Behind the Scenes at the Hub | Alone with Camping
It’s the last day of the school term here in Scotland, and we’ve got one excited Molly on the team, planning long days of lounging — while I’m plotting outdoor adventures and activities.
We’re kicking off the holidays with a few days of camping near Oban. Well, I’ll be under canvas — we’re meeting my sister, who’s rented an Airbnb.
I fully expect to be left under the stars while Molly sneaks into her cousin’s bed.
No complaints. A good compromise suits us both — exciting, but not too exciting.
Honestly, that’s how I think holidays should be: built around the people they’re for.
Around your energy, your curiosity, your way of relaxing.
It’s also how we invite people to learn English this summer — through real-world conversation holidays here in Perthshire.
Learn English this Summer – At Your Pace
With the change of rhythm summer brings, my friend/partner Jennie Reed and I have a treat for you.
In case you don’t know, Jennie is a pronunciation coach who sometimes holds workshops on a Blue Noun holiday — and I work with her as True Voice English, helping English for Creative Careers
The Alone with English Podcast
That’s why, on July 1st, we’re launching something new just for you: a 6-part podcast called Alone with English. It’s not about grammar tips or vocabulary drills — it’s about the emotional side of learning a language.
This podcast is designed to meet you wherever you are — whether you’re picking English back up after a long break, feeling stuck despite years of lessons, or just needing a bit of reassurance that it’s not you holding things back.
Too many brilliant, motivated learners are weighed down by pressure and perfectionism. It’s not your fault — it’s the system. This podcast is our way of saying: there’s another way to learn English this summer — and actually enjoy it.
You’ll find Alone with English on all the usual podcast platforms.
I’ll share a link as soon as it’s polished and ready (likely just after I return from the west coast — sun-tanned and midge-bitten, no doubt).
Talking About Oban
Oban is just a couple of hours’ drive from Crieff — a favourite day trip from our English holidays. It’s full of character and sea air, and I love watching the ferries glide in and out.
Scotland has around 100 inhabited islands, and many of them can be reached from Oban. If you’ve never been (or want to go again), we can build it into your itinerary.
And yes, there’s an incredible seafood shack.
Last year, we offered ALL our English immersion holiday guests a trip to Oban as part of their holiday package. We have different treats lined up for you this year, but if you would like this day trip to the West Coast of Scotland, just let us know when you book.
A Perfect Holiday
You’ll find a link below to a blog I wrote about my holiday last year in a gorgeous hand-built eco holiday village. I’m sharing it here because it reflects so many of the things I value in a holiday: peace and relaxation, environmental alignment, support for nature, creativity, culture, transparency, and friendliness.
You don’t need to love sleeping in a yurt to want those things!
A Small Talk Tip for Today
If you’re in Scotland today, here’s a handy English-language small talk tip:
There’s a national race on to say “what a shame about the weather” (5 points),
mention that it’s rained on every first day of the holidays since records began (10 points),
and 100 points if you reference doing the sums on cave walls or manage to squeeze in the phrase “since time immemorial.”
I can’t argue that it’s humid, but it’s a light, lovely cool drizzle that feels like it’s come straight off the hills.
I love this sort of weather. Not sure what everyone’s complaining about…
Further Information
No matter how ‘bad’ you think your English is, we’ve got a no-shame holiday to help you reconnect with it — and start feeling proud.
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
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