Midwifery in Scotland

This specially curated midwifery tour travels through some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland.

The tour includes a wide range of midwifery visits, developed and organised by Scottish midwives to hospitals, birth centres and midwifery led units, from Edinburgh to the highlands and islands of Scotland.

Learn of the history and current practice of midwifery in Scotland today and meet with many local midwives.

Learn about Edinburgh’s Enlightenment before travelling via the spectacular Cairngorms, to Inverness, Loch Ness and the haunting battleground at Culloden. Cross the highlands to the Isle of Skye and Plockton village. Drive through Glencoe, past the Trossachs and Loch Lomond to Glasgow.

Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

GBR0925-2

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Professional

Profession

Midwifery

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Moderate

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Edinburgh

Wednesday

September

Arrive in Edinburgh and check into Ten Hill Place Hotel. Welcome dinner at the Snug.

Edinburgh

Thursday

September

Guided walking tour of Old Town Edinburgh and the historic buildings of the city with historian, Sheila Szatkowski, author of 'Enlightenment Edinburgh'. Learn of the histories of the women scientists, doctors, midwives and nurses in Scotland. Visit the Birth Centre at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Edinburgh/Inverness

Friday

September

Drive to Inverness via a visit to the birthing centre in Perth. Journey through the landscapes of the Cairngorms - home to lush forests, charming Highland villages, wild open spaces and an Arctic Mountain plateau - to Inverness. Check in to the hotel.

Inverness

Saturday

September

Visit Culloden Battlefield with a local expert on a battlefield tour of this atmospheric site. Following lunch by Loch Ness, take a cruise on Loch Ness and visit the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Inverness/Plockton

Sunday

September

Drive across the highlands via a visit to a small highland midwifery unit. Drive to Attadale and meet with the Lady Laird of Attadale House, Joanna MacPherson, one of a new breed of lady landowners challenging tradition in Scotland. Take a guided tour of the gardens, followed by tea. Continue to the attractive village of Plockton.

Plockton and the Isle of Skye

Monday

September

Travel across the Kyle of Lochalsh to the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Skye. The largest of the Inner Hebrides islands, it is known for its dramatic landscapes. Visit the midwifery unit at Portree. Explore the dramatic landscapes of Skye before returning to Plockton.

Plockton/Inveraray

Tuesday

September

Early start to travel down the west coast and see Eilean Donan Castle. Continue to Glencoe to explore and learn of its dark and tragic history. Onto to the pretty port of Oban and visit the midwifery led unit, before taking the option of a whisky tasting at the historic Oban distillery, or further explore Oban. Drive to Inveraray Inn on the shores of Loch Inveraray. Dinner at the Inn.

Inveraray

Wednesday

September

Visit Inveraray Castle, home of the Dukes of Argyll and the seat of the Clan Campbell since the 18th century. Take a tour of the castle, including the staterooms, armoury, kitchen and gallery. Explore the gardens, woods and parkland which extend to 180 hectares and form one of the most important designed landscapes in Scotland. Afternoon at leisure.

Inveraray/Glasgow

Thursday

September

Drive through the Trossachs National Park and along the shores of Loch Lomond. Stop at the lochside village Balloch and visit their midwifery led unit. Arrive and check into the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel. Optional visit to the Glasgow Botanical Gardens, opposite the hotel. Farewell dinner.

Glasgow

Friday

September

Optional visit to Hunterian Museum, with their medical historical collection, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Depart Glasgow.

What to expect

Tour highlights

Ghosts and Mysteries

Culloden, Scotland

Hear of the battle of Culloden, the massacre at Glencoe and, on a cruise across Loch Ness, of the monster!

Midwifery Past and Present

Loch Lomond

Learn of the history of Scottish midwifery from Lindsay Reid, author of 'Midwifery in Scotland: A History'. Visit a lovely midwifery led unit in the village and along the shores of Loch Lomond.

Gardens and Tea with The Lady Laird

Attadale House

At Attadale meet with the Lady Laird of Attadale House, Joanna MacPherson, one of a new breed of lady landowners challenging tradition in Scotland. Take a guided tour of her gardens followed by tea.

Whisky, Fish and Chips

Plockton

Enjoy fish and chips by the sea in the attractive coastal village of Plockton, located across the water from the Isle of Skye. Take the option of a dinner at the Scotch Whisky experience.

Highlands and Islands

Cairngorms

Journey through the Cairngorms to the Highlands, home to lush forests, charming villages, wild open spaces and plateau. Travel across the Kyle of Lochalsh to the beautiful island of Skye.