It was with great joy that some S3 arts and social subjects pupils from Castle Douglas High School were able to participate in an overnight trip to Edinburgh after the months of cancelled visits due to the pandemic.
Thirty two pupils accompanied by Mrs Bowles, Mr Cathro, Mr Henderson and Miss McCulloch had an amazing visit to the capital city.
The group visited the Scottish Parliament and were able to watch a heated debate in the chamber about Indy Ref 2; they also briefly met Finlay Carson MSP. By chance they bumped into Alasdair Marshall – a 6th year pupil at the school who is currently a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament – who was able to speak to the group about how they can get their voices heard at a national level.
The group then visited Edinburgh Castle and got brilliant views of the city as well as marvelling at the history of the building.
After all this education it was essential that they saw the new St James’ Quarter for some retail therapy and tea. They then enjoyed a hilarious ghost walk provided by Cadie’s Witchery Tours which raised more than a few screams and taught the pupils about the darker side of Edinburgh’s past.
The next day the sun was shining and the group took a little walk to see the grave of Greyfriar’s Bobby, stood outside The Elephant House Café where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter and even had the chance to grab an ice cream in Princes Street Gardens before visiting Van Gogh Alive.
This exhibition is described as an immersive art experience where paintings by Van Gogh are projected all around the space alongside music and quotes by the artist which enhances the imagery. All the pupils agreed that this was a unique event unlike anything they had ever seen before.
Before they headed home, they went to Ocean Terminal and enjoyed a roller skating session at The Boardwalk; happy, tired and nursing a few bruises they headed home to Castle Douglas.
They are looking forward to next year’s trip already.
