This week, I’m taking a look back at the Augusta University study abroad trip to Scotland from the summer of 2019. Due to COVID-19, study abroad trips have unfortunately been put on hold. AU study abroad is planning on offering the programs for spring and summer, with more information coming on July 1, 2021 regarding course and location specifics. More information can be found at www.augusta.edu/studyabroad.
I highly recommend any student considering taking a study abroad course to seize the opportunity. It’s a great way to approach ideas from a different perspective, and it pushes people to step outside of comfort zones and build resiliency.
Augusta University student River Gracey ties a ribbon on the branch of a tree at a clootie well. Clootie wells are remnants of Celtic practices, serving as a location where those who desire healing dip a piece of cloth in the well and then tie it to the tree nearby while praying for what they need healed. Because of its roots in pagan beliefs, many regard it as superstition and as such, those who go to these wells are often there as a last resort.
AU student Charles Smith walks through the Cawdor Castle gardens. Currently home to Dowager Countess Cawdor, the castle belongs to the Campbells, which over the course of history has been one of the most powerful and largest Highland clans. It is well known for having ties to Macbeth, being the village that the titular character of the play was named Thane of. The gardens were a popular location for the students taking the travel-writing and photography course.
Helen Colquett (University of Mississippi student), Leeroy Francis (Augusta University student), Mary Will Showman (Augusta University student) and Lane Colquett (University of Mississippi student) posing on the balcony of McCaig’s Tower overlooking Oban Bay. One of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, the “Little Bay” city was a favorite for most of those in the study abroad group. Set on the edge of the water, the views of the ships moving in and out of the ferry port made it hard to look away.
Helen Colquett lying down to take a photo for her study abroad course while being watched by Leza Witherington (Augusta University), Charles Smith, Ed Pettit (Augusta University), Susan Bayless (Augusta University) and Lane Colquett. The castle initially served as a stronghold for Clan Mackenzie and Clan MacRae in the 13th century, but it was destroyed in a conflict with the government in the 18th century. In the early 1900s, it was reconstructed and used as a monument. It has been used as a location to film several movies, including Made of Honor.
Lane Colquitt and Helen Colquitt were posed in front of a patch of Scotch broom on top of Salisbury Crag. The crag is a popular hiking spot due to its low difficulty level and the fantastic view of the city of Edinburgh. It’s next to Arthur’s Seat, another popular hiking locale which is an extinct volcano and location of a hill fort mentioned in the poem ‘Y Gododdin,’ overlooking Edinburgh, Scotland.
St. Julian Cox, III is a photojournalist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at saintjulianc@gmail.com.
