We are here today for the last time before returning home. The latter article will be primarily dedicated to a free subject: my volunteering experience at the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. This is something that is near and dear to my heart.

 

In fact, the Centre aims to promote awareness of the river through volunteer opportunities and education with a free interactive exhibition. Without doubt, it was a unique opportunity to discover the charms of the city but also to do my internship in the best possible conditions. As a matter of fact, I have been personally involved in tasks both indoors and out on the river with my wellies.

Contrary to what one may think, a lot of rubbish is thrown away in the river, while it could be recycled into something else. Unfortunately, the Water of leith, Edinburgh's ribbon of green countryside within the city is plagued by casual littering and deliberate dumping of household rubbish. These materials cause a nuisance at the docks. In fact, it is appalling and shocking. The Trust volunteers are actually reducing this problem through clean-ups. In addition to discovering the rich architectonic, cultural and natural heritage of Edinburgh, I could be useful in preserving the environment.

I want to share a story with you. I remember my very first day, I was given a large trash bag and a gripper. I have been looking forward to this opportunity. Nevertheless, I should have known better that my socks did not cover my calves and that the bottoms of shoes were not free of holes before crossing the river… As a result, an icy cold water rushed into my rubber boots in few seconds. Everyone laughed about it. That was really fun.

 

On a more personal note, it was a nice challenge and I learned a lot on the river and the wildlife. I really enjoyed meeting the community members and speaking with the other volunteers. Several people were astonished that I decided to work at the river while I was a French student. But what I really liked is that it was very varied and there were many people of all ages going there.

 

I gained more knowledge about the river and met new individuals. This is why I would recommend the Centre to anyone who is looking for a volunteer experience.

 

Good-Bye incredible Scotland ...It is sometimes a bit hard to leave a country which is so beautiful and all those people I met, who were so nice with me. But now, it is time to leave, a pinch in the heart made me realize that I was stuck to this town and these practices of life. For the rest of my life, I will remember this experience which was tremendously rewarding.

I have been delighted to write this blog and share my experience with you. Good-Bye!

Hi everyone,

As I was able to observe in Edinburgh, each of Scotland's games in the Six Nations Championship is designated as a major sport event to society.

It was an ideal opportunity for me to be on the spot at the Murrayfield rugby stadium. Indeed, Rugby Union has long been the most popular game in Scotland, although Football was declared as the National Game.

 

For those who are not aware, this tournament is also known as the RBS 6 Nations Championship  simply because it is sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

This annual event gathers six national teams across Europe: France, Ireland, England, Wales, Italy and Scotland.

 

 

 

However, looking more closely at it, what strikes me the most is the fact that Scotland lost every games during the 2015 Six Nations Championship. This year, Scotland ranked the worst out of the 6 countries!

 

This is not the first time in the history of Scotland. Nevertheless, during the fiercely contested match against Ireland, the crowd in the stands was overexcited. This was the first time that I had seen such supercharged atmosphere. 

 

 

 

That is why, this to me is a significant local news story I wanted to talk to you about. I decided to buy tickets for matches to discover local culture, even though I knew nothing about rugby rules in the beginning.

 

One may also note that golf also predominates in Scotland. Several sports disciplines are practised in Scotland, nay were invented, owing to the climate which played a key role in their development.

 

During my last to St Andrews, I had the opportunity first hand to see the Old Course, the most iconic golf course in the world and above all, one of the oldest. Everything in Scotland is in place to ensure that the sport would go smoothly and that the audience will appreciate the show, despite somewhat capricious weather.

 

I always stand amazed when I browse the Internet and read in the paper that there is so much to see and do here. This trip is far from over.

See you soon!

Hi folks!

Throughout this dedicated article, I would like to take this opportunity first, to provide a brief summary of what the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament are, and second, to explain what their functions are.  The sources for this article vary from different national websites and journals, which I had had occasion to read.

The Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government are separate and distinct organizations. The UK Parliament plays a major role, as it shall set up their powers and duties and budget operations since both their creation in 1999.

