While the spectacular mountains, lochs, and glens of the Highlands offer the ideal opportunity for walks and outdoor activities, the tiny postcard-type villages, and towns dotted across the country is where one can get an authentic Scottish experience. Packed with history, tradition, and unique photographic spots, Scotland’s villages and towns have it all. Whether traveling north or south in Scotland, these charming places are well worth including in any itinerary. This seminar will explore these stunning locations in more detail.
Starting our virtual journey from the Scottish Borders in the south of Scotland, we’ll discover Melrose and the ruins of its twelfth-century abbey, where the heart of Robert the Bruce is said to be buried. After a quick stop at Abbotsford, the home of the romantic novelist Sir Walter Scott, we’ll cross the green hills of Dumfries and Galloway to visit Kirkcudbright, known as the artist’s town for its colony of painters and craftsmen.
Moving north, we’ll reach the pretty town of Tobermory on the isle of Mull where, according to the legend, a Spanish galleon loaded with gold and silver lies at the bottom of its bay. Further north, we’ll leave Lochcarron behind us to reach Applecross through the country’s most epic drive. We’ll then carry on east through the scenic village of Killin to admire the Falls of Dochart, while a short walk from the village of Dunkeld will lead us to the Birnam Oaktree celebrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In the vibrant university town on St. Andrews, we’ll discover the impressive ruins of what was once Scotland’s largest cathedral, and walk through the oldest golf course in the world. Descending the Fife Coastal Path, we’ll reach some of the most charming fishing villages of this region including Anstruther and Pittenweem.
Led by Edinburgh-based art historian Irene Mariani, this interactive seminar will introduce participants to some of Scotland’s prettiest villages and towns through photographs, videos, and maps. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with an understanding of the location, history, and culture of some of the most picturesque destinations in Scotland.
Irene specialised in Italian Renaissance Art and her doctoral thesis looked at the artistic patronage of the Vespucci family in fifteenth-century Florence. She was an intern at the Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and collaborated with the Education Department of the National Galleries of Scotland. Irene currently teaches History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh stole her heart and it is now her second home.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
