Arcadia Scotland

Arcadia students studying in Glasgow, Edinburgh St Andrews and Stirling all gathered together to enjoy the delights of the great Scottish outdoors at the University of Edinburgh’s Firbush Outdoor Centre on Loch Tay. While there was a chill in the air and some snow on the ground, we had a great time hillwalking, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking and ceilidh dancing.

Saturday started with a group walk into the hills in the area around.  We began out trek in Balquhidder, home of Rob Roy’s grave, and made our way through the valley to Crianlarich.  The hike lasted all day, but we were able to take in the view and play in the snow as we ascended.

After returning from a full day out, we had a bit of down time to rest and recover before the evening’s festivities.  After warm showers, tea and some relaxation, however, our appetites were growing and the beaconing sounds of the bagpipes were a welcome call to our Burns Supper.  The haggis was piped in, in traditional fashion, and we had a reading of Burns’ Ode to the Haggis before diving into a feast of haggis, neeps and tatties.  (Vegetarian haggis was reluctantly acceptable to eat on this occasion!) Dinner concluded with recitations of Burns and a Toast to the Lassies, followed by a Toast to the Laddies.  Both addresses were cleverly penned by students on the trip and laughs were had by all.

While the traditional Burns Supper was quite an affair, perhaps the main event of the evening was the ceilidh.  With instruction from our dear friend Bob Walker, we were led through the steps of a number of traditional Scottish dances.  With good music, excellent dancing technique and enthusiasm, we danced the night away!

Sunday brought the opportunity for more outdoor adventures.  We could choose between open canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, road biking and taking a historical tour.  The morning session, of which most students spent out on the loch, was stunning.  The air was cool and the sky clear–ideal Scottish winter weather.  The weather was also favorable for those setting out on mountain bikes and the historical tour, who were able to take on the area around Firbush with zeal.

After lunchtime, students were able to take advantage of a second session.  Some continued with kayaking and canoeing while others cycled into the town of Killin on road bikes.  While slightly rainier, the afternoon outings proved to be successful again and students came back to our Firbush base camp enthused about their experiences outdoors. After enjoying a hearty bowl of soup and a scone, we set off for our respective universities.  The weekend truly flew by and we all have tons of memories and experiences, on which we will certainly look back fondly.