The Trip
Castles & Culture
Scotland’s beauty and ancient heritage is in many ways encapsulated in her castles. Remote, wild, and rugged, Caledonia is an ancient home of fortified strength necessitated by sweeping Highlands and the moors and mosses. A rugged beautiful people and architecture to match a rugged and beautiful home. Much of her history is calculated around these majestic castles that played such an integral part in her history. The Castle on the Rock, Stirling Castle, and Eilean Donan – among many others – are iconic reminders of Scotland’s past. Edinburgh’s side streets, shops, and the Grassmarket sweep you into Old World/New World experiences of generational kilt making and rich leather products created before your very eyes. As you weave the country roads and small, old towns, each place is like a new experience of an old book that sweeps you into the past. Old book shops, churches, antiques, farms, and famous and out-of-the way monuments and historical happenings are around every bend.
Majestic Views & Stirring Sites
Scotland is renowned for its beauty. Iconic St. Andrews boasts the oldest golf course in the world, the rich heritage of St. Andrews University, and the opening scene of the classic Chariots of Fire. Glencoe – the entrance to the Highlands – was a historic launch point for immigration to America and is a fitting start to sweep up the eyes and heart in preparation for Scottish Highlands. Anstruther boasts the home of the renowned Thomas Chalmers and some of the best fish & chips in all of Great Britain. And Oban is a beautiful west coast town, a lively fishing village that boasts bagpipes, a ferry across to the famed Iona and the missionary Columba. Not far away is Fort William and Ben Nevis – the highest peak in the U.K. – a famous hiking spot with breathtaking views that were immortalized in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.
Liberty & Freedom
An overwhelming majority of officers and leaders in the American Revolution, the founding of our country, and the formation of our faith, freedom, and family emphasis comes directly from Scotland. The Celtic knot is a reminder of the tight knit family and “covenant community” emphasis that was seminal in the making of America. Many of our founding documents and ideas would not exist apart from their direct links to historical Scottish documents or happenings. If you want to understand America – and recover her greatness – it is imperative that you see, experience, and understand the history of Scotland.
Delicious Foods & Beautiful Music
Robust cheeses, delicious roasts, flavor-rich hot teas, and Scottish pints & whiskeys are but a few of the many items that await your selection! As we travel through Scotland, the various Castle hotels, hostels and inns provide a bountiful selection of Scottish foods, and of course don’t forget to enjoy a beef wellington from the famed chef Gordon Ramsey at his Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in Edinburgh. Scotland is also famous for its delicious and plentiful seafood and of course fish & chips. You won’t lack for great food to go with great fellowship!
