Our day began with breakfast at the Raven’s Cliff hotel, and then we were off to the National Museum of Scotland. The students spent 2.5 hours on their own exploring the history of Scotland, advances in science and technology with an emphasis on the contributions made by Scottish scientists. (Did you know that JJ Thomson who discovered the electron was Scottish, as was James Clerk Maxwell who was a pioneer in understanding electricity and magnetism? Do you know the significance of Dolly the Sheep?) Students continued with exploring exhibits of design and fashion and natural history. If students took note of the signs, the museum was crowned by a rooftop terrace that afforded a panoramic view of Edinburgh.
After lunch on their own, students were treated to a guided tour of the city. Our expert docent was a native of Edinburgh, a friend of a friend of JK Rowling, and full of facts, stories, and insights into her home town. We started in Charlotte Square, saw Holyrood Palace and the Parliament building, drove the Royal Mile past St. Giles Cathedral (where the funeral for Queen Elizabeth was held), and finished at Edinburgh Castle. At the Castle we had the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the birthplace of Charles VI, St. Margaret’s chapel dating from 1130, and a view to Fife on the far side of the Firth of Forth. (Say that alliterated phrase five times fast!)
We also adopted a new mascot along the way—Nessie—who will be documenting her travels with us. Stay tuned for more of her adventures!
Dinner was fabulous pizza, pasta, and ice cream at Jolly Ristorante. Lastly came either a chance to further explore the Royal Mile or go on the Spectres of Scotland walking tour where the captivating guides relayed Edinburgh’s lore.
Tonight the students will pack up and ready for the journey to Yorkshire tomorrow.
P.S. Can you guess which chaperone wrote the original text of this post???