Emily O’Leary ‘27
Guest Writer
Last year, I was lucky enough to join the 40% of Holy Cross students who study abroad during their time here. I spent an entire school year in St. Andrews, Scotland, a tiny coastal town known for its University, and for golf. Full of cafes, beaches, and historic medieval buildings, the town entices students from around the world to study there. Home to the Old Course, where golf was invented circa 1457, the town attracts many golf tourists as well. When travelling, it’s easy to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of big cities, fall for tourist traps, and frantically try and see as many landmarks as you can in 48 hours. While studying abroad I spent many weekends exploring various well-known European cities, which were all incredible. However, my favorite destination was somewhere a little more obscure, and closer to home.
During one of my trips to the Scottish Highlands, on my search for ‘Hielan coos’, or Highland cows, I came across a little community on the banks of the Loch Ness and fell in love with it. My friend Mackenzie and I spent the morning discovering Drumnadrochit’s idyllic pastures and breathtaking views, while meeting the kindest people you could imagine. We spent the afternoon at Drumbuie Farm, getting to pet and feed their cows. Afterwards, we refueled at the Quila Cridhe Teahouse which, besides incredible pastries and handcrafted cow-themed goods, had picturesque views of the Scottish countryside. Despite only spending about five hours there, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
In May, I decided I had to go back. So I did, and I brought my family with me. We stayed there for three days, and it ended up being my favorite part of studying abroad. On our walks around town, we were able to meet locals, and see a little bit of their world. One of my favorite moments was on a walk back from a waterfall; we passed a sheep pasture. As we kept walking, a farmer and a dog on a golf cart went rumbling by. As we stopped to look, we were treated to the sight of them working together to round up all the sheep for the evening. We met cats, horses, many dogs, and of course, so many highland cows. I was stunned by how welcoming the Scots here were. Once, my Dad asked an employee for a specific kind of cookie in a grocery store. She tells him they don’t carry that kind, but adds that she has a box in her car, and that she would be happy to give them to him. Another time, we went to a local bakery box, where we needed coins in order to pay. Without hesitation, the neighbors next to us came over and offered us whatever we needed, just for some pastries. The entire town was so friendly, and clearly a close-knit community.
Though I traveled as much as I could during my year away, and saw so much, I never belonged anywhere else as much as I did in the two small Scottish towns of St. Andrews and Drumnadrochit. I learned the incredible value in slowing down, taking your time, and enjoying the smaller aspects of life.
Copy edited by Annamaria DeCamp ’27
Featured images courtesy of Emily O’Leary
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