Celtic Friars Pipe Band in Scotland 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

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your tour manager and depart by coach to Glasgow. Once in town, meet your local Glasgow guide and immerse yourself in a different side of Glasgow on a unique street art and modern culture tour. Experience the real Glasgow while meandering down alleys and under bridges to uncover some of the city’s most beautiful pieces of art that take over the walls by storm. Hear the stories and inspiration behind each piece whilst learning about how the art scene in Glasgow has developed dramatically over the last decade and about modern life in the city today. After a nice lunch in a local Glasgow restaurant, check in to your hotel and prepare for your first practice. After your practice, enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant in Glasgow. (L,D)

Day 3, Saturday August 9: Glasgow

The day begins with practice. The practice wraps up, followed by lunch at the hotel.Then depart for the Kelpies for a private guided tour. After the tour, there will be an impromptu performance at the Kelpies before we head back to Glasgow. We’ll attend the Saturday Vigil at St. Andrews Cathedral Glasgow at 5:15 PM and dinner at a local restaurant. Finally, the day concludes with a short practice on practice chanters and pads in a private meeting room at the hotel at 8:30 PM.

Day 4, Sunday August 10: Glasgow

This morning, after breakfast, you will depart for Perth to compete in the European Pipe Band Championships, or another local competition taking place throughout Scotland at this time of year. Enjoy lunch at the competition as you immerse yourself in this exciting musical experience, and participate in the massed bands and an awards ceremony. Tonight, you’ll have a later dinner to celebrate your achievements. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Monday August 11: Glasgow

Today. you will gather to review yesterday's competition performance and practice. Following this, you will depart for the stunning city of Edinburgh! Enjoy lunch before touring the city with a local guide, which will include Princes Street, Charlotte Square, the Royal Mile, and an entrance to Edinburgh Castle, perched high in the Old Town. Afterward, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore. In the evening, we’ll have dinner together, followed by the spectacular performance of the Royal Military Tattoo! (B,L,D)

Day 6, Tuesday August 12: Glasgow

An early morning practice will precede your afternoon in Stirling. Today, you will embark on a guided tour of Stirling Castle, a magnificent stone fortress perched atop a large crag. As one of Scotland's most significant and historic castles, it offers a unique opportunity for exploration, and you will perform here, pending approval. Enjoy some time to shop and explore the castle grounds.In the afternoon, indulge in a delightful early dinner, featuring a traditional Afternoon Tea with a selection of sandwiches and desserts. Then, make your way to the National Piping Centre for Piping Live! Explore the shops and museum, immersing yourself in the rich culture of piping as you enjoy a variety of live performances. Later, attend a captivating concert by the International Piping Quartet at the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall. Late-night snacks will be provided to keep your energy up for this vibrant evening! (B, L, D)

Day 7, Wednesday August 13: Glasgow

After breakfast,you will practice before departing for Glasgow to enjoy Piping Live! Today promises a full day of performances, including the Grade 1 bands in Kelvingrove Park. Dinner will be at a local restaurant, and 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

Rise early for practice before heading to Glasgow for the Piping Live Competition! Participate in the Piping Live performance on Buchanan Street and enjoy the performances at the National Piping Centre. Don’t miss the Piping Idol Grand Finale! After dinner, attend the recital competition of the prestigious Alistair Chisholm Memorial Recital Challenge at the Royal Concert Hall. Following this exciting day, you’ll return to the hotel to unwind. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Friday August 15: Glasgow

Today, you will enjoy breakfast before departing for Glasgow Green for the World Championships! You’ll have the opportunity to practice on the Green while listening to the G1 Band’s MSR performance and the Grade 1 Band medley performance. Dinner will be together in Glasgow. A short practice session will follow before you settle in for the evening. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Saturday August 16: Glasgow

Today is your day to compete and perform in the World Championships! You’ll warm up on Glasgow Green, with water and tents provided for your comfort. Lunch will be available at the competition. Later, you’ll 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)