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The Scottish Highlands and Skye: An Introduction with Irene Mariani
The Scottish Highlands and Skye: An Introduction with Irene Mariani
The Scottish Highlands and Skye: An Introduction with Irene Mariani

The Scottish Highlands and Skye: An Introduction with Irene Mariani


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Join us for a visit to the wildest part of Scotland. Discover breathtaking glens and glittering lochs, learn about royal settings and romantic castles, and listen to the Scottish Highlands’ myths and legends in this seminar.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, considered the boundary between the Lowlands and the Highlands, will be the starting point to discuss the area’s geography and physical aspects. Moving west, we will travel through iconic places such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glen Coe, famously captured as backdrops to well-known movies. After a brief stop to Loch Ness (and perhaps a visit to its resident monster), we will learn the history of Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed buildings.

A visit to the west of Scotland would not be complete without Skye, an island known for its dramatic scenery and legends of fairies and giants. The North Coast 500 will take us east through Inverness and Culloden, the battlefield where the Jacobite cause came to its end. Leaving the Cairngorms National Park behind us, we will descend south and explore the Perthshire lochs, hills, and waterfalls. Our tour will end at the Scone Palace, the crowning-place of Scottish kings, and once the home of the Stone of Destiny.

Led by art historian Irene Mariani, this interactive seminar will introduce you to the Scottish Highlands through photographs, videos, and maps. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with an understanding of the history, landscape features, and legends that shape the wildest parts of Scotland and useful travel tips for future in-person visits to the area.

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.

75 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Based on 184 reviews
88%
(162)
9%
(17)
2%
(4)
0%
(0)
1%
(1)
J
John K (Washington, US)
A Great Guide to Northern Scotland

Ms. Mariani is an well-informed, articulate and enthusiastic tour guide for the Highlands of Scotland. Even though we were there years ago, she discusses places we missed along the way in a manner that makes you want to pack up and go. A thoroughly enjoyable presentation.

C
C. (Bluffton, US)
Informative and helpful

I'm planning a trip to Scotland in Spring 2023. This presentation will be helpful in planning my itinerary.

C
C.M. (Branford, US)
Well-Done

Eye-opening

S
S.F. (Philadelphia, US)
Very knowledgable

Good overview with photographs giving us good insight into what we want to visit

l
l.d. (Petaluma, US)
The Perfect Highland Journey

Dr. Mariani did a wonderful presentation on the Scottish Highlands and then some. Excellent pictures and videos of the Western Hebrides and loop around Inverness. She gives helpful specifics, e.g. how long and rigorous a walk or hike is plus many charming sights of the Scotland villages whether glens, highlands, or lochs. This presentation is a must for any traveler Highland traveler.

Customer Reviews

Based on 184 reviews
88%
(162)
9%
(17)
2%
(4)
0%
(0)
1%
(1)
J
John K (Washington, US)
A Great Guide to Northern Scotland

Ms. Mariani is an well-informed, articulate and enthusiastic tour guide for the Highlands of Scotland. Even though we were there years ago, she discusses places we missed along the way in a manner that makes you want to pack up and go. A thoroughly enjoyable presentation.

C
C. (Bluffton, US)
Informative and helpful

I'm planning a trip to Scotland in Spring 2023. This presentation will be helpful in planning my itinerary.

C
C.M. (Branford, US)
Well-Done

Eye-opening

S
S.F. (Philadelphia, US)
Very knowledgable

Good overview with photographs giving us good insight into what we want to visit

l
l.d. (Petaluma, US)
The Perfect Highland Journey

Dr. Mariani did a wonderful presentation on the Scottish Highlands and then some. Excellent pictures and videos of the Western Hebrides and loop around Inverness. She gives helpful specifics, e.g. how long and rigorous a walk or hike is plus many charming sights of the Scotland villages whether glens, highlands, or lochs. This presentation is a must for any traveler Highland traveler.