More beautiful than Hawaii or New Zealand

… is the Isle of Skye according to our Scottish Tour Guide of the three-day trip to the Highlands and Isle of Skye, organised by the International Society. This statement is a matter of opinion. However, all participants of the trip were truly impressed by the beautiful scenery of Isle of Skye in the northwest of Scotland.

The International Society at the University of Stirling has made it possible for their members to participate in mini-holidays, as they have organised a three-day trip to the Highlands and Isle of Skye for a second time this semester. The Society chose beforehand the best spots to see and has engaged a tour guide and a bus for the 16 international students, which took part in the trip.

1^st Day – Highlands and Isle of Skye

We started at the 18th of November with the best weather in Stirling and headed north towards the glorious scenery surrounding Loch Lubnaig. We continued through a spectacular mountain pass of Glencoe, scene of a great massacre of the Clan MacDonald in 1692. On the way to Isle of Skye, we stopped to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most imposing castles.

2^nd Day – Isle of Skye

We spent the whole second day at Isle of Skye. The International Society had selected a competent tour guide, who took us to amazing spots of the Island. The whole group of students was impressed by the magic natural scenery of this piece of land. We saw amongst others the dramatic sea cliffs of Neist Point and the 13th century Dunvegan Castle, before we stopped for a traditional Scottish dinner and beer at the oldest Pub on Skye, the Stein Inn.

The guide not only took us to the best locations of the island, but also told us lots of stories and myths of the Highland history whilst our bus crossed the countryside. In between, he put on Scottish folk music, which enhanced the feeling of exploring the authentic Scotland.

3^rd Day – Isle of Skye and Highlands

Credits: Natalie Buss, 2016

At our last day, we were even a bit sad to leave this gorgeous island again. This was however rapidly replaced by our anticipation to visit Loch Ness, where we got the possibility of spotting Nessie with a bit of luck! Afterwards, we passed Scotland’s famous whiskey distillery, Dalwhinnie. To taste different types of whiskey along with exquisite chocolate was the perfect ending of our tour before we headed back to Stirling.

This trip, organised by the International Society offered the opportunity, to get in touch with students from all over the world, while sharing amazing impressions that we got of the magic setting of the Highlands. This has bound the participants together and thus has made is easy to make new friends.

Credits: Natalie Buss, 2016

Do you also want to get to know the culture, country and people of Scotland whilst meeting new people from abroad? Then, you are welcome to join the International Society!

Other events and trips:

Besides the Highland tour, the Society has organised this semester amongst others a traditional Ceilidh Dance Night at the Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling, a trip to the town St. Andrews, a Bowling Night, several Pub Crawl Nights and a Ghost Tour in Edinburgh. The next Highland trip will take place in the following semester at the beginning of April.

By becoming a member, you will get lots of opportunities to escape from the daily student life in Stirling for some hours or days and to explore Scotland. Furthermore, you can enhance your soft skills, make new friends, broaden your horizon and improve your language skills. Our members are from countries all over the world, which makes our atmosphere open-minded and unique.

How to become a member:
You can sign up either online or head over to the Students Union Office in the University (open at Monday-Friday 9am – 5 pm). To find further information about the International Society and to make sure you don’t miss an event, check out our Facebook page.