Celebrating 30 years of learning, community and connection

As the year draws to a close, we’re reflecting on how far we’ve come — as a school, a community and a family.

2025 has been a year of strength and renewal for ECS Scotland. After the shock and slowdown of the pandemic years, our small, family-run school has truly found its rhythm again — fuller classrooms, lively coffee breaks and students from over fifteen countries joining us to learn English in Edinburgh.

This year was extra special: ECS Scotland turned 30!

For three decades, Founder and Principal Jane McKinlay has been at the helm, steering this friendly school ship with warmth and vision. Alongside her daughters Laura and Flora, she continues to navigate calm seas and stormy waters alike — always guided by the school’s original values of care, connection and communication.

30 years of learning in the heart of Edinburgh

When ECS began in 1995, it started with one student, in one room of the family home. From that small beginning, the school has grown into an international community of learners from more than seventy countries.

Thirty years later, Jane’s founding belief still defines us: people learn best in small groups, where everyone has the confidence to speak and be heard. Meaningful conversations, guided by expert teachers, in a supportive, relaxed environment.

2025 saw learners — from Germany, Japan, Oman and Vietnam to Chile, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Brazil to name but a few of the coutries. Many came to us through Bildungsurlaub study leave, while others joined during career breaks or as part of lifelong learning journeys.

We also celebrated the renewal of our Green Standard School accreditation, welcoming more students than ever who travelled by train or ferry to reduce their carbon footprint.

Throughout the year, our classrooms and coffee tables filled with stories of learning and discovery:

• Keita, who used his English to report from the Middle East;
• Jiri, whose confidence at ECS Scotland helped him skipper a sailing voyage from Tenerife to Gibraltar;
• Vladimir and Petr, who returned for more than one course — because when you find something that works, why change it? For many, ECS Scotland feels like a second home and with every visit there’s something new to see, another season to experience.

Above all, this year reminded us that learning English is never just about grammar or vocabulary. It’s about confidence, creativity and finding your voice — in every accent, at every level.

🧠 Learning Activities

1️⃣ Vocabulary Explorer

As you watch, listen for adjectives and phrases that describe:

• The weather: cold, crisp, frosty, enchanting
• The light: glowing, magical, bright, dark
• The feelings: peaceful, welcoming, connected, alive

➡️ Challenge: Write three sentences using some of these words.

Example: The frosty air feels fresh and alive.

3️⃣ Cultural Reflection – Coorie Moments

The narrator says:

“Gather round and celebrate our winter traditions… There’s always the opportunity to coorie inside somewhere and get your toes tapping.”

Think about:

• What does “coorie” mean in Scottish culture?
• What’s your version of a “coorie” moment — something that brings comfort and warmth in winter?

🖋️ Write a short paragraph or record yourself speaking about your favourite winter comfort.

4️⃣ Grammar in Action – Contrasts

Notice how the film contrasts ideas:

Cold, crisp weather creates enchanting light.

Short days bring dark nights, lit up by celebrations.

➡️ Try it: Write two contrast sentences about winter in your own country.

Use although, but or while.

Example: Although it’s cold, people enjoy spending time outdoors.

5️⃣ Discussion / Speaking Practice

Use these prompts with a partner or classmate:

• How do people celebrate winter in your country?
• Do you prefer the calm of nature or the energy of festivals?
• What’s one new thing you’d like to experience next winter?

📚 Book of the Month – The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Set on Scotland’s rugged north-east coast, The Winter Sea is a captivating blend of history, memory and imagination. The novel moves between two timelines — the early 1700s and the present day — weaving together stories of love, loyalty and family legacy.

📖 In the present:

Carrie McClelland, a novelist searching for inspiration, travels to Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire. The haunting ruins of Slains Castle draw her into the story of the 1708 Jacobite uprising — and as she writes, she begins to sense that her words may come from the memories of her ancestor, Sophia Paterson.

🏰 In the past:

Sophia’s tale unfolds amid the political intrigue of the Jacobite rebellion, when Scottish and French forces tried to restore James Stewart to the throne. It’s a world of hidden loyalties, courage and forbidden love, set against crashing waves and wintry skies.

🌊 Why read it:

• A perfect winter read for lovers of Scottish history and landscape.
• Ideal for readers who enjoyed Outlander — but prefer ancestral memory to time travel.
• Written with rich historical detail and lyrical prose that transports you straight to the north-east coast of Scotland.

🎧 Podcast of the Month – Route Masters

BBC Radio 4 | Hosted by Steve Punt & Hugh Dennis

Ever wondered what links Chaos Theory to Anne Boleyn? Or how you might travel from The Starship Enterprise to the Air Fryer using only logic, humour and a good map of trivia?

In Route Masters, comedians Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis set off on a brilliantly absurd journey through ideas, places and history — finding surprising connections between random subjects.

Each episode is a mix of wit, wordplay and storytelling, joined by guests such as Marcus Brigstocke, Isy Suttie, and Kiri Pritchard-McLean. Together they create a warm, intelligent show that celebrates curiosity and the joy of learning something new.

💡 Why it’s great for English learners

• You’ll hear clear, natural British English with plenty of humour and idioms.
• The show helps build cultural knowledge and vocabulary through stories and unexpected links.
• It’s a fun listening challenge for B2–C1 learners who enjoy discovering how ideas — and words — connect.

🎯 Try this:

As you listen, choose two random words or phrases mentioned in the episode and explain (in writing or aloud) how they might be connected. It’s a creative way to practise speaking fluency and critical thinking in English.

“Smart, silly and full of surprising connections — Route Masters is the perfect companion for winter walks or cosy evenings in Edinburgh.” Said Lindsay and Flora when they discussed this new show.

💡Did you know???

ECS Scotland began with just one student in one room — and thirty years later, our coffee room has had learners from over seventy countries. Not bad for a small school with a big heart. ☕🌍

🔭 Looking forward to … January 2026 – The Loony Dook

Start the new year with a splash (or just as a spectator!). Each 1st of January, hundreds of brave swimmers jump into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry to welcome the new year. It’s one of Scotland’s most unique and cheerful traditions.

🌿Spotlight on Courses – Learning for Wellbeing and Discovery

🧘 English with Yoga & Wellbeing

Our December course combines language learning with mindfulness and movement — helping students feel calm, confident and connected. A wonderful way to refresh your English and yourself before the new year.

💬 General English 20-Hour Course

Perfect for a winter study break in Edinburgh. Small classes, experienced teachers and time to explore galleries, cafés and festive lights after class — a great way to turn cold days into warm memories.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to launch two new courses:

✨ English with Art & Literature

🏓 English with Pickleball

Both designed to help you learn English through shared experiences and real-life communication.