Discover what makes the Scottish Highlands one of Europe’s most unique natural wonders, as you learn the history of ancient lochs, clan lands, castles and glens.
Legend blends with history in the Scottish Highlands, where soaring peaks, low-lying glens and famous lochs set a stage for discovery. Experience this unforgettable region as you venture to some of its most noted locations, including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Glen Affric and the misty Isle of Skye.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Light walking of up to two miles a day; some uneven terrain and stairs at historic sites.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
Join historians as they offer a view into Highland Scotland’s ancient history, the downfall of Gaelic clans, the Highland Clearances and New World emigration.
Discover the castles, clan lands and romance of the famous Isle of Skye.
Step back in time at Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most historically important castles in Scotland.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A new cover reprint of the second volume of T. C. Smout’s magnificent – and indispensable – account of the Scottish people, from 1830–1950.
‘Professor Smout’s “History of the Scottish People 1560–1830” was hailed as a classic piece of social history. If you had time to read only one book on Scotland, this was it…Unfortunately, you now have to read two…“A Century of the Scottish People” is as satisfying and enlightening as its predecessor.’ John Kenyon, Observer
‘An admirable example of how academic history may yet be written for the general reader. It is deeply enjoyable, lively, packed with interesting detail, illuminating anecdote and pithy observation.’ Allan Massie, The Times
Castle and Tower Houses of the Scottish Clans
by Stuart Reid
The Highland Clearances
by John Prebble
The Highlands (Exploring Scotland's Heritage
by Joanna Close- Brooks
. The Scottish Nation: 1700-2000
by T.M.Devine
The Scottish Nation examines the social, political, religious and economic factors that have shaped modern Scotland. Drawing on the latest research, Devine places Scotland firmly within an international context and provides a key focus for the ongoing debate regarding Scotland's future. This new edition brings the reader up-to-date with Scotland's recent history, from the high politics of the devolved parliament to the everyday effects of huge and growing levels of social inequality.
Concise History of Scotland
by Sir Fitzroy Maclean
Scotland: The Story of a Nation
by Magnus Magnusson
Scotland: A New History
by Michael Lynch
This full length history of Scotland is made up of 25 chapters spanning 18 centuries, from the Picts to the 1980s and is designed for the general reader. A particular feature of the book is the attention it gives to social and cultural history, including life in towns, the changing role of the nobles, and the shifting images of Scottish identity through the ages. The landmarks of Scottish history - the Wars of Independence, the Reformation, the Union of Crowns and the Union of Parliaments, the Jacobite rebellions, the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, are all covered. The author is the editor of "The Innes Review", literary editor of the Scottish History Society and has written books on Edinburgh and the Reformation, Mary, Queen of Scots and the Scottish Burghs.
Scotland's Mountains: A Lanscape Photographer's View
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.