school trips scotland

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School visits

School visits are a great way to deliver Curriculum for Excellence through hands-on experiences, encouraging discovery and exploration.

Choosing where to go

Most Trust places lend themselves to cross-curricular activity including art, drama and music as well as social studies, science and technology topics.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we have a list of topics and themes covered at Trust places – each one offers unique opportunities.

Our properties are spread across Scotland, and you don’t have to travel far to begin exploring. Connections with local heritage and landscapes can be among the most valuable experiences for learners.

Booking a visit

Information on school visits, including tours, opening hours and availability, is available from individual properties.

Many of our places are very popular for school visits, so you should book early to avoid disappointment. Please also make sure you book all visits, even if you are not using our staff. We need to know that your young people are at the property for safety reasons. You should also book coach or other transport parking to ensure there is space for you when you arrive.

Travel subsidies

Thanks to generous support from the Scottish Government, we’re able to offer a transport subsidy to schools wishing to visit The Battle of Bannockburn , Culloden or Robert Burns Birthplace Museum . The subsidy covers 75% of transport costs, up to a maximum of £300.

Download the Travel Subsidy application form

Get in touch

Have you enjoyed a visit, created some inspiring work you’d like to share, or hit upon an idea of how we could improve our offer? Please do get in touch – we love to hear from schools! Contact us by using our online form or by post at National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF.

Bring outdoor learning to life

A relevant and dynamic approach, get in touch to book or chat , school residential trips and activity days in scotland | classroom outdoors.

Our programmes are designed in alignment with Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, promoting holistic growth and empowering pupils to develop essential social and personal skills. Through our outdoor activity programmes, pupils build self-esteem, deepen relationships, and grow their confidence and resilience.

We offer a variety of residential and day packages to suit your group, and our team of qualified and experienced staff are dedicated to ensuring that every pupil has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Book your school residential trip or activity day with us today and experience:

• Over 30 years of expertise in delivering exceptional school residential experiences
• Residential and day packages to suit your group
• Our team of qualified and experienced staff
• Our Christian ethos, ensuring every pupil feels valued, safe and included

Find out more about our three residential activity centres

Lendrick Muir

Central location near kinross, up to 120 pupils.

Alltnacriche

Amazing location near aviemore, up to 53 pupils.

Peaceful location in Ayrshire

Up to 40 pupils.

Primary Schools

Whether you’re planning a primary school residential trip for a class of P4 or 5 pupils embarking on their first adventure away from home, or organising an unforgettable end-of-primary trip for a P7 group, our centres offer the perfect setting. These trips often mark a significant milestone in a child’s life, building confidence, independence and resilience, as they stay away from home, often for the first time. Our centre teams are dedicated to creating an environment where every pupil can thrive, learn and grow. The memories from these adventures often last a lifetime - can you remember your first school trip?

Secondary Schools

Whether you’re planning a teambuilding trip for your S1 pupils, specialised leadership or prefect training, or a focused study residential, we’re here to help tailor your experience. Our activities provide unique opportunities to challenge young minds, build leadership skills and improve self-esteem and confidence.

We’re passionate about creating transformative secondary school experiences that leave a lasting impact on pupils’ futures. Our experienced staff will collaborate with you to create unique and impactful programmes tailored to your specific objectives.

Outdoor learning has a positive impact on young people, and when that learning is of high quality the impact can be life changing. For many, just being outdoors can have a huge benefit in terms of health and well-being, stimulating curiosity and developing an appreciation of the world around them.

Planning a School Residential in a Cost of Living Crisis

6 Benefits of an Autumn/Winter School Residential Trip

Our centres are for everyone

"fantastic to have so many activities on-site and in such a lovely setting.", teacher talking about lendrick muir, boclair academy.

Summer camps, school trips & bespoke adventures for adults or families

Adventures in true wilderness where the mountains meet the sea, over 50 years of adventure & life-changing experiences, carefully crafted level of freedom & independence for young people, about this photo.

A summer camp team sea kayaking amongst the rocky skerries of Loch Laxford.

The adventure school with its red roof sitting on the shore of Loch A Chadh-Fi. Apart from our access track there is little between the adventure school and the mountains beyond.

High on Arkle and crossing the ridge to the second of two summits. A big day with Year 8's from Brambletye School.

Late summer sea fishing before the teams of young people are dropped onto Survival Island for the night.

Rebecca, Mark and their team run outstanding adventurous school residential trips, summer camps for young people, and bespoke courses for adults and families. Ridgway Adventure continues the fifty-year family history of adventure at Ardmore, the remote crofting settlement in the far northwest of Scotland, that is the family’s year-round home.

Our Home Your Adventure

A timeless and truly wild natural environment where mountains rise majestically from the intricate coves and bays of sheltered sea lochs…

Climb in the mountains, sea kayak amongst seals and nesting sea birds, rock climb on ancient crags, survive on uninhabited islands, lift creels from the depths, and far more.

