Burbank, U.S.A - Step out of the theater and become immersed in the world of “Brave” with Adventures by Disney’s first-ever Pixar-inspired itinerary, “Scotland: A Brave Adventure.” Disney Pixar’s ‘Brave’ tells the tale of the courageous Merida, the film’s headstrong teenage protagonist, who defies ancient tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate.

This 9-day, 8-night quest through Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Lewis and Inverness takes families through the rugged Highlands, allowing them to experience first-hand the history, culture, nature, legends and lore of Scotland that inspired Merida’s story of bravery.

Adventures by Disney is a leader in the group guided-tour industry – sharing the stories of the world through 20+ international itineraries. For ‘Scotland: A Brave Adventure’, Adventures by Disney trip-planning specialists worked directly with the expert storytellers on Pixar’s ‘Brave’ production team to incorporate the castles, landscapes and legends that inspired the lush settings and memorable characters in the film – creating a Scotland experience that could only come from Disney.

Guests will discover locations that inspired Pixar’s creative spark during visits to the historic Black House of Arnol and the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, both of which served as reference for the Witch’s cottage, and Dunnottar Castle, one of the inspirations for the DunBroch family’s home.

Beyond the drawing board, the culture of the Scottish Highlands will come to life through authentic, hands-on activities – a hallmark of Adventures by Disney itineraries.

On the Isle of Skye, adventurers will partake in traditional highland games, make Scottish pastries – a favorite treat of Merida’s triplet brothers – and take lessons in Celtic music and dance. While traveling through Inverness, guests will participate in two of Merida’s favorite activities – horseback riding through the Caledonian Forest and archery at Glamis Castle. In Edinburgh, families will learn the art of tapestry-making at Dovecot Studios.

Another signature of an Adventures by Disney vacation, families will visit the country’s most treasured historical sites – including Eilean Donan and Edinburgh Castles, the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Dun Carloway Broch on the Isle of Lewis – but in unique ways that only Disney could dream up. Rather than just walking the shores of Loch Ness, guests will go on a canoe expedition where they will search for “Nessie” and discover the picture-perfect Urquhart Castle.

In the capital city, travelers will tour the Royal Mile, including privately-guided visits to the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the Scottish home of the Royal Family – and the National Museum of Scotland, where they will learn fascinating details of the ancient period in which ‘Brave’ is set. Each departure features two knowledgeable Adventure Guides who will serve as leaders, storytellers, companions and personal concierge – taking care of all the details for a truly hassle-free travel experience.

“‘Scotland: A Brave Adventure’ combines the creative genius of Pixar Animation Studios with Disney’s ability to bring iconic stories to life with in a whole new way,” said Josh D’Amaro, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “For the first time ever, our guests will be fully immersed in the legends and locations that inspired the film. ‘Brave’ is the perfect tale for Adventures by Disney to share; Merida’s experience speaks to the importance of the family bond – a cornerstone of any Disney vacation.”

Also new for 2013, Adventures by Disney has announced a Southeast Asia itinerary. Featuring Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the 12-day, 11-night itinerary will give travelers the opportunity to experience some of Asia’s most exotic and culturally rich cities – including Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

Image Courtesy of   Brave

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A recent controversy has erupted over plans to transform one of Singapore’s historic cemeteries, Bukit Brown cemetery, into a residential district. The plans begin with construction of a new dual four-lane road through the site, announced by Land Transport Authority (LTA) Singapore on September 12^th 2011.

The announcement was met with a wave of protests from conservationists and cultural heritage advocates, who believe that the decision would lead to an irrevocable loss of historic value and natural wildlife.

Located in the North-East of Singapore, the Bukit Brown cemetery is one of few remaining lush green vegetation areas in the country. Affectionately known to the local community as Coffee Hill, Bukit Brown cemetery (“bukit” meaning hill in Malay) was a Chinese public cemetery established in the early 20^th century, named after its former owner George Henry Brown who arrived in Singapore in the 1840s.

After acquiring the site in 1919, municipals opened a cemetery for local Chinese communities. Cultural heritage is a topic close to many hearts. In land-scarce Singapore, which has embraced a relentless drive to develop and modernise, little has stood in the way of development.

Prioritising land use for infrastructure development has meant that many historical landmarks, such as the colonial-styled National Library, have been demolished. Singapore’s hard-nosed decisions to implement urban and economic imperatives over preservationist impulses have always been a thorny issue with locals, who feel that it is eroding the country’s identity.

According to Wall Street Journal Southeast Asia, Singapore Heritage Society spokesman Terence Chong said, “Bukit Brown serves as a potent reminder that our nation arose not only on the backs of the rich, but on the faceless ghosts of our collective familial past, thus enriching the tapestry of the Singapore story.”

A resting place for many prominent early migrants, the cemetery resonates with much of Singapore’s early history. Lee Hoon Leong, grandfather of Singapore’s first prime minister and founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, was among those interred at the cemetery. In an attempt to assuage public outcries, LTA has reiterated that the road will only affect 5% of the 100, 000 graves in the 0.86km² cemetery.

This is not the first time that the Bukit Brown cemetery has faced threats of being cleared for redevelopment. In the 1970s, the site was granted reprieve. Now, however, its fate has been sealed: Singapore authorities have confirmed that the development of the future estate in Bukit Brown will take place in 30 to 40 years’ time.

In the interim, the dual road will be constructed to ease traffic during peak periods. Traffic along one of the adjacent roads to Bukit Brown is predicted to increase between 20% to 30% by 2020. Currently, peak periods see 6,000 to 7, 000 vehicles travelling on these roads.

What was surprising, noted Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Singapore deputy director, Zulkiflee Mohd Zaki, was that no one came forward to object the Bukit Brown Concept Plans and Master Plans for redevelopment that were displayed for feedback in 2001 and 2008 respectively, reported the Straits Times.

The furore only begun after LTA confirmed that construction plans for the new road will begin in 2013. As Singapore’s population continues to expand rapidly due to a growing number of expatriates and foreigners relocating to the country, the government’s decisions toward prioritising land use will come under greater scrutiny.

The dilemma remains: to fulfil short term practical needs or to cultivate a long term sense of belonging for a country with little historic sentiment?

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