Headed by the first Minister (Nicola Sturgeon), the Scottish Government is in charge of deciding how the country is run for devolved matters such as health, justice, and education and responsible for the formulation of policy. While the Scottish Parliament is made up of 129 MSPs (Member of the Scottish Parliament), has legislative authority and, thus, oversees the executive branch (The Scottish Government) and passes laws.

 

In sum then, the Scottish Government is accountable to the Scottish Parliament, and both organisations are accountable to the people of Scotland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currently, it exists five major political parties in Scotland:

 

1. Scottish National Party (SNP) - Centre-Left, Pro-Independence (68 MSPs)

 

2. Labour Party - Centre-Left, Unionist (37 MSPs)

 

3. Conservative and Unionist Party – Right Wing, Unionist  (15 MSPs)

 

4. Liberal Democrats - Centre, Federalist (5 MSPs)

 

5. Scottish Green Party - Environmentalist, Pro-Independence (2 MSPs)

 

As we can see, the SNP is the largest party in Scotland. In fact, it supports and campaigns for Scottish independence. Thereby, it leads us to discuss about a significant moment in Scotland’s history: the Scottish independence referendum (18 September 2014). People in Scotland voted in a referendum to remain in the United Kingdom. However, for some better understanding of this event let's briefly discuss and discover the reasons why.

 

 

The Scottish National Party, whose central aim is independence, won the 2011 Scottish Parliament election. This historic occasion resurrected the rivalry and tensions between Scotland and England that have existed for a long time through countless wars and royal weddings.

 

 

Nonetheless, one major issue have emerged during the campaign: the North Sea oil. It was one of the key element ahead of the Scottish independence referendum because of its economic weight and its potential. Indeed,” North Sea oil supplied 67% of the UK's oil demand in 2012 and 53% of the country's gas requirements and is a major boost to the country's economy.”

On the other hand, it was unclear whether Scotland could get by without Europe and UK. There were too much doubts concerning benefits after independence. Strictly speaking, does Scotland cost more than their financial resources generate?

Finally, Scotland voted “No” (55%) to independence following an historical campaign between “Yes” Scotland and “Better Together” since people though that England and Scotland were better off together. Perhaps let us can think itself that that was because people were satisfied with choices made by the UK Government in the past.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this interesting article about the Scottish Government and ongoing internal conflicts between Scottish and British people which almost led to the independence of Scotland in 2014!

 

Hello! I’m back. I missed you so much! 

I have just come back from a 3 day trip to the North of Scotland with my family, who came specially in order to take part in this journey but also to see precisely where I live in. 

As a consequence, this great little excursion to the Scottish Highlands - out of town - brings me to the subject of social rituals in Scotland. 

In other words, I would underline that all of that helped me to understand Scottish culture better in its different aspects. 

Let us start with the customs, traditions and symbols which arouse great interest throughout the world: 

Considered as the Scotland’s national instrument, the bagpipes are among the most emblematic aspects of the Scottish culture. 

In Edinburgh, for instance, street musicians in original costume parade through the streets of the city centre and play traditional music. 

I now invite you to listen to the anthem of Scotland by clicking on the player below: 

 

If you walk down the street, you will definitely hear and recognize the distinctive sound without even seeing it first! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During my visit to the castle of Edinburgh, I was surprised to learn that bagpipe players were in front line in wartime. Actually, it was essential to maintain and boost the troop morale. 

The kilt. There's no missing it. For generations, this traditional dress is worn daily by some people of Scotland. In fact, this is the traditional men's clothing in Highlands since the 16th century. It is associated, more broadly, with the culture of Scotland and its legacy. 

  

Nowadays, Scotland is mostly an English-speaking country, but it was not always so. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Highlands, in particular in the West and the North, the Gaelic is the dominant language and you can even hear it today. You can, for example, find signposts with names of places in English and in Gaelic, which provide strong evidence that intensive efforts are made to maintain the use of this language, both written and spoken. 

