Arthur's Seat Notes for Guides

Before the trip

Ensure you have the group register and emergency contact numbers for all leaders and students
Make sure students have plenty of water. Encourage them to refill bottles with tap water where possible. In their own country they might think tap water is toxic! Educate them.
Make sure you have the tickets you need to enter with your group
Wear the official group T-shirt or hoodie for easy identification
Charge your phone fully and bring a power bank
Review the risk assessment for the day’s route and activities
Remind students to bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of light rain

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An Introduction

Arthur’s Seat is a large hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is part of Holyrood Park and is about 251 meters high. From the top, you can see amazing views of the city. Many people visit it to walk, hike, or enjoy nature, but the hill also has a very old history.

Arthur’s Seat was formed by a volcano that erupted around 350 million years ago. The volcano is now extinct, but the rocks and cliffs show where it once was. Over time, wind, rain, and ice helped shape the hill into what we see today.

No one knows exactly how the hill got its name. Some people think it is connected to the legendary King Arthur and his castle, Camelot. Others believe the name comes from old Gaelic words that mean “high place” or “rocky hill.”

People have lived near Arthur’s Seat for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found remains of ancient forts and walls, showing that it was once used for protection. In the 19th century, small mysterious coffins were discovered there, adding to the hill’s legends.

Today, Arthur’s Seat is a symbol of Edinburgh and a favorite place for both locals and tourists.

Itinerary

0:00 – Depart from Edinburgh Academy

0:30 – Stop 2: Calton Hill

0:35 – Stop 3: Scottish Parliament & Holyrood Palace

0:45 – Stop 4: St. Margaret’s Loch

1:00 – Stop 5: St. Anthony’s Chapel Ruins

1:20 – Final Climb: Arthur’s Seat Summit

1:35 – Arrive at the Summit of Arthur’s Seat

1:50 – Descend and return home

Before the Trip ...

Make sure you have your first aid kit
You need to be seen. Please wear the yellow T-Shirt or hoodie
Make sure your phone has a full battery plus a power bank
Do you have a register for the group you are taking?
Do you have a risk assessment for the day?
You need the Emergency number, the Principal's number and the number of any Group Leaders accompanying the tour

Stop 1: The Scottish Parliament - Script

NOTE: SKIP THIS IF THE GROUP ARE VISITING PARLIAMENT ON THEIR PROGRAMME

This building is where MSPs, or Members of the Scottish Parliament, meet to discuss ideas, debate issues, and make laws. They deal with matters such as education, health, the environment, and transport.

The Parliament was officially opened in 2004, and it represents a modern period in Scotland’s political history, when Scots gained more control over decisions affecting their daily lives.

The Scottish Parliament uses a system called devolution, which means Scotland has the power to make decisions about certain areas, while the UK Parliament in London still controls others.

There are also committees where smaller groups of MSPs study issues in detail. These committees are very important because they allow for careful discussion before laws are made.

🟢 Question: Does the building remind you of anything? Do the shapes make you think of something?

Parts of the building look like they are growing out of the landscape, connecting nature with democracy. Some roofs look like upturned boats, inspired by Scotland’s fishing traditions. Inside, you’ll see the use of natural light, wood, and stone, which help create a welcoming and open atmosphere.
Miralles wanted the building to show the main values of the Parliament: openness, sharing power, and accessibility.

Stop 2: Holyrood Palace - Script

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, often called Holyrood Palace, is the official home of the British monarch in Scotland. It is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, close to Arthur’s Seat. The palace has a long and exciting history. It was first built next to an old abbey in the 1100s, and later became a royal residence.

Many important kings and queens lived here, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who experienced both happy and tragic events inside the palace walls. Today, Holyrood Palace is used for royal ceremonies when the monarch visits Scotland, and it is also open to visitors. People come from all over the world to see the beautiful rooms, the historic abbey ruins, and the peaceful gardens.

🟢 Question: Do you have a monarchy in your country? Do they live in a similar place to this?

Stop 3: St Margaret's Loch & St Anthony's Chapel - Script

The best route up Arthur's Seat is to approach St Margaret's Loch and then go up the path to St Antony's Chapel, where you can take great group pictures. From here, you continue climbing for a while until you reach the lower summit. You have the option to finish here, or to continue on to the real summit, although warn students it can be slippy. Then, climb back down and release students outside the Parliament building.

Stop 4- Arthur's Seat

From here, you continue climbing for a while until you reach the lower summit. You have the option to finish here, or to continue on to the real summit, although warn students it can be slippy. Then, climb back down and release students outside the Parliament building.

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