The Reluctant Traveller’s Ancestral Adventure In Scotland

Have you seen The Reluctant Traveller’s latest adventure around Europe? Discover more about Hollywood star Eugene Levy’s recent visit to Scotland as part of the new Apple TV+ series, including his travels around our epic landscapes whilst he connects with his Scottish roots.

Eugene Levy's first visit to Scotland

“

“I grew up not really feeling Scottish, but somehow it has seeped into me”.

Millions of people around the world are proud of their Scottish ancestry, so it’s no surprise that when Eugene Levy set out to explore the homeland of his ancestors he found himself feeling a deep connection to Scotland. The Reluctant Traveller is fronted by the Canadian actor, famous for his roles in American Pie and Schitt’s Creek, but his exploration of Scotland is particularly poignant.

Eugene’s trip to Scotland forms part of a very personal journey to uncover his family heritage. The episode follows him on his first ever visit, and it’s obvious to see how incredibly moved he is by the emotional connection to the country as he explores the places associated with his family. During his trip, he also takes part in some traditional Scottish activities - such as staying in a castle, learning salmon fishing and tasting some special malt whiskies.

Read on to find out more about Eugene’s adventures around Scotland – who knows, you may even be inspired to explore your own Scottish roots!

The Bennachie Hill — Bennachie Hills are popular for hiking, jogging and cycling in Aberdeenshire
© VisitAberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire

The first stop on Eugene’s trip is Aberdeenshire, in the north-east of Scotland. A land of iconic landscapes, rich heritage and 'Scotland's Castle Country', it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to discover what life was like for your Scottish ancestors. Aberdeenshire offers a rural escape, and Eugene makes the most of it by taking in the beautiful countryside. In the episode, he meets a local ghillie to try his hand at salmon fishing on the River Dee, which he loved so much he says it might just become his new favourite sport, instead of golf (of which there’s also plenty to enjoy in this part of the world)!

Try your hand at salmon fishing

The spectacular Scottish castle featured in these Aberdeenshire scenes is Candacraig House. If you want to follow in Eugene’s footsteps, it can be hired on an exclusive-use basis with impressive rooms, beautiful grounds and majestic scenery all around. Just a few minutes away and also worth a visit is Balmoral Estate, the official Highland residence of the Royal Family. The house is the backdrop for starting Eugene on his Scottish ancestral journey, where he meets genealogist Michael Tobias, a specialist in Jewish ancestry. Michael shows Eugene his family tree, along with some old photographs of his relatives, who moved from Poland to Scotland in the 1890s. It was here Eugene’s mother was born, in Glasgow – and where Eugene will visit next…

Visit Aberdeenshire

Glasgow Cathedral located in the Dennistoun district of the city.

“

“My mother’s family connections are constantly at the forefront of my mind and I’m starting to feel a real tug now - a kind of attachment to where they are from.”

Glasgow

In Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, Eugene visits the area where his mother was born and grew up. When she was 13, the family emigrated to Canada which has strong historical connections to Scotland. Although the buildings where his family lived are long gone, he meets Michael again at the National Trust for Scotland property, the Tenement House, which gives a fascinating insight into the ways of life in the early 1900s.

Visiting the Synagogue nearby, Eugene really starts to feel the link with his ancestors. Following a visit to the cemetery where his great grandparents are buried, Eugene reflects on his family ties and his new-found affinity with Scotland.

Visit the Tenement House

Explore Glasgow

Highland dress of the Atholl Highlanders
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Eugene’s Ancestral Journey

“

This adventure in Scotland has given me a new perspective on my own life, I’m surprised at how I feel being here. I came here as a stranger, but I leave knowing Scotland is part of who I am. I think my Mum would be proud.

For a farewell party, with all those he’s met on his trip, Eugene returns to Candacraig to enjoy some true Scottish hospitality, with traditional food and drink and, of course, a bit of ceilidh dancing. His ancestral journey allowed him to engage with Scotland on a deeper level, getting to know its people and culture as well as its impressive landscapes and cities.

Uncovering his family ties to Scotland has clearly had an impact on Eugene. Finding out more about what the country has to offer and delving into your genealogy can be a great way to deepen your emotional connection to Scotland and create memories that last long after you return home. Whether you know your clan or just want to learn more about Scottish history, Scotland is ready to explore.

Discover your Scottish ancestry

The Reluctant Traveller

Watch the Scotland episode of The Reluctant Traveller on Apple TV+, available now.

The Reluctant Traveller’s Ancestral Adventure In Scotland