Arcadia Scotland

We very much look forward to welcoming you to Scotland and have organised a range of excursions set for June and July to supplement your learning and give you all a taste of Scottish culture. Below is a wee look at the possibilities of what we have in store for you.

Event registration opens May 03 2023 at 12pm (EST - USA) in your Arcadia Passport.

Don’t forget, if an event is full, you can add yourself to the waitlist and be notified automatically if more spaces become available. Please check your program dates and the event dates as not all events are available to all programs.

Trossachs Day Trip - Saturday, June 17

On this excursion, we’ll traverse the cultural area found between the counties of Perthshire and Stirlingshire, just alongside and through the Trossachs National Park. We'll begin our day visiting Scone Palace, epicentre of Scottish royal coronations (both fictional and real), then lunch in a town built upon roaring rapids, a spectacular viewpoint made famous by Queen Victoria’s tours of Scotland. Our day will end with a tour of a western whisky distillery that has been in operation for 200 years!

Price includes: coach travel, site visits and lunch

Summer Solstice Ceilidh - Tuesday, June 20 

Celebrate midsummer with traditional Scottish dancing! Cèilidhs comprise of partnered or social dances from the 18th and 19th centuries - think of a cèilidh as a Scottish, more interactive, super fun version of American square dancing. All Scots learn these in school and are an important part of events, socials and weddings. This excursion is hosted by the Edinburgh Cèilidh Club which always offers a live band and experienced callers who can help you learn all the moves necessary to be on the dancefloor.

- NOTE - If you are concerned about possible mobility issues, we encourage you to still attend to enjoy the folk music and social aspects of the dance. Please get in touch with Arcadia Scotland staff, who will be happy to assist you.

Price includes: ticket for entry

Edinburgh PRIDE  - Saturday, June 24 

Join Arcadia Abroad in Edinburgh for Scotland’s longest-running, free celebration of the LGBTQ+ community!  We will be marching in the public parade through the streets of Old Town then having a wee picnic on the Meadows (weather permitting, of course). Bring a costume, bring a flag, and bring the love!

Price: Free

Luss Highland Games  - Saturday, July 01 

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! You’ll be free to roam the stalls, grab lunch from one of the many local food vendors (and maybe a deep fried Mars Bar?), and watch the sporting and music events. 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. 

- NOTE - The games are hosted on grassy, uneven fields which may be difficult for some of our students to navigate. Please get in touch with Arcadia Scotland staff who will be happy to assist with accommodations.

Price includes: Coach travel, lunch, entry to games, boat trip

North Berwick Day Trip - Saturday, July 22 

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 around the firth to three islands known for their natural wonders. 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 includes: train ticket from Edinburgh to North Berwick, lunch, visit to seabird center and boat trip

Border Day Trip  - Saturday, July 29 

The Borders - the land and peoples that have historically played the rope in the territorial tug o’war between England and Scotland - are truly alive with history, song, and legend. This day trip usually focuses on the places and sights that have inspired Scotland’s most famous writers. You might see a chapel significant to the Knights Templar, the ghost of a Stewart lady, or the childhood home of Scotland’s national author - Sir Walter Scott. The itinerary changes from semester to semester, but our students come away with a better understanding of this (often) overlooked part of the country. It is a great chance to see some of Scotland’s best kept secrets!

Price includes: coach trip, entry to sites and lunch

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PLEASE BE AWARE THE EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ARCADIA’S DISCRETION. STAY TUNED FOR ANY UPDATES.