Religious Studies: Scotland

Weather permitting, we will have the opportunity to climb Arthur's Seat for a spectacular view over the Firth of Forth.

Perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle commands the skyline with its imposing presence. Explore this medieval fortress, uncover its role in Scottish history, and take in sweeping views of the city below.

Visit John Knox's House. The house dates from the early sixteenth century and is where Knox spent the last few months of his life. Today, the Church of Scotland operates the house and our visit will include artifacts associated with Knox and the Reformation.

Visit the National Museum of Scotland, with 16 galleries covering diverse subjects. One of the most notable exhibits is Dolly, the cloned sheep.

Today we will travel from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. En-route we will visit St Andrews.

Located on the east coast of Fife, St. Andrews is Scotland’s oldest university town. It was built out of stones pillaged from St. Andrews cathedral (now in ruins), which was at one time the largest cathedral in Scotland. St Andrews is also the 'Home of Golf', where the game was first played in around 1400 and today attracts visitors from all over the world to play on the world famous courses.

Explore Dunnottar Castle - an impressive ruined fortress situated 160 feet above the sea on a rocky cliff. Dunnottar was the stronghold of the Earl Marischal of Scotland from the 14th century. The castle provided the impressive backdrop for the filming of Hamlet.

Delve into the heart of history with a visit to St. Machar Cathedral, where architectural marvels meet centuries of faith. Wander through the Old City, uncovering stories of resilience and heritage that align with historical curriculum standards. Experience local culture at the vibrant fish market, then unwind at Duthie Park, a living classroom showcasing biodiversity. Each stop fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of our world.

Visit Elgin Cathedral. Considered to be Scotland's most beautiful cathedral ruins, much of the cathedral was destroyed in 1390 as revenge against the Bishop of Moray for the excommunication of the Wolf of Badenoch.

Visit Cawdor Castle, built in the 14th century by the Thanes of Cawdor, the title infamously bestowed on Macbeth. (With limited availability in winter.)

Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center, commemorating when on April 16, 1746 the Jacobite army under Bonnie Prince Charlie was slaughtered here by Government troops led by "Butcher Cumberland," George II's younger son, finally ending the hopes of the Stuart restoration to the British throne. At the visitor center we will follow the audio-visual program and exhibition area explaining the battle.

Take a walk around Inverness, known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Gaelic appears on the majority of road signs around the city and a considerable number of people in Inverness still speak the ancient Celtic tongue.

Visit to the Loch Ness Monster Museum provides photographic evidence to challenge the sceptics.

Fort William is the largest town in the Scottish Highlands and its second largest settlement, after Inverness. It is an important center for hill-walking and climbing, due its proximity to Ben Nevis and many other Munro mountains. As a result, it promotes itself as the “Outdoor Capital of the UK.” Fort William is also the location where the opening sequence for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was filmed.

Discover the Isles of Mull and Iona, part of the Inner Hebrides on Scotland's West Coast. In addition to dramatic natural beauty, there are remnants of Viking settlers and the Spanish Armada.

The 13th century Abbey is the highlight of Iona, standing on the site of Columba’s first church.

Explore Bannockburn, a name that looms large in Scottish history. It was here that Robert the Bruce and his army of 6,000 (outnumbered three to one) defeated the forces of Edward II in 1314. We will walk along the Battlefield, which was the climactic scene of the 1995 Academy Award-winning film Braveheart.

Tour Stirling Castle, a grand medieval fortress and former seat of Kings James IV and James V. Explore the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, featuring regimental colors, pipe banners, and silver. From the castle walls, take in sweeping views of the Wallace Monument.

This evening, students make their final entries in their Reflection Journals, sharing key observations and perspectives gained throughout their travel experience and considering how these insights will remain relevant as they return home.

Throughout the program, we will set time aside time for discussion, guided reflection, and time to write reflections on self-discovery and what we have learned. "We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience" - John Dewey