University Relations > News > 2008 > March

Join Lander for a tour of Scotland

March 21, 2008

Office of University Relations and Publications

For nearly 30 years Alan MacTaggart, Lander Unversity's dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, has been educating Lander students and Greenwood area residents on the importance of art and culture around the world. He has done this in the classroom, of course. But more importantly he has done this by placing individuals in direct contact with some of the greatest creations of mankind - creations such as da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Hadrian's Wall and most recently the city of Prague.

"There's nothing like inviting all of your senses to be involved in learning," said MacTaggart. "You can travel through television and books and imagine these things, but there is no substitute for climbing a tower in Pisa, walking through the Parthenon or seeing great cultural monuments."

The next tour under MacTaggart's direction will take visitors to the Hebrides Islands of Scotland, July 18-27. This excursion is part of Lander University's Fine Arts Study Tour series.

While there, students and other tour members will have the opportunity to visit the ancient pilgrimage site of Iona, where Saint Columba brought Christianity to the Scots. Travelers will ride the West Coast Steam Railway which was featured in the Harry Potter films. Other forms of travel will include scenic ferry rides between islands. The trip will include tours of castles such as Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull and a free day to explore the city of Edinburgh.

Some participants may even encounter a small piece of their own past.

"Most people who have lived in this part of the United States for a long time have roots in Scotland and Ireland," said MacTaggart. "So, its very interesting to encounter surnames and place names that connect individuals on the tour with a piece of their family history."

The tour will be co-led by MacTaggart and DeWitt Stone, Lander director of International Studies.

The cost of the trip is $2,900 for double occupancy and $3,200 for single occupancy. A $500 deposit is required to reserve a space on the tour, with the final payment due by May 1. For more information contact the College of Arts and Humanities at 864-388-8323.

Reflecting on some of his favorite aspects of past tours, MacTaggart said, "It's always been my pleasure to see the great delight in the eyes of our tour members when they get to climb the Eiffel Tower for the first time or walk through the Louvre."