Insider Tips from a Scottish Holiday Host
This blog is to help you get the most from your holiday in Scotland.
Last year, Scotland had 4 million international visitors, so no, it’s not going to tell you EVERYTHING you need to know (I do share 5 websites that might do this at the end).
Enjoying your Scottish holiday starts now, by slowing down, relaxing, and being curious about Scotland beyond the usual tourist routes.
How to Plan a Slow Holiday
So make yourself a cuppa, and enjoy how we share Scotland.
We are an independent, curious language school offering a unique holiday that immerses you in the heart of Scottish culture while coaching your English.
We’ve spent YEARS researching the best paths, walks, seasonal visits and built a network of great communicators who will help you discover scotland by sharing thier own stories.
Join us in celebrating the tiny details of our nation’s great landscapes.
We find the spirit of Scotland in plants and people, not big brands.
Here are just a few of the wonderful places, people and local events we share with you.
Why is the Thistle the Emblem of Scotland?
Reading these legends will fill your heart with the spirit of Scotland (no, not the whisky) and start you knowing the landscape and history before you even arrive.
The Lost Souls of Glen Quaich
Discover why you’ll never call the ruined houses in our landscape “cute” again — having knowledge of the Highland Clearances is the difference between knowing Scotland as a sightseer and a traveller.
What is This Strange British Sandwich Worship?
Take a dip into British culture with this whole other meal between lunch and dinner.
- Is it good?
- What should you wear?
- And what’s with all the silver?
What Do Scots Think of the Royal Family?
Inside Scotland | The Passing of Queen Elizabeth
The national media showed you queues of British mourners.
For balance, I asked 3 good friends to answer identical questions on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
How did Scotland mourn? It may not be what you saw on TV.
10 Tips for Dealing with the Scottish Midge
Are the horror stories true?
Yes. And some.
But they are not the full story. Join me for an irreverent look at our little bitey Scottish friends…
Discover the Remarkable Life and Death of Private Farquhar Shaw
Discover the remarkable life and death of Private Farquhar Shaw — a man who died a traitor but is celebrated as a hero, and whose story reveals Scotland’s complicated relationship with England.
And Why Everyone is Beautiful!
This winter we celebrated snow people popping up in gardens — a glimpse into Scottish cultural humour with a free English exercise, language tip toolbox, and a Wonky English download to explore.
Behind the Gift Shop | The Story of a Bar of Highland Soap
In this blog we take a behind-the-scenes look at one bar of soap to show how it can help you discover Scotland — with a visit to the Crieff High Street shop, a chat with the maker, and a taste of deep travel in her daily life.
Know the truth behind the 'empty' Scottish landscapes
This blog takes you behind the scenes of Scotland’s private estates, where wildlife crime remains hidden from most travellers — until you stumble across the tragedy of an injured golden eagle.
Our guide to Help You Understand Scottish Accents
Our most popular blog helps you understand the languages spoken around you in Scotland — and when you should (and shouldn’t) tune your ear to Scottish accents.
We love it Here, But Will You?
What does the ‘Big Tree County’ offer tourists? Loads — this blog matches visitor stats with why we chose Perthshire for our language school, and reveals what Perthshire Time means (and why it’s perfect for language learning).
Illustrator Laura Darling and the Burning of Strathearn
No one knows for certain why the Jacobites torched villages and towns, retreating from the inconclusive battle of Sherrifmuir in 1715, but thanks to illustrator Laura Darling, no one will ever forget.
How Our Local Shops Spread Magic Every Christmas
Get to know our wee town before you arrive through the story of one iconic sweet shop and its Christmas adventure.
BONUS
5 Useful Links for EVERYTHING You Need to Know to Get the Most from Your Holiday in Scotland!
- Visit Scotland
A great website with tips for visiting any place in Scotland. - Traveline Scotland
Use the free ap to visit Scotland using public transport - Komoot
Komoot is a route planning and navigation app that allows you to customise your walking and cycling routes based on your preferences, including avoiding busy roads. - OSMaps
Ordnance Survey maps – digitalized. Essential for hill walking and climbing! - WalkHighlands
A one-stop website for finding great walks near your location.
Discover Scotland Speaking English
In case you don’t know Blue Noun Language Hub, we help people feel they belong speaking English by finding love for being here in Scotland.
If you want to discover Scotland in authentic ways, with an English coach (not a tour guide), it all starts with a quick video chat..
Let’s Talk!
Interested in a chat about our English coaching holidays in Scotland?
You’ll get to see our hub – and tell me (Ruth) 3 things you’d like to see/do when you are here!
Make Your Scottish Holiday Even More Meaningful
Exploring Scotland is unforgettable — and these blogs will help you plan adventures, find hidden corners, and travel like a local. If you’d like to take things one step further, our English holidays let you practice real-world English while experiencing Scotland’s landscapes, culture, and hospitality.
That way, you don’t just collect memories — you experience conversations that make your English powerful.
Testimonials
British Council
The British Council listed our speciality Real-World English in its Top 2024 Language Teaching Innovations.
Friendly community
Perthshire was voted the Friendliest Region on Earth by Booking*com.
What more perfect combination could you need for an English conversation holiday?
5 Star Reviews
Read our 5 Star Reviews on Google
