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 at the hotel in Glasgow. (L,D)

Day 3, Saturday August 9: Glasgow

The day begins with practice outdoors, followed by lunch at the hotel. Then depart for the Kelpies for a private guided tour and an impromptu performance! Then head back to Glasgow where you will attend the Saturday Vigil at St. Andrews Cathedral Glasgow at 5:15 PM. Enjoy 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. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Sunday August 10: Glasgow

This morning, after breakfast, you will depart for Perth to articipate/compete at the European Pipe Band championships. Enjoy lunch on your own 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 dinner together at the hotel to celebrate your achievements. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday August 11: Glasgow

This morning, gather together to practice in a private room at the hotel. Then depart for the enchanting city of Edinburgh! Enjoy lunch together 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

This morning, enjoy a practice session, followed by a group lunch at the hotel. This afternoon, 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. You'll have the opportunity to perform here, pending final approval. Enjoy some time to shop and explore the castle grounds. This afternoon, enjoy an early dinner in true English fashion, known as Afternoon Tea. You'll sample a delightful selection of sandwiches and desserts during this traditional English meal. Then attend the International piping quartet performance (part of piping live), at Royal Glasgow Concert Hall. Return to your hotel this evening where snacks will be provided. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Wednesday August 13: Glasgow

After breakfast,you will practice before departing for Glasgow to enjoy Piping Live! Upon arrival in Glasgow, have dinner together at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, watch the Grade 1 bands practice in Kelvingrove Park this afternoon. Enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant in Glasgow. Tonight, attend Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Pipe Band Concert! (B,L,D)

Day 8, Thursday August 14: Glasgow

Rise early for practice before heading to Glasgow for the Piping Live Competition! Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Glasgow. Then this afternoon, 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. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Friday August 15: Glasgow

This morning, depart for Glasgow Green for the World Championships! Enjoy lunch today on your own. 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,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. Enjoy lunch today on your own. 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! (B,D)

Day 11, Sunday August 17: Departure

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