Stay in comfort in a Norwegian-style wooden building where the sea laps just yards from the door and enjoy delicious home-cooked food.

Ridgway Adventure is just two hours’ drive from Inverness in the north of Scotland. Inverness has simple flight connections from major domestic airports, direct flights from Amsterdam, and direct rail travel from London.

Rebecca’s parents first came to Ardmore in 1964 and in 1969 the John Ridgway Adventure School opened its doors to the first course.   It has been the starting point of many ground-breaking expeditions and, during the summer months for the last 50 years, the venue for people of all ages to experience their own adventures with us in the mountains and on the sea.

John Ridgway rows the north Atlantic with Chay Blyth from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland.

John on board English Rose IV crossing the Atlantic as part of the Golden Globe Yacht Race.

John and Marie-Christine construct the John Ridgway Adventure School building at Skerricha, across the water from Ardmore, with the first course arriving in July that year.

John with the ‘Ladies Course’ at Lone before climbing Arkle. The old stone stables at Lone are still used by courses to this day as a base camp for expeditions into the mountains.

Marie-Christine and John cross the Magellan Straits by rubber dingy to make the first crossing of the Gran Campo Nevado ice cap in Chilean Patagonia.

John, Marie-Christine and Rebecca (at the age of 7) sail to Cape Verde and the Spanish Sahara on English Rose V.

An international summer camp course sail onboard English Rose V in Loch Laxford.

Rebecca at the start of a three-week expedition to become the first woman to kayak around Cape Horn.

John, Marie-Christine and Rebecca sail English Rose VI across the Southern Ocean to the Antarctic Peninsula as part of an 18-month voyage from Ardmore.

Fifty years after the first course at Ardmore, Rebecca collects a school team from Survival Island.

Book a Sea Kayaking Day

Paddle with us in sheltered sea lochs teeming with wildlife. The perfect place to experience sea kayaking for the first time or develop your skills.

Ridgway Journal

Great success after a rainy start on survival island, fire, foraging and shelter-building skills on monday.

Monday started at 7 a.m. with a jog along the vehicle track. An opportunity to get the blood flowing and […]

Swimming, sea fishing and rock climbing

It has been a busy first full day at the adventure school for the Newton Prep Year 7s. We woke […]

Newton Prep team arrive in the far northwest

It is just after 6:30 pm and the Newton Prep team has just arrived after a short delay to their […]

Sea kayaking, mackerel, creels and the Atlantic rowing boat

Survival island.

Working together young people spend a night out under the stars on an uninhabited island, with meagre supplies and without adult intervention. Stretch... don't cruise.

T: 01677 427334 E: [email protected]

Home » School Trips » Scotland

School Trips in Scotland

Britain’s most northern country, Scotland is a land of lochs, glacial glens and mountain wildernesses such as the Cairngorms and Northwest Highland.

Britain’s most northern country, Scotland is a land of lochs, glacial glens and mountain wildernesses such as the Cairngorms and Northwest Highland. Amongst this wilderness, wildlife thrives and is a naturalist’s dream location.

Its major cities are Edinburgh, the capital, with its iconic hilltop castle, and neighbouring Glasgow, both famous for their cultural scenes. The International Edinburgh Festival in August, draws thousands of visitors from across the globe.

Our Scotland school trips provide many opportunities to explore the culture, history, and landscapes of this great country.

Scotland Attractions

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Scotland School Trips

Relieve the stress.

The majority of school trips we plan and organise are to the beautiful capital city of Edinburgh, a compact City that is very suitable for school trips. The imposing Edinburgh Castle looks over the city and is home to Scotland’s crown jewels. Other infamous landmarks include Arthur’s Seat, the National Galleries and Holyrood, home to the Scottish Parliament. As with all major cities, bus tours and ghost tours are readily available. That said, we will happily organise your trip to whatever town or city that you would like your school to visit. School Trips UK can organise all aspects of your trip from accommodation to transport and meals leaving your teachers and students to concentrate on the trip curriculum and of course the enjoyment of the trip.

We Include:

• Quality Accommodation
• Entry to attractions
• Evening meals
• Packed lunches
• FREE teacher places
• Information packs
• Personal guides available
• Risk assessments
• 24 hour support

Get Listed!

Is your Attraction or Museum missing from our website?

Contact us today and let’s get you listed! 01677 427334

Enquire Now!

Scotland School Trips

School Trips

Residentials Scotland Geography Physical Education KS3

Why book 'Scotland School Trips' for Residential School Trips and Educational Visits?

What activities are available during group visits?

What size groups do you cater for, sorry, planmyschooltrip do not currently feature trips to this venue..

