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 Thursday, 5 May at 12 noon (EST) 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.

North berwick day trip- saturday 25th JUNE

This exciting day trip includes a trip to North Berwick, a seaside town and former Royal Burgh in East Lothian along with a boat trip around the Bass Rock. After leaving North Berwick Harbour, the high speed boat quickly takes you for water views of Craigleith Island. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled looking for Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills Kittiwakes, Cormorants and Shags who all nest on the island. Seals are also frequently spotted sleeping on the rocks around Craigleith. The boat will get up to speeds of 25 knots to arrive at Bass Rock, be sure to hold onto any hats! The Bass Rock is the largest single rock Gannetry in the world, with approx 150,000 Gannets on the rock during the nesting season it is a very special sight. Sir David Attenborough has described it as "One of the wildlife wonders of the world". After leaving the Bass Rock, the boat heads over towards the shore so you can get a unique view of Tantallon Castle perched atop the huge sea cliffs.

Price includes: round trip travel by train to North Berwick from Edinburgh, ticket for the Safari rib and entry to the seabird center. [Eligible for Museum Studies, Scottish History, Glasgow STEM and STIR 1]

Luss highlands game- saturday 2nd july

Scottish Highland Games, a boat trip & castle visit- sound like an ideal Saturday? Leaving Edinburgh Saturday morning to travel from the central belt of Scotland to Balloch, a village situated on the southern tip of Loch Lomond, to watch the Luss Highland Games. The first Luss Highland Gathering was held in 1875 and has been held annually since, except for a break during the two World Wars. The games began to promote tourism by a group of local businessmen in the Balloch area. Today the games are known to be one of the top three Highland Games in all of Scotland and even includes over £15,000 in prize money. The traditional events include Tug o' War, Tossing the Caber, Weight over the Bar, Throwing the Hammer and Highland Dancing. Following lunch in the town of Balloch, we will take a boat trip around Loch Lomond. Enjoy a scenic 30 minute cruise along the highland boundary fault line passing the middle islands of Loch Lomond, known as the jewels in her crown and visit the picturesque villages of Balmaha and Luss on the east and west side of Loch Lomond respectively. The largest expanse of fresh water in Great Britain Loch Lomond measures 23 miles long, 5 miles wide and is Scotland’s third deepest Loch at 636 feet deep. While admiring the beautiful scenery, keep an eye out for some of Scotland’s wildlife including fallow deer, red squirrels, buzzards, voles, and the endangered capercaillie. In the afternoon, we will be visiting Dumbarton Castle. The longest recorded history of any stronghold in Scotland. It overlooks the Scottish town of Dumbarton, and sits on a plug of volcanic basalt known as Dumbarton Rock which is 240 feet high. Our last stop will be to Hill House. Hill House is one of Charles and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh's most famous works, probably second only to the Glasgow School of Art. The house is a prominent example of the Modern Style. It was designed and built for the publisher Walter Blackie in 1902–1904.

Price includes: round trip travel by bus departing Edinburgh & Glasgow, entrance to Luss Highland Games, boat trip on Loch Lomond and entry to Hill House.  (Note: will require an earlier departure to allow for travel from cities outside Edinburgh). [Eligible for Museum Studies, Scottish History, Glasgow STEM and STIR 1]

borders day trip- saturday 16th july

The green valleys and quaint towns of the Borders are truly alive with history, song and legend. Some of Scotland’s greatest writers have roots in the region including Sir Walter Scott, James Hogg, and of course our very own Joan Haig & Cameron McKay! 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 but in reality much more interesting!. We will then move onto Innerleithen to visit Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. Traquair is still owned by the Stuart family, Scotland’s former ruling dynasty, and later leaders of the Jacobite Rebellions. Traquair is full of secrets including a chapel, a priest hole, a maze and even a brewery! 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. 

Prices includes: Round trip travel by coach from Edinburgh, Entry to Rosslyn Chapel, Traquair House, Lunch in Melrose, Abbotsford House.  [Eligible for Museum Studies, Glasgow STEM, SUISS 1 & 3 and STIR 2]

Ceilidh at summerhall- tuesday 19th JULY

Come and join the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at Summerhall in Edinburgh for the very best in Scottish ceilidh dancing. Brilliant live music and dancing for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced ceilidh dancers, everyone is welcome. All the bands have a caller who will teach the dances throughout the night so everyone can get involved and have a great time. Come and experience some of Scotland’s finest culture while birling the night away.

Prices includes: Ticket to ceilidh  [Eligible for Museum Studies, Glasgow STEM, SUISS 1 & 3 and STIR 2]

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS DAY TRIP- saturday 23RD JULY

A day excursion to explore the beautiful and fascinating history of the Highlands. Updated as more becomes available

Price includes: ....... [Eligible for Museum Studies, Glasgow STEM, SUISS 1 & 3 and STIR 2]

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