This morning was our second to last day before the symposium to explore Scotland. Our first stop was downtown Dundee. We first stopped in town to explore some of the shops. Most of them were closed, but some of us went to get coffee at Black Sheep Coffee, a popular coffee shop chain in the UK. 

After our brief exploration, we all met up to head to St. Paul’s Cathedral to take a group photo and attend a 10:30am church service. 

This was an Episcopal church, so it was a different kind of service for a lot of us. At the beginning of the service, the reverend recognized all of the new faces in the crowd and explained how the service and communion would work. We had the option to come up and take communion, just receive a blessing, or stay in our seats, and about half of us elected to take communion. After the service, there was time for tea and biscuits, and we had a chance to socialize with the congregants. 

One of the clergy even told us that it was the most participation they’ve had in the hymns in a long time. Following church, we all walked to the V&A museum, where we had the opportunity to walk around the museum and also have lunch. 

One of the exhibitions in the museum was about Scottish designs that had a global impact. The displays were about architecture, fashion, engineering, healthcare, and even video game design. 

We left the museum, and it was time to get back on the bus and head to our next stop. 

After visiting the V&A we drove up to Dunnottar (sounds like “dont know her” in a Scottish accent) Castle on a rocky cliff overlooking the North Sea near Stonehaven, Scotland. The site has been occupied for centuries and became an important stronghold of the powerful Earls Marischal. During the Scottish Wars of independence, it was associated with William Wallace and in 1651 the castle protected the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) from Oliver Cromwell’s forces. Although the castle later fell into ruin, its dramatic setting and rich history make it one of Scotland’s most famous castles. 

To reach the castle you have to descend about 180 steps (we counted) then ascend about 75 steps that are carved into the rocky cliff. In total, today we climbed over 450 steps. Fun fact: Dunnottar’s setting was the inspiration for the fictional castle DunBroch in Pixar’s Brave. 

After Dunnottar we drove to Aberdeen and checked into our final hotel, which is right next to the symposium. After checking in we had to quickly drop off our bags and get ready for dinner which was at a restaurant called Amarone. Some of us had fried haggis balls in hot honey and those who are vegetarian had a mozzarella fritta. For the main entree it was chicken that was stuffed with haggis and a side of potatoes and green beans. Dessert was a chocolate mousse that was to die for. 

All in all a really good and calm day. However we are sore from all the stairs but we can’t wait to see what the next day has in store.

-Julia and Morgan