Please use the menu above for a great range of alternative options or complete the following form if you would like us to find you something similar.

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Why not share your opinion with fellow teachers by reviewing? Please only submit a review of Scotland-School-Trips if you have visited this place during a school trip:

Great School Trips In Scotland

With more school trips taking place then ever before best value is absolutely crucial and trips abroad are happening less frequently. What’s great is that this forces us to take a look at what’s available closer to home and we often wonder why we were spending so much time and money abroad anyway.

Scotland is a perfect example of great school trips on your doorstep. Easily accessed from any part of the UK, far quicker and cheaper then going abroad and with a magical and diverse array of exciting things to do with school trip children.  Children in your school trip group will find the natural drama of Scotland fascinating, with the mists, deep lakes and leafy forests, crumbling forts and ghosts of Scottish clans, salt breezes and tangy mountain air.

On your school trip to Scotland, explore Scotland’s landscape of lochs and mountains, and its interesting geography. Discover the different historical and culture elements that can be rightly claimed to be unique to this country. From rock to opera, Scottish arts and culture has the power to enthrall, challenge, provoke and inspire And the icing on the cake is that the Scots are warm and friendly to your school trip group, happy to share their passion and knowledge of their wonderful country.

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The Scottish Adventure School

Residential activity centre in Crieff, Scotland, providing adventure holidays for schools and youth groups.

Set amidst beautiful Perthshire countryside, The Scottish Adventure School is a dedicated outdoor adventure centre for groups of children aged 7-13. We cater for up to 140 pupils each day and offer a variety of packages to suit all schedules, from 2 to 7 night residential activity holidays.

The Scottish Adventure School was established to provide exceptional outdoor adventures to children across the UK. Our passion for excellence inspired us in the beginning and continues to drive us today. Nestled in the picturesque grounds of Ardvreck School, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding adventure experience that will create memories that last a lifetime. Book your school's next holiday with us and try for yourself!

Activity Highlights

We offer multiple adventurous activities that children (and adults) absolutely love.  See our full list.

Water Activities

Some of the most exciting river activities in Scotland, white water rafting, canyoning and gorge walking are all exciting activities your group can experience.  Along with an experienced guide, you will navigate the narrow gorges and raging rapids of the River Tay.  Just as amazing (with a little less adrenaline) your group can enjoy kayaking and canoeing expeditions in nature's playground. 

Exploration

Experience the thrill and skill of mountain biking on the skills track and explore swooping bermy trails. For groups who have a head for heights we offer rock climbing, abseiling and a high ropes course, where children are taught basic ropes skills and enhance team building. Alternatively, embark on a weasleing adventure, best described as above ground caving and parkour mixed together! 

Discover all that Scotland has to offer by exploring hidden trails and conquering beautiful Munros. Guided by an experienced leader, you will be taken on an adventure through forests, streams and picturesque glens. 

Learn the exciting skill of bushcraft where you will be taught how to start your very own campfire, pitch a den and cook your own dinner by discovering what food can be foraged. 

School Travel

Exciting school trips TO Edinburgh

Exciting school trips to edinburgh, why take your pupils to edinburgh.

The elegant and historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a wonderful destination for school groups of all ages, from the meandering, medieval streets and Reformation-era buildings on the Royal Mile and the Old Town, to the Georgian elegance and uniformity of the New Town, Edinburgh is full of variety.

This beautiful city is steeped in history and home to many fascinating visits, ranging from the Royal Fortress at Edinburgh Castle, to the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, and the Big Bang at Dynamic Earth, where pupils will get the chance to explore the ever changing nature of our planet.

Book with The School Travel Company

Explore our most popular trips below and click on the tour to get an immediate quote. You can also call us on 01384 398893 , email us or complete the request a quote form below.

Edinburgh 1 Night

With its own volcano, a world-famous castle, and a myriad of museums, Edinburgh has plenty to offer a visiting school group.

Edinburgh 2 Nights

With a fascinating social history, geography and geology, plus great resources for learning about science, physical education and art, Edinburgh has it all in abundance. Book now!

“Another superb trip, all went very smoothly. Thank you.”

A FUN DESTINATION STEEPED IN HISTORY

OUR Edinburgh ACCOMMODATION:

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School Trips To Edinburgh

We understand the immense value of hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom, and that's why we have carefully crafted an array of captivating and enriching itineraries for students of all ages. 

A spectacular Scottish city, Edinburgh is a bustling, vibrant destination, offering a mixture of outstanding views, beautiful neoclassical buildings and iconic historical sites that students can explore.

Explore Edinburgh with trips from Next Generation Travel

On an Primary trip see Edinburgh Castle, spectacular views from the Camera Obscura, and explore the hidden streets of Real Mary Kings Close.

Not only will your Drama and Performing Arts students be able to take in some of the UK's best theatre productions and performance based workshops.

