Arcadia Scotland

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

Date: June 25th 2024

Come celebrate midsummer with traditional Scottish dancing! Cèilidhs comprise of partnered or social dances from the 18th and 19th centuries - you can think of a cèilidh as a grandparent of American square dancing. This excursion is hosted by the Edinburgh Cèilidh 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 $15.  Includes: Entry into the dance.

Trossachs Day Trip

Date: June 29th 2024

On this excursion, we’ll traverse the cultural area found betwixt the counties of Perthshire and Stirlingshire, near the Trossachs National Park. We'll begin our day visiting Scone Palace, epicentre of Scottish royal ordination (both fictional and real). We’ll then lunch in the town of Killin,  built upon roaring rapids, known for its many supernatural creatures such as water horses and banshees. Our day will end with a tour of a western whisky distillery that has been in operation for 200 years!

This event includes time traveling on a coach and some light walking. For any accessibility concerns, please get in touch. There will be a toilet on the coach for this trip. 

Price: $40  Includes: Entry into Scone Palace, lunch and entry into a distillery. 

Luss Highland Games

Date: July 6th 2024

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: $40 Includes: Entrance into Highland Games and a boat ride. 

North Berwick

Date: July 20th 2024 

With this exciting day trip, you’ll have a chance to wander and lunch 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: $40 Includes: Train ticket and visit to Scottish Seabird center and boat trip.  

Borders Day Trip

Date: July 27th 2024

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 stop for lunch near 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. After a tour of the house we head to Dryburgh Abbey, nestled in woodland near the River Twee. This abbey underwent four attacks before monastic life ceased here after the Protestant Reformation in 1560. It is also the resting place of Sir Walter Scott and a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. We then head to Scott’s view for a quick, beautiful view of the River Tweed and some photographs before heading back to Edinburgh. 

This event includes time traveling on a coach and some light walking. For any accessibility concerns, please get in touch. 

Price: $40  Includes: Entrance to Rosslyn Chapel, Dryburgh Abbey, and Abbotsford House Tour.