This summer, Chelsea Thayer, Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance, co-led the Haunted Tourism in Scotland study abroad program — an immersive experience designed to explore the intersection of storytelling, supernatural heritage, and tourism.
The group journeyed across Scotland, beginning in Glasgow and traveling through Inverness, Loch Ness, and Aberdeenshire, before concluding in Edinburgh. Students examined haunted sites, historic battlefields, and dark‑history landmarks, gaining firsthand insight into how narrative and performance shape visitor experiences.
With Chelsea’s theatre expertise, the program emphasized the role of storytelling in cultural placemaking and tourism. Students participated in private, in‑depth investigations at locations such as the 14th‑century Fyvie Castle and Culloden Battlefield, analyzing the value and impact of supernatural heritage within Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industries.
After 12 enriching and adventure‑filled days — including two reported ghostly encounters — students returned with a deeper understanding of cultural storytelling and a collection of unforgettable memories.
Haunted Tourism Scotland
Haunted Tourism Scotland