Take a look at the wide range of trips available to Edinburgh from Next Generation Travel brands.

Our Trips To Edinburgh

A spectacular Scottish city, Edinburgh is a bustling, vibrant destination, offering a mixture of outstanding views, beautiful neoclassical buildings and iconic historical sites that students can explore. At WST, we arrange educational school trips to Edinburgh that transport groups into a world of fun and excitement, as they wander quaint Scottish streets, try the local delicacies and learn about the history of this beautiful country.

An all-encompassing itinerary can be devised that ensures each school group gets the most out of their time away, taking the pressure off tour leaders who can also enjoy this captivating city. In Edinburgh, it’s very easy to forget you’re still in the UK.  

Top Attractions

At WST, we arrange educational school trips to Edinburgh that transport groups into a world of fun and excitement, as they wander quaint Scottish streets, try the local delicacies and learn about the history of this beautiful country.

An all-encompassing itinerary can be devised that ensures each school group gets the most out of their time away, taking the pressure off tour leaders who can also enjoy this captivating city. In Edinburgh, it’s very easy to forget you’re still in the UK.

Join us as we embark on a journey through Edinburgh's most captivating attractions, where education meets adventure, and every moment becomes a lesson worth cherishing.

Choose Next Generation Travel for:

• Fun-filled experiences
• Enriching education
• And memories that will last a lifetime

Why choose Next Generation Travel for School Trips?

• Award Winning Service
• Trusted By Our Customers
• Expert Tour Planners
• Book with Confidence

At NGT, we take school trips seriously. We are destination and subject experts with an award-winning service. You can count on us for the perfect balance of educational and personal development. We take great pride in ensuring our customers’ satisfaction by going above and beyond to meet their travel needs. But don’t just take out word for it…

NGT Partners & Accreditations

Support and resources for planning your trip

We have been operating school tours for over 35 years so we know a thing or two about planning a school trip. One of the benefits of this is that we have an abundance of knowledge and supporting documents to share with you. In our resources area you will find everything you need for your school trip planning:

• Frequently asked questions
• Parent letters
• Insurance documents
• Risk assessment documents
• Planning tips

Featured Resource

A Guide To Risk Assessment

You need to know you can book with a tour operator who has everything covered for you.

This guide will assist you completing your own risk assessments covering areas such as:

• What is a risk assessment
• Event specific risk assessments
• Emergency procedures

Edinburgh Castle

• View on Map

No school visit to Edinburgh is complete without a trip to Edinburgh castle, Edinburgh's most popular visitor attraction. Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from its position on the Castle Rock. It is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe; set in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city with scenery that will take your breath away.

Some of the castle’s highlights that are sure to capture the interest of the children are: the crown jewels (the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles), Mons Meg (one of the greatest guns in medieval Europe) and the Prisons of War which once held prisoners of war from across the world! 

Enquire about this trip

Camera Obscura

A school trip to Camera Obscura is a fascinating and highly amusing way to see Edinburgh and learn about its  history . From inside this mysterious Victorian rooftop chamber, school groups can see live moving images of the city, projected onto a viewing table through a giant periscope. It's a great way of helping students to learn about Edinburgh’s heritage whilst keeping them engaged.

The floors beneath the Camera Obscura hold the "World of Illusions", which offers interactive exhibits demonstrating aspects of optical illusions, light, and colour. A colourful way to  explore science  with your class.

Real Mary Kings Close

Mary King's Close is a warren of underground streets and spaces in the Old Town area of Edinburgh, Scotland. It took its name from one Mary King, daughter of advocate Alexander King, who in the 17th century had owned several properties within the close. Back in those days closes were named after the most prominent citizen or the most commonly found business to be on the close.

For years, the hidden Closes of Old Town Edinburgh have been shrouded in myths and mysteries. Today the attraction brings these stories to life with a costumed character tour guide based on a one time resident. Groups will explore the underground site, hearing the fascinating stories.

Edinburgh Dungeon

On your school tour of Edinburgh Dungeon you’ll witness a variety of enthralling shows, taking you through Scotland’s darkest history. With stunning special effects, authentic sets, witty comedy, two heart-stopping rides and a host of scary surprises lurking in the Dungeon, it’s a unique and fun introduction to a range of classroom subjects including   History  and  Performing Arts .

Our Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth takes you on a journey through time, to tell the story of planet Earth, how it works, how life has evolved on its differing environments, and the future challenges it faces. Situated at the foot of Edinburgh's spectacular Salisbury Crags, it's a fantastic spot for a   school geography trip .

