Celtic Friars Pipe Band Shadow Tour 2025!

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday August 7: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Friday August 8: Glasgow

Arrival at Glasgow Airport. Meet your Tour Manager and departure by coach to Loch Lomond for a cruise from Tarbet to the Lodge at Loch Lomond. Enjoy the beautiful scenery whilst listening to the heartfelt tunes of a bagpipe, and savour a meal of typical Scottish food at the romantic Lodge at Loch Lomond. A short trip will take you to Glasgow for check-in at the Maldron Hotel Glasgow City. After watching the young piper’s rehearsal, enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant in Glasgow (separate from piper’s group). (L,D)

Day 3, Saturday August 9: Glasgow

This morning, you may be able to observe the rehearsal of the piper’s group or have your morning to yourself. Following this, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Glasgow. Depart for the Kelpies this afternoon, arriving in time to watch the piper’s performance. After the performance, a guided tour of the Kelpies will take place. The group will depart for Glasgow to attend Saturday Vigil Mass scheduled at St. Andrews Cathedral. Dinner will be at a local restaurant in Glasgow to conclude the day.

Day 4, Sunday August 10: Glasgow

After breakfast this morning, depart for Perth to listen to the piper’s group compete at the European Pipe Band Championships or an alternate local competition. Have lunch and then enjoy the massed bands and awards ceremony—dinner at a local restaurant in Perth.

Day 5, Monday August 11: Glasgow

This morning, you have on your own. Depart for Falkirk to enjoy a lunch of Scottish tapas at Christie’s Restaurant. Following lunch, embark on an Outlander and Jacobite-themed tour, visiting iconic filming locations, including Hopetoun House (home of the Duke of Sandringham), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Abercorn (Frank’s gravesite), Blackness Castle (exterior visit at Fort William), and Linlithgow Palace (exterior visit at Wentworth Prison). Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant in Glasgow at 7:30 PM. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Tuesday August 12: Glasgow

You can observe the pipers' practice this morning or have time to explore Glasgow. Enjoy lunch at the hotel at noon before departing for Stirling. Arrive at Stirling Castle for a visit, followed by a performance by the pipers at 3:00 PM. After the performance, explore the Castle Gift Shop and enjoy a walking tour of Stirling, including a visit to the ancient Stirling Distillery, where you'll learn about the production of the Water of Life and sample a wee dram or two of their excellent whisky. Finally, savor a delicious dinner with stunning views of Stirling Castle at the River House Restaurant before returning to your hotel in Glasgow.

Day 7, Wednesday August 13: Glasgow

Enjoy the day in Glasgow today, including a city sightseeing tour with a local guide. You will see the Clyde River front, the Glasgow cathedral and many other sites, including a visit to the Burrell Collection. Have lunch together and then enter the Piping Live festivites! Dinner wil be at a local restaurant. Afterward, you’ll attend the Pipe Band concert presented by the Glasgow Skye Association at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall! (B,L,D)

Day 8, Thursday August 14: Glasgow

This morning, have time to shop and explore the center of Glasgow. Lunch will be together in a local restaurant in Glasgow. After lunch, students & Alumni rejoin for a street performance. Watch piping Live Performance on Buchanan Street. This afternoon, enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea (High Tea) at the Windows Restaurant at The George and an evening at leisure.

Day 9, Friday August 15: Glasgow

This morning, depart for Glasgow Green. Arrive to watch the G1 Band MSR performances, followed by the pipers’ group practice at 11:00 AM. At noon, depart for Edinburgh, where you’ll enjoy lunch and explore the Old and New Towns, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, with your local guide. After dinner, conclude the day by enjoying the spectacular Military Tattoo. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Saturday August 16: Glasgow

Today is your childs day to compete and perform in the World Championships! They will warm up on Glasgow Green, with water and tents provided for your comfort. Lunch will be available at the competition. Later, Friars Piping Band will participate in the Massed Bands and the Awards Ceremony. Finally, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your tour and your participation of Piping Live and the World Championship competition!

Day 11, Sunday August 17: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)