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:
- What is Scotland? (Lonely Planet’s video guide to getting around, when to go, and the top things to do while you’re there)
- 25 Amazing & Unique Things about Scotland
- 10 Fun Facts about Scotland
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!
- Meet Scotland’s Reigning Champion Haggis Maker
- How to Make Traditional & Creamy Oatmeal Scottish Porridge
- Make Traditional Scottish 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!
Meet Your Partner in Travel
Abigail has been to Scotland to visit her home country and family who still live there. She has traveled all around the beautiful countryside and coasts while participating in many traditional adventures: from learning the Highland Fling, to playing the spoons and fiddle in Scottish folk music, to visiting her family’s old jute factory and playing some rounds of golf. Unlike most non-scots, Abigail loves nothing more than listening to pipers play their bagpipes while overlooking the luscious highlands (filled with shaggy highland cows and medieval castles in the background) with her proud, traditional Scottish family.