Book your enrichment school trip to Edinburgh today

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 1,000 fabulous animals, including the UK's only giant pandas. On your primary school trip to Edinburgh Zoo, which is situated in beautiful parkland settings, you'll see fabulous flamingos, cute koalas and cheeky chimpanzees. Plus if you get there for around lunchtime, you'll catch the world famous penguin parade, when some of the King, Gentoo and Rockhopper colonies leave their enclosure and have a wee waddle around! 

FREE learning visits

Explore 5,000 years of history with our free learning visits.

• Where can we visit?
• Is our group eligible?
• How can we book?
• School visits travel subsidy
• Site information sheets

1 Where can we visit?

2 is our group eligible.

• nurseries and schools
• colleges and universities
• out of school clubs 
• uniformed organisations like Scouts or Girl Guides (UK only)
• home educator groups (UK only)

Groups from third sector and charitable organisations delivering educational or wellbeing programmes are also eligible, including those supporting:

• adult learners
• employability programmes
• groups with additional support needs.
• A member of the visiting learning organisation must make the booking. Formal educational groups must make the booking using their organisational email address.
• The free learning visits scheme does not cover commercial or leisure activity including residential language schools.

Staffing ratios

• Early Years - Nursery and P1/2 (or aged 7 and under) 1:6
• Primary P3-7 and Secondary S1-S4  (or aged 8-15) 1:10
• Senior Phase  (or aged 16-18 but still in school) 1:15

Groups with  participants aged 16+  (excluding school groups) must be accompanied by a named representative from the visiting organisation.  

Please get in touch with us at [email protected] if you'd like to check whether your group is eligible.

3 How can we book?

We are currently taking requests for visits up to the end of June 2024.

As we are currently receiving a high volume of booking enquiries please be aware that response times may be slower than normal. Thank you for your patience.

To book your free learning group visit:

• For booking requests for  Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle , please fill in our booking enquiry form.  
• For all other sites a provisional booking should be made by calling the site directly . 
• We’ll then email you a booking confirmation with a voucher to bring along on the day (please note a booking is not guaranteed until you receive a confirmation email and voucher)
• After your booking is confirmed, group leaders can arrange a free planning visit to help with preparation of a risk assessment. Please arrange this for Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle by emailing [email protected] and for all other sites please contact the site directly .

Please note:

• All our sites operate with daily visitor capacities. Early booking and some flexibility on date and time of the visit is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
• At least 10 days’ notice of the proposed visit date is required.
• Currently, we are only offering self-guided visits. We have a range of online resources available to support your visit.

Learning & Inclusion Team Historic Environment Scotland Email:  [email protected]

4 School visits travel subsidy

We are pleased to announce that the scheme for the 2024/25 financial year is now open. We can accept applications for visits taking place from 1 April 2024. The application form is available to download below.

Scottish schools can apply for help towards the travel costs of visiting heritage sites of national importance. The Scottish Government Heritage Travel Subsidy for Schools covers 75% of transport costs (up to a maximum of £300) to visit the chosen site. Scotland's special schools and units can apply for 100% of travel costs (up to a maximum of £300).

You can apply for a School Visits Travel Subsidy if visiting:

• Any Historic Environment Scotland site
• Certain  National Trust for Scotland sites – The Battle of Bannockburn , Culloden and  Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
• David Livingstone Birthplace
• New Lanark World Heritage Site
• Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre

Any Scottish school can apply. Funding is limited and priority will be given to schools in areas with high indicators of multiple deprivation (see Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation ).

The travel subsidy process:

• The visit must be booked in advance and for a genuine educational purpose.
• Subsidy applications must be made before the visit.
• Receipts must be sent by the school after the visit (and within one month of the visit date).
• Payment will be made to the school usually within 30 days of receipt of a valid claim.

How to apply

• Make a provisional booking by contacting the site you wish to visit.
• Obtain a quote for travel costs (e.g. from a coach company).
• Complete the travel subsidy application form and return it to us at [email protected]

How will I hear back about my application?

Historic Environment Scotland's Learning and Inclusion team will respond to you by email to let you know whether or not your application was successful.

How will I receive the subsidy?

After your visit, please send a copy of the paid bus company invoice or group travel receipt to [email protected] .

75% of the total cost of travel (up to a maximum of £300) will be reimbursed to the school usually within 30 days of receipt of the invoice/group travel receipt. For Scotland's special schools and units, 100% of travel costs (up to a maximum of £300) will be reimbursed.

Email:  [email protected]

5 Site information sheets

Our site information sheets are here to help learning group leaders plan their visit to our historic places. They include key things to know, as well as a list of potential hazards, to help a group leader write their risk assessment.