 

Figure of the day: The city of Edinburgh counts more than 700 pubs. For the Scots, pub nights are a moment of fun and conviviality, and the perfect place to relax and recover from all the stresses of daily life. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you ask people what comes to mind when they think about Scotland, whisky will probably be the most popular answer. Recognized as the national drink of Scotland, whisky or “uisge beathe” in Gaelic means “the water of life”. There is even a festival devoted solely to the whisky: Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.  It invites visitors to celebrate Scotland’s national drink during the first weekend in May through a wide range of events. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each year on 30 November, St Andrew's Day is celebrated and is Scotland's national day.  To mark St Andrew’s Day, events and activities including traditional Scottish food, music and dance are enjoyed. 

The Saltire or Scotland's national flag consists of white bars on a rectangular blue background. Besides, the diagonals form a cross that represents Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burns Night celebrates Scottish poet Robert Burns - the national poet of Scotland - on January 25. Indeed, it is a significant and meaningful date for Scots. It is a way to pay warm tribute to his work, poetry and songs. 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a story that was told to me and that I would like to tell you now : Legend holds that during the battle of Largs (1263) in which Haakon, King of Norway, attempted to invade Scotland, Viking soldiers in order to move more discreetly throughout the field at night removed their shoes. Nevertheless, they have set foot upon thistles and screamed. Without meaning to do so, they alerted the Scots of the danger. Because of this incident, Scots were able to win the battle. The important role that the thistle had played was recognized and finally chosen as Scotland’s emblem.  

This is interesting, is it not? To this day, it is not the only legend in Scotland, there are thousands. One particularly well-known story is the story of the Loch Ness Monster, called Nessie. It is true that people have been fascinated by lochs which have aroused considerable interest over time. 

 

The traditional Scottish society operated in the mode of clans. Clan membership is characterised by the patronymic name and the particular colours of the tartan that is the design which one finds on kilts. As you can see below on the map, and there were a lot clans and they were once at war with one another.

 

 

 

 

 

Scotland is especially known for its historic inheritance and hosts incredible castles which have each their reputations: haunted, romantic, tragic and so on. Eilean Donan Castle, for instance, is one of the most iconic historic sites of Scotland and enjoys international recognition. But, how can I explain it? I was not lucky with the weather... I'll let you find out by yourself. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, in my opinion, traditions and customs form an important role in our lives, because they show parts from the entity of a nation. 

See you soon folks! 

 

Hi, folks!

I look forward to sharing my feelings and experiences with you in the months to come. Actually, I will be here in Scotland for six months, studying at Edinburgh Napier University.

It all began for me when I learned that I had the opportunity in 2nd year to study abroad.

What would be better than speaking with people whose native language is English ?

I have therefore decided to come here in Edinburgh in order to sit my final exams and to learn as much as possible.

 

Today, I live in a student accommodation belonging to the university called Bainfield. It's close to the city centre.

In fact, it is well served by public transport and bicycling paths.

I walk to school every day and beyond being tired from the walk, I feel fine.

 

 

 

Edinburgh Napier University is based around its Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill campuses.

The University is respectively organised into three faculties: the Business School; Engineering, Computing and Creative Industries and Health, Life and Social Sciences.   

For the anecdote, its name comes from John Napier  the inventor of logarithms.

All pupils were expected for the Welcome Induction at Craiglockhart, on 7^th January. Teachers were very welcoming and knew how to answer to all my questions, I was not lost.

 

 With regard to courses, we established our timetable and chose 3 modules.

For my own part, I chose 3 courses which interest me a lot and in which I am truly blossoming day after day: Marketing Communication Tools; Consumer Behaviour and Customer Service and Care. 

An online platform called Moodle allows students to join and sign up for tutorials and to download useful documents, as well as Claroline in France.

 

 

It is quite funny to see that the courses of marketing look like strongly those of France. But the way of teaching is completely different. We are very autonomous and there is a lot of homework.

 

What struck me the most was the silence. Nobody talks in classroom. It is even difficult to whisper! However, it is not necessary to raise the hand to speak to the teacher.

Finally, Napier students' associations have a strong presence.

In particular, they organize numerous events and give us advice.

I see them every day at the school gates to announce us their activities.

 

I hope you enjoyed this article and I hope you come back again soon !

 

See you !