As November draws to a close, Edinburgh is sparkling with golden sunsets, glowing Christmas lights and plenty of ways to stay warm — indoors and out. Here’s what’s been happening at ECS Scotland this week and what’s coming up next…
🎻 From concerts to quiet corners: A week of music, colour and connection
We began the week with a magnificent Sunday concert at St Cuthbert’s Church — Brahms and other beautiful pieces performed by the Scottish Sinfonia. It was a perfect way to end a wet, dark weekend and a lovely reminder that Edinburgh’s cultural life continues, even in winter.
On our Experience Edinburgh course students headed out on foot — exploring interesting corners, local viewpoints and less touristy parts of the city with their teacher. For real-life language practice, one conversation at a time.
This week also marked the final session of an external CPD art course that one of our teachers has been completing — a chance to explore colour, composition and new creative techniques to bring back into the classroom. Courses like English with Sketching grow from this kind of inspiration, blending art, place and language in a way that really lasts.
Our English with Sketching course runs on the following dates in 2026:
• 20–24 April
• 25–29 May
• 29 June–3 July
• 27–31 July
• 7–11 September
🧘 Looking ahead: English with Yoga & Wellbeing
Next week we welcome a new group for our Yoga & Wellbeing course — a gentle, grounding way to study English in winter.
This course blends small-group speaking practice with yoga, breathwork and mindfulness. It’s designed to help you feel more confident, less stressed and more connected — to your language and to yourself.
🌅 November in Edinburgh: pink skies, warm bowls and cosy socials
Edinburgh has been generous with colour this week.
Pink sunrises over the rooftops, a long golden hour in the afternoons and that deep blue twilight that arrives early but beautifully at this time of year.
It has been windy too — especially on Calton Hill — so hats, scarves and warm cafés were very welcome.
Seasonal food has featured strongly: leek and potato soup, tattie scones, cullen skink and the kind of winter pies that make you feel instantly warmer. Some students even spotted local venison and pheasant on menus — a sure sign winter is on its way.
And of course, Tuesday brought another cosy ECS Scotland pub social: hot chocolates, whisky, laughter and conversations that carried on long after the drinks arrived.
One student summed it up perfectly:
“I think November is a good month here — cold outside, warm everywhere else.”
📅 Planning for Winter Study?
If you’re dreaming of quiet mornings, warm drinks, friendly classes and the beauty of Edinburgh in winter, we’d love to welcome you.
Come for a week of real conversation, creative learning and a city that glows at this time of year and maybe a drink by the warm fire of our local pub!