Blackness Castle [PDF, 697KB]

Craigmillar Castle [PDF, 629KB]

Dirleton Castle [PDF, 589KB]

Dumbarton Castle [PDF, 623KB]

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace [PDF, 799KB]

Edinburgh Castle [PDF, 1MB]

Fort George [PDF, 525KB]

Maeshowe Chambered Carin [PDF, 1.2MB]

Melrose Abbey [PDF, 780KB]

Ring of Brodgar [PDF, 515KB]

Skara Brae [PDF, 562KB]

Stirling Castle [PDF, 1.2MB]

Stones of Stenness [PDF, 466KB]

Tantallon Castle [PDF, 610KB]

Urquhart Castle [PDF, 574KB]

Here are answers to some of our frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Is it safe to visit?

Can i book a tour or activity, can i book a lunch space, do you provide risk assessments, how should we dress.

• Netherlands
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• School trip to the Baltic Sea
• School trip to the North Sea
• Biosphere Reserves
• History in Lübeck
• History in Weimar
• Sustainability at the Baltic Sea
• Sustainability in Münster
• Politics in Berlin
• Language trip to Hastings
• World Heritage

Welcome to Scotland! Edinburgh and the Highlands are among the most fascinating places in Europe. Myths, legends and heroes live on here – a king still watches over Stirling's mighty castle to this day – and wild and romantic natural landscapes with mysterious lakes such as Loch Lomond in the Trossachs National Park line adventurous hiking trails.

Edinburgh School Trips

Bespoke school trips to , standing on 7 hills, edinburgh is one of europe’s most beautiful and cultured cities. capital city of scotland and home to the scottish parliament, edinburgh is the second most visited destination in the uk and is a favourite destination for school trips.edinburgh’s many museums, galleries and historic buildings give the city its unique character and wide appeal making it a popular destination for students of all subjects..

An abundance of historic locations, modern shops and a performing arts scene on a world-class scale make Edinburgh an exciting and rewarding destination for any school trip.

Contact Adaptable Travel today and let our team tailor make your perfect itinerary for your Edinburgh school trip.

Curriculum Visits in 

Suggested Itinerary

Adaptable Travel can arrange your bespoke school trip to Edinburgh. See our suggested itinerary below.

Morning departure from school by coach Visit to the National Museum of Scotland* (2rs) Check in to the accommodation Evening meal in the hotel Optional evening visit bowling or trampoline park

Breakfast in the hotel, collect packed lunch Morning visit to Edinburgh Castle* (half day) Afternoon visits to Camera Obscura (1.5hr) and Edinburgh Dungeon (1.5hrs) Evening meal at the hotel Optional evening visit Ghost Walk (1hr) Overnight at the accommodation

Breakfast in the hotel, collect packed lunch Morning visit to Dynamic Earth* (2hrs) Lunch and free time Return coach journey to school

Like the itinerary mentioned above? Enquire today to start planning your amazing school trip to Edinburgh alternatively, call us at 01451 832 133.

Accommodation Options in 

Alternative 

Cross-curriculum, book with confidence.

All of our trips are protected by ATOL or ABTA bonding. This means your money is safe when booking your school trip with Adaptable Travel.

School Trips to Glasgow

Why choose Halsbury?

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and are here to make the process of running your school trip as easy as possible.

Learn more about Halsbury Travel

School trips tailored to your curriculum

We'll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure your school trip is a truly educational experience.

Discover how we’ll tailor your school trip

Health & safety prioritised

As a proud Assured Member of the School Travel Forum, the health and safety of your group is always our priority.

Find out how we ensure your health and safety

Support every step of the way

We'll be with you every step of the way, from your very first enquiry until the moment you return home, including 24-hour support while you’re on your school trip.

Find out about the support we offer

Financially secure school trips

We're ABTA bonded and all our air tours are ATOL protected , so you can be sure that your school trip is financially secure.

Find out more about our accreditations

Rewarding loyalty scheme

You'll earn loyalty points from your very first school trip with Halsbury. These can be used towards a discount on your school trip or a free gift for your school.

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Going Out There – Health and Safety guidance on leaving the school grounds

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This resource supports teachers with a useful toolkit in addition to clear advice on specific details.

• Are you using the outdoor environment to its full capacity?
• Do you ‘fear’ leaving the school grounds?
• Are you unclear as to your responsibility and that of your staff when off site?
• Do you need answers to some of the ‘urban myths’ that surround off–site learning?

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Scotland’s outdoor environment offers motivating, exciting, varied, relevant and easily accessible activities from pre-school years through to college and beyond. Through Curriculum for Excellence, the Scottish Government endorses the value of children and young people enjoying positive learning and play experiences in a wide variety of settings from galleries and museums to woodlands, parks and wild, natural spaces, as well as planned adventure and residential experiences. An enjoyable, creative, challenging learning journey helps children and young people learn by experience and grow as confident and responsible citizens who value and appreciate their local area and the wider environment of Scotland, which includes spectacular landscapes, rich natural heritage and a diverse built environment including landmarks of international significance.

