Ensure you have the group register and emergency contact numbers for all leaders and students
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
Take group photos at key locations and share them with the programme WhatsApp group
08:45 Meet at 42 Henderson Row
09:50 Arrive at Stirling Castle, free time inside with an optional guided tour by Castle staff
12:00 Travel to Loch Katrine
13:00 Steamship Cruise
14:00 Steamship Cruise ends, 30 minutes free time to enjoy the Loch
14:30 Drive to the Kelpies through the Trossachs National Park
16:20 Stop at the Kelpies, free time and group photo!
16:50 Return to Edinburgh
17:20 Arrive Charlotte Square
Stirling Castle is a historic Scottish stronghold, pivotal in the nation's story, evolving from a 12th-century fortress to a grand Renaissance palace for the Stewart monarchs (James IV & V), the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a major military barracks, now a top tourist site showcasing royal history, battles, and stunning architecture like the Great Hall and Royal Palace.
Think about your journey to the Castle, is there anything you can think of that would make Stirling Castle difficult to invade?
The Castle is built on a high and craggy hill with great views across the land. This means it was hard to reach, and anyone in the Castle could see attackers approaching. During the 12th Century, Stirling Castle was positioned on the only main route connecting the Highlands to the Lowlands of Scotland. It was also positioned on the only bridge over the Firth of Forth river, all of this meant it was a great place to hold if you were wanting a strong position in Scotland. It was said that to hold Stirling was to hold Scotland, and the Castle was passed back and forth between Scotland and England for around 200 years.
There are free tours of Stirling Castle, ask at the entrance when they are running and suggest to the group that they attend one- it will give them a brief overview of the historical significance of the place, and details about some of the rooms.
The Kelpies are based on creatures from Scottish folklore. According to legend, it is a shapeshifting horse-like figure that can appear as a human, and it inhabits lochs. It is believed these stories were told to children to scare them away from dangerous stretches of water and warning young women to be wary of handsome strangers. The two 30-metre-high steel sculptures, completed in 2013, represent these creatures.
This is a beatiful example of some of Scotland's best scenery. A 'loch' is a Scottish lake, this one is a natural freshwater loch, and it provides drinking water to much of Glasgow. For this reason, the water needs to stay clean and diesel boats are not allowed. Today we're riding a beautiful steam boat that will take us on a short cruise around the water. You will get some great scenic views so get your cameras ready!
The Trossachs is a huge national park The park is home to many of the animals you picture when you think of Scotland, including capercaillie, red deer, red squirrel, Scottish wildcat & golden eagles. We are just passing through here, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery