Scotland: Learning at Home

Get creative
Have you ever wanted to wear a traditional Scottish kilt? How about making your own? Watch this step-by-step video to create your own one-of-a-kind traditional Scottish kilt!

Do you enjoy a friendly family competition? Put on your own traditional Highland Games for you and your family members (and do it wearing your new homemade kilts!). Put on a traditional performance between events at your family Highland games with your newly learned dance skills by doing the Highland Fling.

Pick a film
Watch a movie that is set and filmed in Scotland. Choose from options including:

  • Brave (2012)
  • Edie (2017)
  • Loch Ness (1996)

Study some history
Dive deep into the history of specific sites you’ll visit on tour. Learn the must-know history and must-see landmarks and scenery to visit before you go! Watch these videos to gather some knowledge and visuals of the amazing adventure ahead of you:

Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in Scotland and/or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:

  • The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark (1961)
  • To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (1927)
  • Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1991)

Fill up your plate
Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional dish from your destination. Know a chef? Hold a virtual cooking class with your travel group or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Try Scottish traditional dishes such as haggis, porridge, or shortbread!

Learn the language
Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your Scottish slang skills. It helps to make flashcards with common sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).

Did you know?
The official animal of Scotland is the unicorn!