There is a need for schools and other groups to make the most of the vast learning potential of the outdoors by ‘going out there’ and employers and those leading groups need to have confidence that the approach they are taking meets legal requirements and helps enable positive experiences for children and young people. While local authorities’ guidance and regulations remain authoritative, it is expected that ‘Going Out There’ should be adopted as a common framework across Scotland by all those managing or organising visits or providing activities and venues. It seeks to increase confidence and co-operation and recognises in particular that the vast majority of outdoor learning involves routine visits to places in the local area. It does not cover work experience.

The framework has been developed in partnership by the Scottish Government, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education (SAPOE), Education Scotland and the Association of Directors of Education, with input from other partners including voluntary organisations and providers.

This framework refreshes and updates the Health and Safety on Educational Excursions (HASEE) guidance and its supplements which are now withdrawn. It adopts a low bureaucracy, enabling approach to outdoor experience and off-site visits, reflecting the step change in the approach to educational visits detailed in the HSE High Level Statement, ‘School trips and outdoor learning activities: Tackling the health and safety myths’. The HSE statement makes clear that:

The focus should be on how the real risks arising from such visits are managed rather than a focus on paperwork There is a need for a proportionate and sensible approach for planning and organising off-site activities.

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Various student allowance and grant support questions: FOI release

Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

Information requested

1. Whether a minimum national allowance for foster and kinship care has been introduced in Scotland? 2. What steps the Scottish Government has taken to ensure pupils from low-income families can take part in school trips? 3. What work has been conducted to introduce substantial reforms to student support? 4. Whether a special support payment for students on benefits who may lose out because they are entitled to student support has been introduced in Scotland? If not, is there a date for such a payment being introduced? 5. What work has been done to introduce a care experience grant in Scotland?

The answer to your questions are: 1. A minimum national allowance for foster and kinship care has not been introduced in Scotland. The Scottish Government continues to work closely with COSLA to find a way forward on the introduction of a Scottish Recommended Allowance for foster and kinship carers. 2. As part of the 2021 Programme for Government, the Scottish Government committed to ensuring that pupils from lower-income families can take part in school trips, providing support for children to go on curriculum-related trips and activities, and Primary 6/7 residentials, and giving secondary school pupils the right to go on at least one ‘optional’ trip during their time at school. We fully recognise that learning outside the classroom is an essential part of education. Children should not miss out simply because their parents cannot afford the cost. As you may be aware, over the next four years we are increasing investment to tackle the poverty-related attainment gap. Funding will be equitably distributed to schools and local authorities throughout the country as part of the refreshed Schools Attainment Challenge (SAC). There will be a continued distribution of Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) and an equitable allocation to all 32 local authorities, Strategic Equity Fund (SEF), as part of an increased investment of £1 billion over the course of the Parliamentary term - representing a substantial increase on last term’s £750m funding. This approach enables us to best target resources to our most disadvantaged children and young people and schools where it can have the greatest impact. PEF is allocated to schools on the basis of free school meal registrations of pupils in P1-S3, with headteachers and teachers able to make local decisions about which children and young people would benefit most from any particular intervention or approach, e.g. school trips, whilst keeping a clear focus on delivering equity and helping support their attainment through improving outcomes for learners impacted by poverty. The refreshed programme and its associated funding will continue to empower headteachers and enable local authorities to work with them to implement approaches to support children and young people impacted by poverty in their local contexts. The funding should be focused on resources, activities and approaches which will lead to improvements in literacy, numeracy and support health and wellbeing. We are also tackling the cost of the school day which is supported by Attainment Scotland Funding. Many schools now ensure no cost is required for extra-curricular activities, residential trips, theatre experiences or outdoor learning experiences for all learners. This ensures children have access to the same opportunities. 3 & 4 In our Programme for Government, we committed to start work on the introduction of a range of substantial reforms to student support. These include:

• Expanding our total student support package to reach the equivalent of the living wage over the next three years.
• Introducing a special support payment so that students who are in receipt of benefits do not lose out because they are in receipt of, or entitled to, student support.
• Halting the interest on student loans during maternity leave.
• Undertaking a review into the funding provision for postgraduate students.
• Improving the support available to estranged students with a package of support equivalent to the Living Wage.
• Exploring whether a programme of guarantorship for estranged students, who are disproportionately vulnerable to exploitation within the housing market, can be created in partnership with colleges and universities.

