The 11 Scotland High School students who are currently participating in the annual exchange program with Oban, Scotland, are enjoying their stay overseas with a variety of activities, according to group chaperones the Hon. William C. McIlwain, III and his wife Sherry McIlwain of Wagram.

"We departed Oban High this morning (June 17) and headed to Kilmartin, the center of ancient Scottish history," Sherry McIlwain reported. "The scenery was breathtaking as we paralleled the coastline, passing peat bogs, green-covered mountains and scenic bays."

The group visited the Isles of Mull and Iona earlier in the week.

"We ferried over to Mull and then took a boat tour of a good bit of the shoreline of Iona," she said. "We saw seals playing in the water around rock outcroppings and gorgeous scenery. I'm convinced that it is impossible to look anywhere and not see a beautiful view.

"(On Iona) we all went down onto a lovely sandy beach for a BBQ (hamburger cookout). We stayed on the beach, eating, listening to music, talking, etc. until about 10 p.m. The next day we all visited the Abbey at Iona in gray, misty weather. It was an incredible feeling to walk into the Abbey and realize the significance of such a very special place."

The group also paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Oban.

"(Everyone) would have been so proud of 'our 11' at Rotary on Tuesday," McIlwain said. "The Oban Rotarians scattered around the room and sat with a matched pair of exchange students and enjoyed conversation throughout the meal. At the conclusion of the meal, each of our Scots took turns introducing themselves, telling who their host was, and relating their favorite thing about Scotland so far. The Rotarians seemed rather impressed with all of our students, both from home and Oban. When the 50/50 raffle was held, Will Purcell held the winning ticket and very kindly and graciously donated his winnings to the club. The president declared our visit the highlight of their year."

Group advisor Beacham McDougald of Laurinburg helped create the program in 1993.

"They all seem to be having a great time," McDougald said from his office in Laurinburg. "Every year the Oban hosts outdo themselves by making the students' visit more enjoyable and more historical. They will never forget this experience."

McIlwain agreed, and said the trip has already made a profound impression on the students.

"What our group is experiencing is something that will remain a part of them always," she said. "Yes, there are times when they are a bit tired, or perhaps the food is not quite what they are accustomed to, but there is nothing that can replace such a special experience."

The students will return home June 24, with their counterparts from Oban High School visiting Laurinburg from Oct. 7 through Oct. 21, 2010.

Scotland High School students Eleanor Sojka, Jessica McPhatter, Katherine Britt, Katie Shytle, Pang Xiong, Brittany Young, Caleb Wood, Will Purcell, Zach Fore, Kayla Pate, and Josh Altman are representing Scotland County.

The exchange is funded in part by scholarships given by the Laurinburg Rotary Club, the Jane McKeithan Purcell Memorial Scholarship, and fund raising hot dog sales from the upcoming Scotland County Highland Games.

Applications for the 2011 Exchange will be available beginning in early October.