Arcadia Scotland

We hope you are getting excited about your time in Scotland this Fall! 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.

PEAKY BLINDERS THEATRE SHOW WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2ND

The smash TV show Peaky Blinders tells the story of the Birmingham Shelby crime family, this show continues the tale through an explosive and riveting dance show. It is a tale of revenge, heart-break and family loyalty set after the First World War. 

We’ll have a bite of dinner together before heading to the theatre. 

Some representation of violence, sex, assault, miscarriage, and drug use. There will be strobe lighting, live gunshots and pyrotechnics on stage. There will be some recorded loud bangs and some loud music. More information can be found here. 

Price: $20  Price Includes: Dinner and the admission into the theatre. 

Accessibility: Stairs to and from seats and in theatre, any accessibility requirements please get in touch in advance of the event and we can liaise with the theatre. 

FIRBUSH ADVENTURE WEEKEND- 4TH - 6TH OCTOBER

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. This really is a weekend not to be missed!

Accessibility: This event includes a walk up a hill and water sports such as kayaking, students sleep in shared single-sex dorms. The Burns supper will be loud with a band and physical contact dancing (though dancing is always optional). 

Price: $100  Price 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.

REGIONAL WEEKEND OCTOBER 11th-14TH

This weekend gives you a chance to meet with Arcadia students from England and Ireland. The Friday night we will have a buffet and ceilidh in Surgeon’s Hall in Edinburgh, the next day there will be a trip to the Scottish Borders to see the beautiful Traquair House and Melrose village and optional walking tours on the Sunday.

Accessibility: Ceilidhs are high energy dances with physical contact and loud music, ensure you wear proper footwear and stay hydrated. The day-trip to the borders will require some gentle walking and time outdoors so wrap up warm and bring a raincoat. Walking tours will be conducted in the Edinburgh old town which is cobble-stoned mostly and can be steep in parts.  

Price $100  Price Includes: Dinner and a Ceilidh, coach travel to and from the Borders, entrance to Traquair House. 

BORDERS DAY TRIP SATURDAY OCTOBER 19th

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.

Accessibility: Short periods of time on a coach, some walking. Scenes of death/skulls and faces depicted in Rosslyn chapel through medieval stone carvings. 

Price: $30  Price includes: Round trip travel by coach from Edinburgh, Entry to Rosslyn Chapel, Entry to Abbotsford House. 

HIGHLANDS WEEKEND TRIP OCTOBER 25TH-27TH

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 Augustus and the Glenfinnan viaduct, the ‘Harry Potter’ rail bridge. A drive filled with dramatic scenery will round the day out as we head 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, visit the iconic Stirling castle and its stunning views before heading home. 

Details may change due to weather. 

Accessibility: There are long periods of time on a coach during this trip, students stay in shared, mixed gender hostel rooms but preferences such as single-sex, or a single room can sometimes be accommodated. There is a fair amount of walking to wear appropriate footwear. The weather in the Highlands is often cold and wet so bring appropriate layers as we are outside often. Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint is a steep hill but there is a flat walk if preferred.   

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

AUTHOR TALK AND RECEPTION: WEDNESDAY 6TH NOVEMBER

Join award-winning author Alice Thompson and Booker Prize Nominee Martin MacInnes as they discuss their newest novels.

Thompson is the author of  Chimera, a sci-fi deep dive into AI and human nature whilst MacInnes is the author of In Ascension, a fascinating exploration of the origins of life on earth, ranging from the deepest ocean trench to the outer edges of the solar system. 

This is a talk not to be missed. There will be a reception with drinks and snacks after with a chance to speak to the authors.

Accessibility: Talk will be recorded, it will take place in the Arcadia Edinburgh Centre which is up four flights of stairs. 

 Price Includes: Free

FAREWELL DINNER AND CEILIDH November 27TH 

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.

Accessibility: Ceilidhs are high energy dances with physical contact and loud music, ensure you wear proper footwear and stay hydrated. Dancing is always optional (but highly encouraged).

Price: $10  Price Includes: Formal dinner and a dance