So far we have:

• Commenced a review of the future of summer student support.
• Recently published the results from a small scale Student Summer Support Survey, which provides baseline evidence for the First 100 Days commitment to review summer support for students.
• Delivered the first 100 days commitment to provide an additional £20 million in summer hardship support for the 2020/21 Academic Year (AY) via college and university Discretionary Funds. Established a new stakeholder group to inform work being undertaken to deliver the Student Support Programme for Government commitments.
• In February this year, we announced a £350 loan uplift for 2022/23 AY for higher education students. This means that the most disadvantaged students can access £8,100 per year through bursary and loan and is the first step v in our commitment to provide student support in line with the living wage over the next three years.
• Began a 2 year programme, giving students in receipt of the Care Experienced Bursary the option to receive their current funding in 12-monthly payments. We will use the findings of this to determine whether it should be extended to the undergraduate package from 2024/25 AY.
• Recommenced work on the data gathering exercise on estranged students which is due to complete in August 2022. This data gathering exercise will inform any future changes to the support offered to estranged students, including meeting the manifesto commitment to offer a package of support equivalent to the living wage.
• Commenced work to introduce a special support payment so that students on benefits do not lose out because they are in receipt of, or entitled to, student support. We are committed to delivering this within this parliamentary term.

5. The Promise, published in February 2020, set out the direction that the children’s care system in Scotland needs to take to ensure that all young people with experience of care grow up loved, safe, and respected and with robust scaffolding’ of support in place when it is needed. The 2021 SNP Manifesto included a commitment to invest £10 million to introduce a Care Leaver Grant. There was a subsequent commitment (and a change of name to Care Experience Grant) in the Scottish Government Programme for Government (PfG) 2021-22. The Care Experience Grant will be introduced to provide young people with care experience additional financial support and security as they transition out of care. This is a £200 payment that will be paid on an annual basis for up to 10 years. We have estimated that it will benefit up to 50,000 young people aged 16-25 per year who may not have access to the same family support networks as many of their non-care experienced peers. Officials are working at pace with stakeholders and potential partners to identity feasible delivery options for the payment. In consideration of timescales associated with this commitment, we will balance ambition and pace with the need to deliver the payment effectively and that it meets the needs of individuals with care experience. The Scottish Government will make an announcement in due course on how it intends to progress the delivery of the Care Experience Grant. About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses .

Please quote the FOI reference Central Enquiry Unit Email: [email protected] Phone: 0300 244 4000

The Scottish Government St Andrews House Regent Road Edinburgh EH1 3DG

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Scotland's first 'tequila' - but it can't use the name

A spirit maker based along the Solway shoreline has become the first creator of tequila in Scotland - only it cannot use that name.

The Dark Art Distillery was set up near Galloway Forest Park - the UK's first dark sky park - by Andrew Clark Hutchison, a Scot who was born in Mexico City.

Having developed award-winning gins, he turned his attention to his birthplace and, discovered there had not been a tequila spirit made in Scotland.

For a year, he has worked with Dark Art's master distiller Gerard Macluskey on the possibility of creating the drink.

Gerard learned his trade with Tanqueray Gordon in Essex, Smirnoff Vodka and various small distilleries.

The pair have now unveiled Vespero to coincide with International Dark Skies Week.

The drink's central ingredient is the blue weber agave plant.

Mr Macluskey said he had to draw on his 40 years of experience in the industry to distil a tequila recipe in Scotland

He said: "This is something different, certainly, and I'm very proud of being at the forefront of doing something that hasn’t been done before in Scotland.

"We've had trials with leading mixologists and the reactions have been great."

The Dark Art Distillery, which is based in Kirkcudbright's old Johnston School, opened in 2021.

Mr Clark Hutchison and his brother were born in Mexico City, where his parents lived from the late 1950s to 1967.

The 57-year-old said: "My father went there with Paisley firm Coats.

"Having Mexico City as my place of birth on my passport, I was always keen to do something from my heritage, and where my parents first lived as a couple.

"It was really exciting to do something with a Mexican inspiration."

He said it was "fantastic" to see the drink come to fruition.

Why it can't be called tequila?

If you're looking for Scotland's first tequila, you won't find it under that name. Just like Scotch whisky has to be produced in Scotland, so tequila can only be distilled in Mexico.

"It smells like tequila, it tastes like tequila and it's made like tequila, but it can't be called tequila because it's 100% distilled in Scotland," said Mr Clark Hutchison.

"That's the beauty of it for me.

"There are other Scottish distilleries that have tequila, but they get it from Mexico, whereas this is 100% distilled in Scotland, here in Kirkcudbright. We're making it from scratch."

The name Vespero relates to venus and the evening star.

Mr Clark Hutchison explains "the inspiration when we opened our distillery was all about the dark skies above the Galloway Forest Park so we were trying to get a link to astronomy, which is a big part of Mexican heritage.

"It fits with the heritage of both."

There's also a personal element for Mr Clark Hutchison.

He added: "For me, it's been a really interesting journey, because as we've gone through the process I've picked up books my dad had from his time in Mexico.

"It made me read those books, and connected me with him, even though he's not here anymore.

"It's been really nice to read the books from Mexico that he had read before me when he was travelling there. That's been a really nice journey for me."

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