth. During the boat cruise you will have a chance to take in the Edinburgh skyline, the horizon of the Kingdom of Fife, the three Forth Bridges before docking at Inchcomb Island. There, you can explore the island and Inchcomb Abbey, founded in the 12th century. Take in a medieval fresco as well as naval defences used in both World Wars. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife too!
This trip involves some time on a boat and walking. The island is not wheelchair accessible. Any concerns, reach out to us!
Price $40. Includes: Bus from Edinburgh to Queensferry and boat trip and entrance to Inchcomb Abbey.
Luss Highland Games
July 4th 2026
The Luss Highland Gathering, held every year since 1875, takes place on the banks of Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most loved natural spaces. Highlights of the games include highland dancing, a piping competition, strongman demonstrations, foot races, and the iconic caber toss! We will end the day with a slow cruise out on Loch Lomond, learning about this nature conservation area and the nation’s largest freshwater body.
This event includes time traveling on a coach and some light walking, the boat has steps so for any accessibility concerns, please get in touch.
Price: $70 Includes: Entrance into Highland Games and a boat ride.
North Berwick
July 18th 2026
With this exciting day trip, you’ll have a chance to wander in North Berwick, a historical seaside town, before venturing through the Scottish Seabird Centre to learn about national marine conservation efforts. From there, a high-speed boat will quickly take us across and around the firth. Keep your eyes peeled for the puffins, cormorants and shags who all nest on the islands in the bay!
- NOTE - The excursion, particularly the boating activity, is unsuitable for anybody who has any back problems, is wheelchair-bound, and/or is/might be pregnant. While the Seafari people always keep a close eye on conditions and only go out when it is safe to do so, weather and sea conditions in Scotland can change quickly. Boat passengers are advised to wear suitable clothing as passengers may become wet and/or cold. The boat company we employ reserves the right to refuse boarding or landing, if their guide and/or skipper are concerned about your clothing, health and well-being, or level of mobility. This will be assessed by them at the departure point.
Price: $50 Includes: Train ticket and visit to Scottish Seabird center and boat trip.
Commonwealth Games
July 24th 2026
Join us for a visit to the second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympics. The Commonwealth Games take place every four years and this year they are in Glasgow. This is a great opportunity to see these historic games in this vibrant Scottish city. We will be attending the 3 x 3 basketball games. A fast-paced game very different to when played by a full-team.
Price: $20 includes entrance to the basketball game.
Borders Daytrip
July 25th 2026
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 the Great Tapestry of Scotland, the largest scale public arts commission in Scotland, which tells the history of Scotland from the Ice Age to the present day. We will then get the train to Abbotsford House, the stately home of Scotland’s most famous novelist Sir Walter Scott. The house itself is full of history, and also boasts fantastic grounds including a walled garden. We will have lunch at the House (bring a packed lunch or money to buy lunch from the on-site cafe) and then have a tour of the house. After this we will head back to the train station and catch the train back to Edinburgh.
This event includes time traveling on and off trains and some light walking (around 20 minutes to and from a train station) For any accessibility concerns, please get in touch.
Price: $60 Includes: Entrance to Great Tapestry of Scotland, train travel from Edinburgh and around Borders and Abbotsford House Tour.
These pieces were created by student contributors. The views and opinions expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Arcadia Abroad.