A Day of Bagpipes, Kilts & Culture: Our Scottish Adventure in Gauteng
On 31 May 2025, we traded English books and whiteboards for tartan kilts and the unforgettable sound of bagpipes at the National Highlanders Pipe Band Gathering—and what a day it was!
We took our adventurous Saudi crew on a cultural detour they won’t forget anytime soon. Set in a green field of Gauteng, this wasn’t your typical weekend picnic. We laid out blankets, unboxed pizza, and let the sounds of Scotland carry us through the day.
From the moment we heard the bands playing, you could feel the excitement in the air. The deep hum of the drums and high-pitched wail of the pipes gave us goosebumps. These weren’t just any bands. These were champion-status pipe bands from all over South Africa, and they absolutely blew us away.
The festival grounds were buzzing with food stalls, handmade crafts, and more tartan than we’ve ever seen in one place. Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Scottish gathering without highland dancers, and they did not disappoint! The grace, precision, and athleticism was outstanding. For our Saudi students, it was a completely new cultural experience.
At English Access Gauteng, we’re not just about studying English—we’re about living it. And sometimes that means stepping into someone else’s shoes (or in this case, ghillie brogues). This outing was about learning, connecting, and celebrating the beautiful mix of cultures that makes life in South Africa so special.
So if you hear our Saudi students humming a pipe tune, now you know why…
– English Access Gauteng